Chapter 10 - RETURNING TO THE CHILDREN
Late that afternoon, Mark drove back to his sister's suburban home where Lily and the baby were staying.
He parked in the driveway, stepping out into the warm sunlight with a lighter heart than he had felt in months.
His sister Sarah opened the front door before he even reached the porch steps, pulling him into a tight hug.
"I heard the news on the radio, Mark... is it really over?" Sarah asked with hopeful tears in her eyes.
"It's over, Sarah... both of them are in federal custody with zero chance of bail," Mark assured her gently.
Lily ran down the hallway in her yellow t-shirt, leaping into her father's arms with a joyful squeal.
"Can we go back to our house now, Daddy? I missed my room and my toys," Lily asked softly against his shoulder.
Mark kissed her forehead, smiling warmly as he bounced the laughing baby in his other arm.
"We're going home right now, sweetheart... and everything is going to be completely different," Mark promised.
May you like
The drive back to the grand mansion felt peaceful, the looming dark cloud having finally lifted from their family.
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