I have no idea how I actually made it back to the house.

Along the way, a sudden clarity washed over me.

I finally understood the divide between love, mere habit, and the stubborn obsession born from pride.

I had made peace with myself.

I sat on the doorstep, clutching Seven to my chest, and rubbed my face against his soft head. "Want to go to the Southside with me, Seven?"

Seven nuzzled my chin and let out a soft meow.

It almost felt like he was really answering me.

My phone buzzed. Fletcher had sent over a few photos.

"Serenity, this guy is a hand-picked stunner."

"Rich, gorgeous—what do you think?"

I couldn't help but laugh; he was actually serious about setting me up.

I texted back: "He is handsome."

The door clicked open. Desmond was home.

I forced a bright smile. "Can we stop the cold war? Brother?"

I hadn't called him that since the day we married.

Desmond froze, his hand mid-motion as he reached for his coat.

After a long beat, he walked over and ruffled my hair. "Sure."

"Do you remember?" I looked up at him. "Last year, when you were abroad for my birthday, you said you owed me three wishes?"

He smiled down at me. "Whatever you want. Name them."

"The first wish," I said, hugging Seven tighter. "From today on, he belongs to me alone. Do you agree?"

The smile on Desmond's face faltered for a second, then snapped back into place.

"Fine. He is yours."

He paused, his gaze darkening. "He won't ever be taken from you again."

I nodded and pulled out the divorce papers I had prepared.

"The second wish—let’s get a divorce."

"I know what you are worried about. We can keep it from your parents for now."

I wasn't asking for a settlement. The Knight family had already given me more than I could ever repay.

The smile bled from Desmond’s face until nothing was left.

He stayed silent for a long time—so long that the light outside bled into complete darkness.

Finally, he didn't say a word. He simply picked up the pen and scrawled his signature at the bottom of the page.

"And the third wish?" His voice sounded raspy.

"The third wish..."

My words were cut off by the sudden, sharp ringing of my phone.