The morning sun felt different.
Not harsh. Not demanding.
Warm. Gentle. Free.
—
For the first time in years, I didn't plan.
I didn't calculate.
I simply breathed.
—
The empire thrived without my constant vigilance.
Trustworthy hands managed daily operations.
I didn't need to micromanage.
Control no longer felt like a cage—it felt like strength.
—
He stood beside me, quietly holding my hand.
No expectations. No pressure.
Just presence.
—
I laughed for the first time in months.
Not a shallow smile.
A deep, cleansing laugh that rattled my chest and emptied my soul.
—
I revisited places of my past betrayals.
The office where I was humiliated.
The boardroom where I was doubted.
The streets where whispers followed me.
All now felt smaller.
All now belonged to me.
—
I forgave myself.
Not them. Not yet.
My own mistakes. My own misjudgments.
I was allowed that peace.
—
Night fell.
The city lights mirrored my heartbeat—steady, alive, untouchable.
I had survived.
I had conquered.
I had lived.
—
And tomorrow, I would keep living.
For myself. For love. For power. For freedom.
—