After I Became Novels & Stories

If I’d stayed… if I’d become his woman but never his wife, I would’ve ruined not just my life, but Amy’s too. Vespara’s eyes softened with empathy. “It still sucks though, doesn’t it?” I gave a short laugh. “It does,” I admitted. “But life isn’t just about Alpha. Life is so much bigger than that. It’s you, Nora, Auggie, Amy, and Elizabeth. It’s the work I do, the work I didn’t even know I was capable of. "These last four years… they have changed me. I’ve grown. I’m proud of who I’ve become. I never imagined I could be this person, but now I can’t imagine being anyone else.”

Three Years Later It’s hard to believe how much my life has changed. Looking in the mirror today, I hardly recognize the woman staring back at me—confident, poised, and strong. The Alicia who used to cry herself to sleep, broken by betrayal and heartbreak, is a distant memory. In her place stands someone who took that pain and used it to build something powerful.

Once I got back, I shut the windows and placed the divorce papers under a glass where Lily could easily see it when she dropped by. Then, when I passed by the artificial lake, I threw my keys into it. I had told Shaun not to lose his keys because if he did, no one was going to open the door for him. The twenty-four million was enough for me to live the rest of my life without worry, but the years of inactivity had made me think of a second dream aside from earning money. I bought a camera with the best specs possible and decided to become a wildlife photographer. Every day, I traveled everywhere and never stayed idle.

I could see the shock and discomfort in her expression. I smiled to myself, proud of the person I had become, feeling a sense of satisfaction. I had worked hard to transform my body and my life, and it showed. Monica, on the other hand, looked like she had been caught off guard. I didn’t need to say anything; my confidence and newfound beauty and actions spoke volumes. I walked out of the shop, feeling empowered and ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. I knew this was just the beginning, and I was excited to see what the future held.

But for the first time, I felt equipped to face whatever came next. As I prepared for bed, a sense of quiet determination settled over me. I had survived the lowest point. Now I was building something new on my own terms. The road ahead woul d test me further, but I was ready.

After completing the quest, I returned to my original world and woke up from my coma. My children, who had grown up, stood before my hospital bed. My wife, Clara Anderson, hugged me tightly. My parents-in-law were crying in joy. Just as I prepared to log off from the system for good and choose to stay in my original world, a man who looked extremely similar to me walked in. My children, Jared Anderson and Julia Anderson, ran over to him and called him “Dad” lovingly. Everyone looked at me a little awkwardly. That man, Ted Smith, smiled tauntingly at me. I paused the system. “Let me reconsider this. Maybe I’ll stay in the system instead.”

I clasp my hands to my chest. “From that moment on, I had the confidence to go for what I wanted. I changed course, changed all my ideas. I can honestly say, it all dates from that point. That was my big defining moment. That was when I became the person I am. And you’ll all have your defining moments. I know you will.”

He was on attack mode again. “Don’t even think about it. What did I just say?” They both looked at me somewhat shocked. I had become a bit of a boss bitch and I was loving it. I don’t know when it happened or how. Maybe knowing I had overcome a bad heartbreak, moved halfway across country, survived as a human in a world of vampires, witches and wolves, and then had become a pretty powerful witch myself had something to do with it. Whatever the case, I was loving my newfound confidence and outlook on life. I wasn’t going to be timid or walked over anymore. Before I only wanted to have things my way, but now I was demanding it.

A mischievous grin crept across my face. The next day, as per my plan, I hastened to get myself ready. My attire was simple than what I’ve worn the last time, a simple white tee and skinny jeans. I hadn't let my hair grow any longer after the tragic incident and it rested neatly at my neck. It gave me a newfound sense of self – bold, brave, and far removed from the innocence and vulnerability of the past. I was no longer naive or foolish. I had grown stronger and more independent.

I didn’t know that I can do that. I’m not the same person as I am before. Now I can face any man without a bit hesitation and a help from anyone. I can do anything all by myself now.