Focus on Revenge A Photographer’s Killer Shot novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Today was the day Isolde’s mother, Alexa, was released from prison.

Karina had taken the day off to go with Isolde and pick her up.

The weather forecast had been spot on–it was indeed a beautiful, sunny day.

Sunlight broke through the thick winter clouds and poured over the earth, reflecting off the snow like scattered diamonds.

Outside the gate of the prison on the outskirts of New York, Isolde stood in a pale beige wool coat, her slender figure framed by the breeze, and her waist–length hair fluttered gently in the wind.

“Karina, what time is it?” Isolde stared nervously at the towering prison walls ahead, her tightly clasped hands betraying her tension.

Karina patted her shoulder. “It’s only 8:30. She’ll be out soon. Don’t worry.”

As soon as she spoke, there was a noise from the massive iron gate.

A smaller side door creaked open.

Isolde’s eyelashes trembled as she immediately ran forward.

“Mom!”

Alexa paused, surprised at first, but then smiled. “Isolde, you’re here.”

“Go out and live well, start over,” the young guard said a few parting words before turning back inside.

The gate shut again.

Isolde draped the down jacket she had brought over Alexa’s shoulders. “Mom, I’m here to take you home.”

Alexa nodded and turned her gaze to Karina’s face. After a moment, she recognized her. “Karina?”

Karina smiled warmly. “It’s me, Auntie. Isolde and I are here to take you home!”

Aleza was clearly moved. She grasped Karina’s hand tightly. “Good child… Thank you. Thank you for being there for Isolde all these years.”

“Auntie, don’t mention it. Isolde and I grew up together–we’re practically sisters. No need to feel any burden. Let’s go home first. Isolde bought a new place and decorated it beautifully. You’ll love it.”

“Yes, let’s go home.”

With a smile that deepened the fine lines at her eyes, Alexa took Isolde in one hand and Karina in the other. “Let’s go home.”

At Dolphin Bay.

The elevator reached the top floor, and the double doors slid open.

The three of them stepped out. Karina went ahead and lit a ceremonial fireplace by the entrance,

“Auntie! Step over the fire to cast away all bad luck–your life will be smooth and full of happiness from now on!”

Alexa’s eyes turned red, but she smiled and stepped over the small fire.

Isolde watched her mother step across into the carefully decorated new home, and her nose stung with emotion.

Tears welled up and fell without warning.

11.17

Chapter 35

She quickly turned away, wiping them from her cheeks.

It had been five years.

Five long years, and she had finally brought her mother out of that cold prison and into a home that belonged to them.

A home free from the Veyras, free from the Jiangs–just the two of them, mother and daughter.

Karina took Alexa on a full tour of the new home and finally brought her to the bedroom prepared just for her.

On the bed was a set of new clothes Isolde had picked out ahead of time.

Karina handed them over with a smile.

“Auntie, take a warm shower and change into these. Later, Isolde and I will take you out for a feast!”

Alexa took the clothes, lowered her head to look at them, and slowly clenched her hands around the fabric.

After a long pause, her voice came out low and choked, “Isolde has suffered so much for me these past years…”

Karina gently rubbed her back. “Auntie, now that you’re back, Isolde won’t have to suffer anymore.”

The bathroom door closed.

The sound of water masked the soft sobs that finally escaped Alexa’s restraint.

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