The next day, I returned to Radiant City, hoping to see him onest time. To my surprise, I was turned away at the entrance.


    A small note was handed to me by a police officer. On it were Nichs'' strong, determined words.


    "Wait for me to atone for my sins. Wait for me toe to you."


    Staring at the note, I felt an unexpected calm wash over me. I stopped rushing around, no longer iling helplessly to pull strings. Instead, I simply visited the detention center every day, waiting to see if he had sent another note. "The weather''s getting colder-dress warmly, and stoping here so often."


    "It''s New Year''s Day today. I''m eating well."


    "Unfortunately, I won''t be able to spend the festivities with you and the kids this year."


    "On New Year''s Eve, at least I can watch TV here."


    In truth, with his resources, he could easily avoid being detained, but he chose otherwise, insisting on epting the full legal consequences. I knew he was doing it for me.


    Three monthster, Neal brought me thetest updates.


    Frances'' original sentence remained unchanged. udia was convicted of homicide, and further investigation revealed her involvement in Nelson''s illicit dealings.


    As a close aplice, she was sentenced to death, with her execution scheduled for the same day as Nelson''s.


    Nichs confessed to falsifying evidence, which constituted obstruction of justice. Because he voluntarily surrendered, pleaded guilty, and epted punishment, his sentence was reduced. He received seven months in prison. That day, for the first time, his note carried two lines.


    "I''m a little scared. Maybe you shouldn''t wait for me."


    When I saw that note, it felt like my heart had been wrenched apart. The walls I had built around myself came crashing down.


    If he truly loved me as deeply as he imed, how much pain must he have endured to tell me not to wait for him?


    For the first time in months, I wrote him back. "I''ll wait for you. Always."


    It was only seven months. With good behavior, it could even be shorter.


    "Nichs, don''t be afraid. I''m here with you."


    I held his note close to my heart and listened to the voice deep within my soul cry out, urging me to love once more. At thirty years old-not foote decided to give in to one more reckless impulse.


    ...


    Five monthster, myw book was published and received positive feedback within the academic world.


    Law professors invited me to coborate, requesting to use cases from my book for ssroom analysis, research papers, and mock trial training.


    I dly agreed and promised to assist in creating teaching materials for them.


    I was invited to host a book signing event at the Radiant Law College The students were enthusiastic, with attendees not only from the college but also from other universities.


    A long line formed at the table where I was signing books. Lowering my head, I signed books and offered words of encouragement to the students.


    Suddenly, a distinct, slender hand handed me my book. I instinctively looked up, and a pair of dark, familiar eyes locked onto mine.


    My nose tingled, and my vision blurred with tears. The outline of Nichs'' face swayed in my gaze. I wanted to speak, but my lips quivered. "It''s been a while..."


    He smiled faintly but said nothing. Instead, he dropped to one knee. The crowd instantly fell silent, but soon, cheers andughter filled the room.


    It took a while for themotion to subside. When it finally did, Nichs spoke softly.


    "Ms. Jones, could you sign this book for me?"


    With trembling hands, I opened the book he handed me. Inside was a marriage agreement. The agreement explicitly listed all of Nichs'' real estate and Hawk Corporation''s shares, with my name written next to them.


    Looking into his eyes, I softly replied, "Yes."


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