Jack took her to the highest hill in town that day, where dandelion seeds drifted across the sky on the wind.

The fluffy seeds floated everywhere, twinkling like tiny stars all around them.

Jack dropped to one knee and pulled a delicate sterling silver promise ring from his pocket. His gaze was soft and earnest.

“I don’t have Vincent’s wealth, nor do I stage grand romantic gestures. All I have is a heart that will always love and protect you.”

“Will you marry me? I’ll travel every road with you, grow old beside you, and never let you feel wronged or hurt ever again for the rest of our lives.”

Tears slid down Claire’s cheeks as she stared at his loving face and the floating dandelions around them.

These were not tears of pain or grievance. They were tears of joy and freedom.

She nodded slowly, her voice thick with emotion.

“Yes.”

Jack lit up with pure joy. He slipped the ring gently onto her finger before pulling her tight into his arms, as if he held the most precious treasure in the whole world.

A soft wind swept over the hill, blowing away all the pain of the past and welcoming a brand new future filled with happiness.

Claire was lost in this perfect moment, ready to start her new life, when Vincent found her at last.

He’d searched frantically for months. He’d even threatened Sophie ruthlessly to get information, and now he’d tracked her down to this quiet rural township.

He pulled up and saw the scene before him. His eyes turned bloodshot, and a crushing pain squeezed his chest, stealing his breath away.

It was dusk, down by the stream.

Claire wore her off-white dress, a soft, happy smile on her lips as she leaned into Jack’s embrace.

Jack wrapped an arm gently around her waist and pressed a light kiss to her forehead. The adoration and warmth in his eyes were things Vincent had never given her, and never would.

“Claire!”

Vincent stormed over, consumed by rage, his eyes red with rage. He shoved Jack aside harshly and grabbed Claire’s wrist so tightly his fingers dug into her skin.

“Let go of me!”

Claire winced from the sharp pain. She frowned and struggled to pull free, her eyes cold, distant and full of hatred. “Vincent. What are you doing here?”

That cold, unfamiliar look cut into Vincent like a sharp blade.

“Why can’t I be here?” His voice was hoarse, filled with despair and bitterness. “Claire, come back with me. Please. I know I messed up. I truly do.”

“I’ve dealt with Natalie. She’s gotten everything she deserves. I sent Leo away too, and he’ll never bother us again.”

“I’ll give you all my money, everything I own. Just come home. Let’s start over. Please.”

He cast aside all his pride and dignity, begging desperately, his face haggard and consumed by regret.

“Start over?” Claire let out a bitter laugh, her expression resolute. “Do you honestly think that’s possible, Vincent?”

“You chose Natalie over our daughter and watched Lily die right in front of me. You erased every trace of our little girl from this world. You misunderstood me, hurt me, pushed me to the edge. You threatened my parents and made my life miserable.”

“Can a simple apology erase all that pain?”

“My heart died a long time ago. It broke the day Lily left us, the day you kept choosing everyone else over me.”

She held his gaze, her tone cold and unyielding.

“I’m never going back with you. Not now, not ever.”