Chapter 6 - Nebula Walks Back Into the Ballroom
Richard made his final mistake at Oakridge Country Club.
One week after Chloe's wedding, the family gathered there again to speak with investigators and retrieve personal belongings left after the reception.
Nebula insisted on going.
Gilbert did not like it.
He said so.
Once.
Then stopped.
Nebula wore a dark blue suit.
No bridesmaid dress.
No hiding bruises.
Chloe walked beside her.
Their parents waited inside.
Their mother rushed forward.
“Nebula.”
Nebula accepted the hug.
Her father looked ashamed.
“I believed him.”
“I know.”
“I should've believed you.”
“Yes.”
Her father swallowed.
“I’m sorry.”
Nebula nodded.
It wasn't forgiveness.
Not yet.
But it was a beginning.
Then a side door opened.
Richard stepped inside.
Everyone froze.
“Nebula.”
Gilbert immediately moved forward.
Nebula touched his arm.
He stopped.
Richard smiled.
“Still hiding behind him?”
Nebula stepped away from Gilbert.
“No.”
Richard looked around.
“You people actually believe her?”
Chloe answered.
“I heard you threaten her.”
“You misunderstood.”
“I recorded you.”
Richard's face tightened.
Nebula walked toward him.
“You're done.”
“You think Gilbert saved you?”
“No.”
Richard laughed.
“He showed up with three SUVs.”
“Because I called him.”
“He wants you back.”
Nebula glanced at Gilbert.
“That's his problem.”
Gilbert almost smiled.
Richard's face reddened.
“You'll run back to him. You always needed someone controlling your life.”
Nebula shook her head.
“That is the difference between you.”
“What difference?”
“When I told Gilbert no, he stopped.”
Silence.
Nebula stepped closer.
“When I told you no, you punished me.”
Richard's eyes darted toward the exit.
Two investigators appeared there.
Rebecca entered behind them.
Richard understood.
“This is a setup.”
“No,” Rebecca said. “It's an interview you agreed to attend.”
Richard backed away.
Then looked at Nebula.
“You'll regret this.”
Nebula did not flinch.
“No.”
Richard's voice rose.
“You have nothing without me!”
Nebula smiled.
That finally frightened him.
“I have myself.”
Investigators approached.
Richard was taken away for questioning connected to fraud, falsified financial records, threats and evidence uncovered through his company.
Gilbert remained across the ballroom.
He didn't celebrate.
Didn't threaten Richard.
Didn't even follow the investigators.
Nebula walked toward him.
“Why are you standing all the way over here?”
“You told me you wanted to handle it.”
“I did.”
“You handled it.”
Nebula looked at the doors through which Richard had disappeared.
For years, she had imagined freedom would feel dramatic.
It didn't.
It felt quiet.
Then Gilbert asked, “Where do you want to go?”
Nebula smiled.
“Anywhere I choose.”
Gilbert nodded.
May you like
“Good answer.”
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