All Chapters of THE WIFE WHO STOLE HIS HEART: Chapter 81 - Chapter 90

I was sitting under the buzzing lights of the Seattle Legal Aid clinic, going over the Rodriguez family's custody case. Maria Rodriguez, a 34-year-old mom, was in a tough battle for her kids against her ex, who was using her immigration status against her. It hit me hard because I'd done the same thing to my family."Mr. Thomas," Maria said quietly, her English clear but careful, "do you think I can really win? Keep my babies safe?"Looking at her, I saw all the families I'd hurt in the past—helpless, desperate, ready to do anything for their loved ones. Before, I would've seen her as an easy target. Now, I wanted to make things right."Mrs. Rodriguez, I've seen how the legal system can be used to hurt families for years. But I've also learned it can protect them if you fight hard." I showed her the papers we'd gathered. "Your ex thinks you're too scared to fight back. He's wrong."I didn't change overnight. Being in jail for three months, then stuck at home for two years doing commun

My sixth birthday is in three days, and I've got a super important job to do. Okay, maybe not as important as when I helped save everyone from those scary messes, but still! This is about making sure Uncle Thomas gets that families stick together because they love each other, even when things get tough.Emma, whatcha doing, sweetie? Mom asks. She found me at the kitchen table covered in crayons and paper. I've been drawing birthday cards since breakfast, and I keep sticking my tongue out when I'm really focused on the letters.Making birthday invites! I say, not looking up from the dolphin I'm drawing on Uncle Thomas's card. This one's special. It has extra dolphins, and it talks about giving people another shot.Mom sits next to me and reads what I wrote in my best six-year-old writing: *Dear Uncle Thomas, You're invited to my 6th Birthday Party! Please come, because families have fun together when people learn how to be good. Love, Emma Romano.*Emma, honey, we talked about this, ri

The day after Emma's birthday, my place was a mess of legal papers, like I was finally living for someone else. My hands were a bit shaky as I looked over the final papers to transfer money to Emma's college fund. I'd been putting this together for two years, keeping it a secret from everyone. for making Emma's birthday so great. Can you come over for coffee this morning? I need to chat.*I smiled, thinking about how happy Emma looked when she hugged me goodbye, clutching that photo album like it was gold. For the first time in ages, I gave someone a gift that came from the heart, not some angle I was playing. It felt like coming out of a dark tunnel after forty years.Thirty minutes later, I was in Elena's kitchen as she poured coffee from the same china our mom used for those big family talks. Some things just stay the same, which is nice.Thomas, Emma's been going on and on about your photo album. She's been showing it to everyone, telling the Romano story like she was there for i

The hallway at Fairhaven Hospital smelled strongly of cleaner and a weird, forced calmness. It was nothing like the vanilla candles and flowers I keep around my house. I was a bit shaky signing in, wondering if this visit was a mistake."Mrs. Romano-Sterling?" Dr. Sarah Martinez came up with this warm smile that seemed to relax everyone. "I'm really happy you came. Sophia's been hoping you would for months.""How is she, really?" I asked, as we headed to the locked area. "Her letters sound good, but is she really getting better or just acting like it?"Dr. Martinez stopped at the security door; she looked thoughtful. "Bella, can I call you Bella? Sophia's been in therapy, on medication, and in group sessions for a year and a half. She's not the same person who was after your family. But she's not 'fixed' either—this is something she'll have to always work on, given her mental health."I could see patients through the glass windows. Some were reading, others doing art. Regular folks de

The morning of my bachelor party hit with Seattle rain and a panic attack. I hadn't felt this way since Emma's kidnapping three years back. There I was, staring at myself in the bathroom mirror at six in the morning, hands shaking as I tried to shave. Was I about to screw up the best thing that ever happened to me? Again."Mikel, you're gonna cut yourself," Lucas said from the doorway, already in his security uniform despite the early hour. "What's eating you? You've been planning this wedding for ages.""That's the thing." I put down the razor before I hurt myself. "Lucas, what if I'm not ready? What if I haven't changed enough? What if I'm still that same scared guy that ran off five years ago?"Lucas came into the bathroom and leaned against the counter, giving me that Romano family stare that sees right through you."Mikel, you risked it all for Bella and Emma when Thomas tried to hurt them. You joined your company with hers based on trust, not some contract. You've spent two year