"I forgive you."

His head shot up, eyes wide. "What?"

You couldn't believe you said it yourself. But you needed to. For him and for you. "We've been at this for so fucking long, Jake. I'm tired of it. When I was stuck in there, all I could think about was wanting to be home with Aubrey. I don't want to fight anymore. I just want to live my life with the woman I love. I don't want to hold onto the anger and hatred and bitterness. So, I won't."

Jake was speechless, another new moment from him. Followed by what was quite possibly the most shocking one of all: tears. He started crying. Then bawling, wailing. You felt it. You matched it. The two of you broke down. The wall between you was officially gone.

The weeks that followed were a blur. Testifying against Jayden, listening to her rant in court about how much she loved you and wanted what was best for you. It took you some time to feel comfortable with sex again. Aubrey was patient with you and you loved her all the more for it.

You and Jake weren't exactly fine. You still need to figure out how to deal with the trauma that was tied to your history. But you were better. Both of you. Still, the court order remained and you were to host him for his 'rehabilitation,' but things around the house were lighter.

Family and friends came and went, wanting to check in on you. Your mom stayed the longest. Even your stepsister came back from abroad to make sure you were doing okay. What shocked you the most, though, was Emma. Whenever she came over to see you, Jake seemed to be scarce. At first, you thought it was because of her disdain for him. But, after much cajoling, he told you that it was because she was his first love. He'd actually planned on asking her out before everything with Jayden happened to him. But any reconnecting there would take a lot of work.

Regardless, you managed to get back to a sense of normalcy. Well, as normal as your crazy life could be. Things were steadily looking up for you and Aubrey.

Even for Jake.

It was a long, painful road, but for now, at least, you could rest. You and Aubrey deserved a vacation. You ended up taking a month off, the two of you heading to Italy to enjoy some quality time together. Jake watched the house and the two of you had a blast. After everything that happened, you really needed it.