Beneath the Surface

Chapter 49: The Beginning of Forever

Chapter 49 - The Beginning of Forever

Valerie's Point of View

The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the heater and Jake's steady breathing beside me. His arm was draped over my waist, holding me close even in sleep, like he was afraid I might slip away. But I wasn't going anywhere.

I rested my head against his chest, listening to the slow rhythm of his heartbeat. It was a sound that had become my safe haven, grounding me in ways I hadn't realized I needed. And yet, sleep refused to come.

My mind was restless, replaying everything that had happened since I started at the University of California. It felt like a lifetime ago—walking onto campus for the first time, unsure of who I was or who I wanted to be. Back then, I was still carrying the weight of Aaron's control, his words etched into my mind like a brand. I hadn't even realized how heavy it was until it started to lift.

Aaron's in prison now. The thought still felt surreal. For the first time in years, I could breathe freely without looking over my shoulder or second-guessing every move I made. I wasn't completely healed—I wasn't sure anyone ever fully healed from something like that—but I felt free. And that freedom tasted sweeter than I'd ever imagined.

I glanced at Jake, his face soft in the dim light. He'd been a big part of that freedom, even if he didn't realize it. He'd been there when I needed him most, patient and steady, never pushing me to be anything other than myself. I thought about the first time I really let him in—when I told him about Aaron. How he'd held me as I cried, promising me I wasn't alone.

Jake changed everything. He made me feel safe again, made me believe that love didn't have to hurt.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I remembered the little things—how he always stole my popcorn at movie nights, or the way he looked at me like I was the most important thing in the world. He never said it out loud, but I could see it in his eyes every time he looked at me.

And then there were Mason and Viktoria. My brother had always been my protector, even when I didn't want him to be. He'd stood by me through the worst of it, stubborn and loyal to a fault. And Viktoria? She had this uncanny ability to make me laugh when I wanted to cry, reminding me that life didn't have to be so serious all the time.

I don't know how I would have survived without them.

For the first time in a long time, I felt like myself again. I hadn't figured out my passion or what career I wanted to pursue, but that didn't scare me as much as it used to. I had time to figure it out. For now, I was learning to be okay with just being me.

Jake shifted beside me, murmuring something under his breath before settling again. I reached up, brushing a strand of hair away from his face.

I wasn't sure what the future held, but I wasn't afraid anymore. I had people who loved me, people who believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. And maybe that was enough for now.

The sound of Jake's heartbeat lulled me into a calm I hadn't felt in years. I closed my eyes, letting myself sink into the moment.

For the first time, I wasn't looking back or worrying about what came next. I was here. And I was finally free.

The End. 

Don't worry guys. There will be bonus chapters <3

609 Words.