CHAPTER 11: THE PROPOSAL
Two years after the trial, I met someone.
His name was Michael.
He was a lawyer, kind and patient, with a gentle smile and eyes that always seemed to be laughing.
We met at a coffee shop downtown.
He spilled coffee on my dress.
I laughed.
He apologized profusely.
I told him it was fine.
He asked me out.
I said yes.
It was simple. Easy. Comfortable.
He knew about my past. Everyone did. The story had been everywhere.
But he didn't treat me like a victim.
He treated me like a woman.
And that was all I'd ever wanted.
One night, we were sitting on a bench overlooking the city.
"Sarah," he said. "I've been thinking about something."
"What?"
"I know you've been through a lot. I know you're still healing. And I know you might not be ready..."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
My heart stopped.
"But I want to spend the rest of my life showing you what real love looks like."
He opened the box.
Inside was a diamond ring. Modest, beautiful, perfect.
"Will you marry me?"
I stared at the ring.
Then at him.
Then back at the ring.
And I laughed.
"Yes," I said. "Yes, I'll marry you."
He put the ring on my finger.
And we kissed under the stars.
I had been through hell.
But I had made it out.
And now I was starting a new life.
With someone who loved me.
Who respected me.
Who would never, ever hurt me.
May you like
The past was over.
The future was just beginning.
