Hazbin and Helluva Shorts III

Freedom Part 3: A New Wife

The courthouse door opened earlier than usual. The jurors were already deliberating. And it was just as heated as the day before. But they finally concluded in the late afternoon Stolas won. He won custody of Octavia, the mansion (even though it was already his), the right to kick Stella out, the right to demand compensation for slander, and the right to demand child support. He didn't care about money. That was one good thing about being rich. He just wanted Stella out. So, he quickly signed all the paperwork and gave her until the end of the following month to find a new place and move out. In addition, she wasn't allowed to contact him and his daughter again.

A few years passed. Stolas had been dating a Goetia woman he had noticed the trial for a few months. Her name was Erin, and she was everything Stella wasn't. Not that he was comparing all the women in his life. But she was a real woman. Today, Stolas sat with his daughter Octavia. He wanted to ask Erin to marry him and move in soon after. But he wanted to ensure his precious daughter was alright with it first. To his relief, Octavia was all for it. Stolas immediately made plans to buy a ring and set up a date for later that week.

It was the longest week ever. The anticipation was killing Stolas. But he was ready to start over. He had played the pawn for so long despite being a king. Now it was time to take charge like a king should. The years of merely surviving were long over. It was time to live. Octavia was in charge of his wardrobe. Once satisfied, she pushed him out the door and wished him luck. Just in case, she'd be sleeping over at her friend's place. Stolas smiled and drove off the get his date. Erin was waiting on her porch and smiled when she heard the roar of his engines. Stolas had always had excellent taste. And his new ride did not disappoint. He hurried up the pathway and held her hand. A real smile felt so good.

Tonight's dinner was at an Italian restaurant. Stolas had already made the reservation, and the two were quickly escorted to their table. A bottle of the finest wine was opened while they waited for their cuisine. After eating and ordering dessert, Stolas escorted Erin outside. They sat under the stars as he pointed out many constellations and the stories behind them. It was beautiful. As the date drew to a close, it was time. Stolas knelt and took the ring out of his pocket. The red glow of his eyes made it shine brighter in the dark. Erin gasped in delight. She had been hoping for this. But she hadn't thought it would happen so soon. After all, they had only been dating for a few months. Stolas smiled and gently slid the ring on her glove talon.

Being a gentleman, Stolas offered Eris his place for the night. With a blush, she accepted, and they were off. Back home, he showed her his library. It was full of texts on astrology, tomes on astronomy, and books on myths and legends. This room was the pride and joy of his home. It was his treasure. He had spent years on this collection. Eris wandered around in awe while Stolas poured them drinks. The two sat by the fireplace. Once settled in, he asked her to come to live with him. Of course, that also meant living with Octavia. She smiled again and accepted. But not right away. She had to "take care" of some personal matters and loose ends. Stolas didn't mind. With them on the same page, it was time to celebrate. And maybe, just maybe, look forward to being more than just husband and wife.