47. Chapter 47

Chapter 47

-Jared-

"And that concludes it," Astrid declared, her voice firm as she tapped the papers together that we had both signed, transferring all power over to her.

She flashed a smile at me, a nod of approval accompanying it, before rising from her seat, her baby bump proudly on display. From the moment she began showing, she refused to hide it beneath baggy clothing, wanting the world to know. While the past month of recovery in this house hadn't exactly been enjoyable, I was grateful. Waking with minimal damage and experiencing a swift recovery, despite lingering pain, was a blessing. And in some strange way, I found myself thankful to Astrid for it all. She had made the right decision by bringing me here.

As Astrid rounded the table, extending her hand to finalize our business, I pushed up from my chair, reaching for hers and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I can't say it was fun, but it has been interesting," she remarked, prompting a small smile to grace my lips.

"Yeah, it has been… interesting."

"Are you sure you don't want to stay?" she offered, her tone softening. "The role as a father can still be yours."

"Thank you, but no. I don't think I would be a good one," I admitted, my hand instinctively moving to the spot just below where the bullet had pierced me.

"He learned it," Astrid pointed out, acknowledging my focus on the wound.

"Yeah, he did. But he didn't raise me from when I was a baby. I believe there's a difference."

"So I can expect you back in 18 years?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes that elicited a chuckle from me.

"Don't count on it," I replied with a grin.

"Are you going back to her?" Astrid inquired, her curiosity evident as she revisited a question she had asked multiple times before, yet I had consistently refused to answer.

"I…"

"I mean, you could let her go. From what I have gathered, she returned to her company, salvaged it from complete destruction, and even took over her father's legal business, the one not dealing with trafficked women. She should be back in her boss title," Astrid taunted gently, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "But of course, you can't step into her world, and making her disappear again will be challenging with all the spotlight on her."

"Yeah," I murmured softly.

Astrid headed toward the door, but paused as she reached it, turning to face me. I followed her, stopping behind her.

"So, what are your plans?" she pressed, determination evident in her tone.

"I do have plans. Many, in fact. But I've had them for a long time," I explained, gently grasping her arm and drawing her closer. "I shared them with Noah before I took his life. He called me sick."

"What do you mean?" she asked, her confusion apparent.

"I realized that even after dealing with the wolves and Vince, it wouldn't be enough," I confessed.

"What?"

"Until I am truly free from all constraints, I can't be with her. Alison deserves to have me completely, just as I have her. No strings attached," I declared.

"I'm not sure I understand. So, are you going back to her?" Astrid inquired, her arms now crossed.

"If she will have me," I replied.

Astrid sighed, wearing a look of disappointment reminiscent of Vince's.

"I can't say I agree. But what's missing?" she probed, her curiosity piqued.

"You," I said with a smile.

She looked bewildered before I seized her, holding her against the wall with my hands around her throat. She attempted to scream, but I silenced her, squeezing tightly as she struggled. Despite her efforts, I pushed her down to the floor, maintaining my grip as her face reddened and her cries grew hoarse.

"I always wanted you gone, you and the child," I snarled. "With you out of the picture, I'm finally free!"

She tried to speak again, but I ignored her pleas. I continued to exert pressure until her struggles ceased, her body growing limp. Even then, I held on until her face turned blue, and her pulse faded.

Finally releasing her, I leaned back, breathing heavily. A sense of liberation washed over me as I checked her pulse, finding nothing. I made my way to her desk, tearing up the papers I had signed, signaling the beginning of a new era.