---- Chapter 19 Ben's parents were visiting for Thanksgiving. They were warm, kind people who welcomed Olivia into their family celebrations without hesitation. "You're good for our Ben," his mother, Carol, said to Olivia, squeezing her hand. "He hasn't been this happy in years." Olivia felt a warmth spread through her. She helped Carol in the kitchen, preparing the Thanksgiving feast. Ben and his father, Tom, were watching football, their shouts of excitement drifting in from the living room. It was a scene of domestic bliss, so normal, so ordinary. And so precious to Olivia. She remembered Thanksgivings with Ethan. Always a performance. Always about impressing his family, his friends. This was different. This was real. Later, after dinner, as they were all sitting around the fire, sharing stories, Ben put his arm around Olivia "I'm thankful for you," he whispered in her ear. Olivia leaned her head on his shoulder. "I'm thankful for you too. She felt a profound sense of peace, of belonging. This was her family now. This was her home. Maya called a few days later. ---- "So, guess what? Chloe Vance won." "City council?" Olivia asked, surprised. "Yep. By a landslide. Looks like she's got a future in politics." Olivia smiled. "Good for her." It was strange, how their lives, once so chaotically entangled, had diverged, yet still occasionally brushed against each other in the news. But it didn't affect Olivia anymore. Chloe's triumphs or failures were her own. Olivia had her own life, her own successes, her own happiness. She was no longer defined by Ethan, or by Chloe, or by the past. She was Olivia Carter. Designer. Business owner. Gardener. Friend. Partner. She was whole. +