And ironically, I could thank Derek for one thing—if he hadn’t betrayed me, I might still be hiding my light just to fit inside someone else’s shadow.

Now I walk the shoreline at sunrise, sand cool beneath my feet, wind clean against my face. The resort thrives. My team is loyal. My name is respected.

And my heart?

Finally at peace.

Because sometimes, losing the wrong man is exactly what makes room to gain the whole world.