CHAINS

Epilogue

Molly stepped back into the mansion, her heart still racing from the encounter with the twins. The grand foyer was dimly lit, the silence almost deafening. She adjusted Asher in her arms, his soft breaths steady against her chest, and took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang aasahan. Nagising ba si Ashton? Naghihintay ba siya sa pagbabalik niya? Galit ba siya? Suspicious? Andaming scenario ang tumatakbo sa isip niya, bawat isa ay mas nakakakot kesa sa huli.

But as she turned the corner into the sitting room, she froze. Naroon si Ashton, nakatalikod sa kanya habang nakatayo sa gilid ng bintana.

He was still, his hands in his pockets, his silhouette framed by the moonlight streaming through the glass. For a moment, Molly’s heart stopped. Alam niya ba? Nakita niya ba kami ng kambal? Her grip on Asher tightened instinctively, her mind scrambling for an explanation.

But then Ashton turned, and the look on his face took her breath away. He wasn’t angry. He wasn’t suspicious. He was calm. Calmer than she had ever seen him. His eyes met hers, and for the first time, there was no storm behind them, no flicker of rage or possessiveness. Just... relief.

“Molly,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He didn’t move toward her, didn’t demand an explanation. He just stood there, his gaze steady, his expression unreadable.

Molly’s chest tightened, and she felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She didn’t know what to say, how to explain herself. But before she could speak, Ashton crossed the room in a few long strides and pulled her into his arms.

He didn’t say a word. He just held her, his embrace firm but gentle, his chin resting on the top of her head. Molly stood there, stunned, her arms still wrapped around Asher. She could feel Ashton’s heartbeat against her chest, steady and strong, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt... safe.

“I’m sorry,” Ashton murmured after a long moment, his voice low and rough. “For everything.”

Malayang kumawala ang mga luhang kanina pang nagbabadya sa mga mata ni Molly. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang gagawin at sasabihin. But Ashton didn’t seem to expect an answer. He just held her, his grip tightening slightly as if he was afraid she might disappear.

Asher stirred in her arms, his little face scrunching up as he let out a soft whimper. Ashton pulled back slightly, his gaze falling on their son. For a moment, his expression softened, and he reached out, brushing a gentle hand over Asher’s cheek.

“He’s everything to me,” Ashton said quietly, his voice filled with emotion. “And so are you. I don’t want to lose either of you.”

Molly’s chest ached, and she nodded, her tears still streaming down her face. She didn’t know if she could trust him, if she could believe that he had really changed. But in that moment, she wanted to. She wanted to believe that they could find a way to heal, to build a life together that wasn’t filled with fear and control.

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♥️♥️♥️

The wedding was a symphony of white roses and whispered promises, but the true miracle bloomed nine months later in a sun-drenched hospital room.

Pagod pero kumikislap ang mukha ni Molly habang yakap ang isang umiiyak na sanggol na nakabalot sa malambot na pink blanket. Ashton, his usual composure shattered, knelt beside the bed, eyes filled with love and adoration.

Elena Hope. Ipinangalan sa bagong umaga pagkatapos ng pinakamadilim nilang gabi. Nandoon pa rin ang kirot ng pagkawala ng una nilang anak na babae, pero ang maliit at perpektong buhay na ito sa mga bisig nila ay parang kapatawaran na isinulat sa laman at hininga.