Chapter 227 This Ends Today Savannah “Hi, Mom.” The word mom still felt fragile in my mouth. Like glass. Like something that could shatter if I said it too loudly. I guess that's what years of trauma does to a person. She pulled me into a hug immediately, arms thin and trembling around my shoulders. I had to fight the instinct to brace her, afraid that if I leaned too hard, she might break in my arms. She was smaller than the last time I’d seen her. Frailer. I could literally feel her bones beneath the fabric of her sweater, her body light in a way that made something twist painfully in my chest. She pulled back just enough to look at me properly. “You look beautiful, sweetie.” Her hands cupped my face, thumbs brushing my cheeks. Her eyes filled instantly. “You’re practically glowing.” I smiled, though my throat burned. I glanced around the driveway instinctively—just to be sure. Just us. Me, Mom, and Roman standing a step behind me, solid and steady like an anchor. The house loomed quietly behind her. Alyssa was probably inside with her father and uncle Jace. Emily too. No one else within earshot. Good. I took Mom’s hands in mine and leaned closer, lowering my voice even though there was no one to hear us. “I’m pregnant, Mom,” I whispered. “Roman and I are having a baby.” For a second, she didn’t breathe. Then she gasped so sharply it sounded like the air had been punched out of her lungs. Her free hand flew to her mouth as tears spilled instantly down her cheeks. She looked at Roman, eyes wide and shaking. “Is… is that true?” she asked, voice barely there. Roman stepped closer, his arm wrapping around my waist, his palm resting protectively over my stomach like it belonged there. Like it always had. “Yes, ma’am,” he said softly, pride unmistakable in his voice. Mom let out a broken sob. “Oh, my beautiful girl,” she cried, clutching my hands tighter. “Oh, Savannah. I’m so happy for you. So happy.”I broke then. Tears slipped free before I could stop them. “Thank you, Mom,” I whispered, laughing through my tears. “I still can’t believe it myself. I’m going to be a mother.” The word felt unreal. Mother. Like I was borrowing it from the future. Suddenly, her expression crumpled. Her joy collapsed inward, replaced by something raw and aching. She sobbed again, harder this time, her shoulders shaking as she slapped her palm back over her mouth. “I’m sorry,” she cried. “I’m so sorry, Savannah. I regret it. I regret everything. I never should have let you go through that. I never should have—” “Mom,” I said quickly, squeezing her hands. “That’s enough.” She shook her head frantically, tears pouring. “I failed you. I failed you so badly. Why did I ever allow you to go through that? Why did I—” “Mom.” My voice firmed. “Stop.” She froze. “That’s in the past,” I said quietly. “I forgave you. A long time ago.”Her lips trembled. “I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself.” “That’s your burden,” I said gently. “Not mine.” She broke down completely then, pulling me into her arms, crying into my shoulder. I held her, my own tears soaking into her sweater. “I just want to live long enough,” she sobbed. “Just long enough to see you be a mother. To hold my grandbaby. Even if it’s just once.” My chest tightened painfully. “Don’t say that,” I whispered fiercely, pulling back to look at her. “You’ll be here. You’ll be here when I give birth. You’ll hold my baby. You’re not going anywhere yet.” She smiled through her tears, nodding even though something haunted her eyes. Before she could respond, a loud voice shattered the moment. “Uncle Roman!” We all turned just in time to see Emily barreling out of the house, tiny legs moving at full speed. Her hair bounced wildly as she launched herself at Roman. Roman laughed, scooping her up effortlessly and spinning her in the air. “There’s my favorite little girl.” Emily squealed with delight, her giggles bright and infectious. “If you keep doing that,” Alyssa called, stepping out onto the porch behind her, “she’s going to throw up her breakfast.” Roman chuckled, setting Emily down carefully before pulling Alyssa into a hug. She kissed his cheek. “Congratulations on the baby,” she whispered. “I can’t wait to meet her.” Roman pulled back, smirking. “Her?” “Of course it's a girl.” Alyssa arched a brow. “What? You think it's going to be a boy?” He laughed. “I think it’s going to be a beautiful, healthy baby.” I snorted. Alyssa slapped his arm lightly. “Very clever,” she said dryly. I stepped between them, pulling Alyssa into a hug. “I just told Mom.” Her eyes widened. “Already? I thought you didn't want her to know yet?”“It’s fine,” I said. “I actually feel lighter.” “Are you crying?” Uncle Jace’s voice cut in. I stiffened. Mom wiped her eyes quickly. “No. Something got in my eye.” I turned slowly. I hadn’t seen Jace since the truth came out. Since I learned that the man I’d called uncle my entire life was my biological father. The man whose blood ran through my veins. Standing here now, he felt like a stranger. I felt like I was looking at someone I didn't know. He smiled when he saw me, his face lighting up like nothing had changed. Like my world hadn’t cracked open because of him. “Sav,” he said warmly, stepping forward with open arms. “How are you?” My body moved before my mind could stop it. I stepped back—straight into Roman’s chest. “I’m fine,” I said coolly. “Uncle Jace.” The emphasis was deliberate. Uncle. His smile faltered. Just for a second. Then he forced it back into place. “That’s… fantastic,” he said, clearing his throat. His gaze flicked to Roman. “Good to have you back in New Hope, Roman.” Roman shook his hand firmly. “Good to be back, sir.” We all heard the sound of a vehicle driving in. And instantly something shifted. The air changed. Tightened. Mom frowned, glancing down the driveway. “There’s a… bus pulling in. Who’s that?” Everyone watched. Roman exhaled sharply. “About fucking time.” Alyssa looked between us, confused. “Did you bring people?” “I did,” Roman said. The bus doors opened. And the men stepped down first. Controlled. Efficient. Then they pulled someone else out first. My heart started pounding. Alyssa squinted. “Wait… is that—” She screamed. “Oh my God. Is that Chloe?!” Silence crashed down like a bomb.“Yes,” I said quietly. “We thought it was time to bring her home. Alongside another surprise.” Chloe stepped forward, wrists bound, her posture still infuriatingly composed. Thinner than I remembered. Harder. Her eyes lifted slowly until they locked onto mine. Her gaze lifted slowly until it found mine. And she smiled. Alyssa staggered back, her face draining of color. “No,” she whispered. Chloe tilted her head, that familiar cruel curve to her lips. “Miss me?” Emily clutched Alyssa’s leg, confused and frightened. Then they pulled Paula out from the bus next. And uncle Jace gasped. Roman stepped forward, his presence commanding. “This ends today,” he said coldly. And for the first time since Chloe disappeared, I realized this wasn’t just about bringing her back. It was about finally burning the lie to the ground.