Finale
“Noah, stop running! Careful!”
“You’ll never stop him.” Stefano emerged from behind me and tightly squeezed me into his arms. 
“Yeah, ‘cause he’s your son.”
“So, it’s my fault?”
“Probably your genes.”
“Want to try my genes?”
I pulled away and slapped his chest. “Stop! Gosh.”
It’s been a year, and so far things are going pretty well. I’m getting the help I need — to help me recover my emotional and mental state — and both Stefano and Noah are always there for me.
We also had Noah be consulted by a psychologist, especially after his mother died and how he reacted. The doctor said he was fine, and just mature for his age — but other than that, he’s fine and just a bright kid.
He still misses his mom everyday. So, Stefano and I make sure to always be present for him.
Stefano and I sat down on the picnic blanket we set up and watched the children run and play at the green field. It’s family day for the Harris siblings.
Savannah and Cameron are here with their children. Sylvester and Skyler are also here.
“Did Noah grow taller? He's taller than the last time I saw him,” Savannah said.
“You literally just saw him yesterday,” Stefano replied.
“Kids just really grow fast,” I said as I watched Noah help Aviana stand up after falling. “Next thing you’ll know, they’re already planning for marriage.”
“Nope.”
“Not gonna happen.”
“That’s way too far fetched.”
“Not my little girl. No man will ever be good for her.”
I just giggled on the way they all reacted.
“Never thought this would happen in our family.” We all turned to Sylvester. “I mean, sitting on the field and watching the next generation of our family play.”
“Yeah. We never did this as children, did we? We’re always stuck in that shitty old library,” Savannah replied.
“I could still smell the books in that room. It gives me goosebumps.”
I sometimes forget that, aside from Cameron, the rest of us grew up in a shitty household. Confined and controlled.
“I’ll trade everything in this fucking world just not to let these children experience the things we did as a child,” Syelvester said.
“Me too,” Savannah added. “I’ll trade everything just to let them be free.”
“We were all toughened up for this,” Skyler said. “We experienced all of those so our children won’t.”
Much later, the children stopped playing and we all ate what we packed.
Laughter just filled the air as we savor every minute of the time we’re all spending together.
I still believe that mom sent these people to me. I love the family I have now. I’ll do everything to protect this family.
Hours passed and we’re back home. Stefano and I purchased our own house months ago. Stefano wasn’t comfortable letting me and Noah stay at the household he hated. Also, the house we bought is near Savannah and Cameron’s house. The four Harris siblings started having this goal to have houses near each other.
Stefano gently laid Noah down to his bed, and I pulled the blanket over up to his chest. We both kissed his forehead before heading out of his room.
Suddenly, Stefano scooped me up and carried me. I had to cover my mouth as I almost squealed in shock — it might wake Noah up.
“What are you doing?!”
“Shh, he might hear us.”
“Put me down!”
He closed our bedroom door and gently laid me down to the bed.
“I haven’t washed yet!” I protested.
“Should we bathe together?”
“Stefano!”
“I’m serious. The kid’s asleep anyway.”
I’m trying so hard to keep a straight face, but I know I’m blushing hard.
“I love you, Emily. I will never get tired of saying thank you for staying.”
“I love you too, Stefano. I will also never get tired of saying that I’m glad I stayed.”
He kissed my forehead, then the tip nose, then my lips. We passionately kissed, savoring the time we’re together.
Then he pulled away, grabbed my hand, and wore a ring into it. My eyes widened, as it got teary while staring at the shining diamond in my ring finger. 
“Stefano —”
“Marry me, Emily. Be my wife. You’re the only woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. You’re my everything.” I couldn’t say anything and just pulled him for a kiss. “Is that a yes?” He asked after parting in between our kisses.
I pulled away, cupped his cheeks with my palms as I gently stroked them. I deeply looked into his eyes.
This man came into my life, saved me, ruined it, fixed it, and saved me for the hundredth time.
This man, who was selfish in the eyes of everyone, gave me everything that he has and could even if it's the last bit of him.
This man gave me the greatest escape I have always prayed and dreamed of.
“I’ll go wherever, as long as it's with you. You’re my greatest escape, Stefano. Damn, I love you so much.”
“I love you very much, Emily. I love you always and forever.”
And with that, our lips unite and our hearts intertwine.
I never thought that a damsel in distress like me could truly find a prince in shining armor like Stefano.
Our journey wasn’t smooth, and I know life will continue to test us as we head to another chapter. I don’t know how we’ll handle it, or how we’ll endure it. I don’t even know if we’ll be able to bypass everything.
One thing is for sure.
As long as our hearts are one, and we’re together, there’s nothing we can’t escape.
My escape was worth the wait and worth the pain. This… is what life truly means.
This is my life now, mom. I’m more than happy, I hope you are too.
I’ll take care of them, Veronica. For you and for me.
I forgive you dad. I’ll love them, and I’ll protect them… the way you never did.
This is me, now. This is my life... and it's everything to me.
I have escaped and found my greatest paradise.