Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 107: Healing the Heart

Chapter 107: Chapter 107: Healing the Heart

There was a lot of tension and unsaid feelings on the silent trip back from Paris. Lily gazed out the window at the sparkling city lights below as the private jet flew into the night sky. She had hardly allowed herself to feel the weight of what they had gone through because she had been so preoccupied on surviving and retaliating against Voss.

Sitting opposite from her, Ethan silently observed her. He saw the weariness in her eyes, the weight of decisions and struggles. He felt that words were not enough to soothe him, yet he wanted to say something. Instead, he took her hand in his and reached across the distance between them.

Her lips parted as though she wanted to say something, but she held back as she turned to face him. She grasped his hand at last. "Do you ever wonder if we’ll be normal again?"

Ethan laughed softly, although it was not a very funny laugh. "Typical? I doubt that we ever were.

With a sigh, Lily leaned back in her chair. "I just want to breathe without feeling like there’s another fight waiting around the corner."

He understood all too well and nodded. "Yes, we will. We can start afresh as soon as Voss is no longer a danger.

Her heart ached from the intensity of the feelings churning inside her as she examined him for a long time. "What if he doesn’t stop? If there’s always someone ready to replace him?"

Ethan’s mouth clenched. "Then we continue to battle. However, we battle together.

His words promised Lily more than just survival, and she felt their warmth enveloping her like a shield. Although she was aware that she wasn’t alone, she had no idea what the future contained.

**A Fresh Start**

A burden descended over them as soon as they set foot in New York again. Even though it was familiar ground, everything felt strange. Although the conflict had not ended, a change had occurred. They had taken action, hit first, and now Voss needed to respond.

Lily paused when they walked into Ethan’s apartment. Although the walls now bore the echoes of every argument and every tough choice, she had always felt secure here. Would I ever feel at home here again?

She hesitated, and Ethan seemed to sense it. "We can go, Lily. We are not required to remain here. We can travel anyplace.

She looked at him, looking into his eyes. "And where would we go?"

He said, "Somewhere quiet," in a gentler tone. "Where we are unknown. where there is no need for conflict."

Lily’s heart twisted as she let out a breath. Although it was an alluring offer, she knew in her heart that she couldn’t turn it down just yet. "I desire that. Above all. However, we are both aware that we cannot abandon unresolved matters.

Ethan gave a nod. Although he had anticipated that response, he secretly hoped she would take the simple route. "After that, we complete it. And we vanish after that.

A glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes as she gave a little grin. "Promise?"

He took a step forward and softly cupped her face. "I promise."

Fixing What Was Wrong

The days that followed were a haze of intelligence collection, security inspections, and strategy sessions. However, in the middle of the confusion, Lily and Ethan had unexpected moments of calm.

Lily laid her head on Ethan’s shoulder one evening while they sat in the soft warmth of the fireplace. "Do you remember the first time we met?"

He grinned. "How could I have forgotten? You said you were going to shatter my nose.

Her laugh filled the room with a sincere, playful tone. "You were worthy. You were conceited. They still are.

He kissed her hair while he laughed. "You were also unyielding. They still are.

She raised her head to glance at him. "Maybe we haven’t changed as much as we thought."

His face grew softer. Perhaps. However, certain things did shift. I never imagined finding someone who stoked my need for more than simply dominance and power. I wanted something real because of you.

His voice’s tenderness struck something deep inside Lily, making her heart expand. "And you made me realize I didn’t have to fight alone."

They silently agreed that they had each other despite everything as their lips locked in a slow, lingering kiss. And perhaps—just possibly—that was sufficient.

**Looking Back**

Reality returned sooner than they had intended, despite their best efforts to cling to the moments they had stolen. Olivia entered with a look that made Ethan uneasy right away.

Her words, "We have a problem,"

Ethan stood up. "What is it?"

"Voss is progressing more quickly than we expected. He is gradually reducing our leverage as he tightens security around his assets. We’ll miss our opportunity if we don’t take action quickly.

The weight of those remarks weighed heavily on Lily. "What do we do?"

Olivia looked from one to the other. "We go straight after him. No more moves in chess. Don’t wait any longer. We put a definitive end to this.

Ethan and Lily looked at each other. It was this. The last stretch. The moment for which they had fought.

She steadied herself by taking a big breath. "Then let’s finish it."

Ethan took her hand and nodded. "Together."

As they readied themselves for the impending conflict, Lily came to a deep realization. Finding strength in the middle of the storm was the key to healing, not waiting for the battle to be over.

She had also located hers.

In Ethan.

Within herself.

In the unbreakable love, no matter how many times it was put to the test.

**A Future Deserving of Battle**

Ethan drew Lily into his arms that evening while the city hummed outside. "No matter what happens tomorrow, just know this—I love you."

The uncommon confession made her heart tighten. "I love you too."

She had hope for the future for the first time in a long time.

Not any future, though.

A future with him.