In the following months, their paths intertwined more naturally. Their budding relationship was cautious at first, built on shared hardships and a mutual desire for healing. Opal set clear rules from the start—just as he did—ensuring that both could protect their hearts and their children. Eventually, their worlds merged, and their sons were introduced to one another. Though James was barely one year old, he quickly bonded with Derek Jr., whose gentle nature and easy laughter created an instant connection.
As the seasons turned, the bonds between the two families grew stronger. On James' first birthday, a grand celebration was thrown. The town's children, even those Opal barely knew, gathered for the party, their laughter echoing through the decorated backyard. Amid the joyful chaos, Derek Sr—her steadfast partner—leaned close and whispered, "I guess we have no choice but to be together forever now, huh? I'm gonna marry you."
Opal's heart fluttered with unexpected delight. "Yes," she replied with a smile as radiant as the spring sun.
He paused, then asked, "Now? Are you sure? It hasn't even been a month since we've been together."
Without hesitation, she looked into his eyes. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life," she said softly. "After everything, I finally feel safe—and for the first time, I truly trust a man with my heart."
In that moment, amidst the laughter of children and the soft murmur of promises for the future, Opal embraced the unexpected journey of healing and love. Though her past was filled with heartbreak and loss, the future now held the promise of a family built on resilience, hope, and a love that dared to bloom again.
The morning began as usual—Opal buckled James into his booster seat while Derek Jr. climbed into the front passenger seat, eager to get to school. The crisp air of early autumn filled the car as they drove through town, laughter and chatter making the routine drive feel lighthearted. But then, she saw him.
Standing across the street from the school, leaning casually against a sleek black car, was Caesar.
Her breath caught in her throat. It had been four years since she had last seen him. Four years since the heartbreak, the betrayal, and the devastating realization that he had chosen another woman over her.
Her stomach twisted, but she kept driving, unwilling to let the boys see her distress. She pulled into the school's drop-off lane, kissed James on the forehead, and gave Derek Jr. a reassuring smile. "Be good, okay?"
They nodded and ran off toward the school entrance. The moment they disappeared inside, she turned back toward Caesar.
She watched him from a distance, trying to convince herself to just walk away, to let the past be the past. But then she saw her.
The woman.
She was standing beside Caesar, just as radiant as the day she had stolen him away. But something was wrong.
She looked exactly the same. Not a single wrinkle, not a single sign of aging. While Opal had spent the last four years healing, grieving, rebuilding her life—this woman hadn't changed at all.
Opal's fingers curled into fists as an eerie feeling settled over her. Then, before she could even rationalize what she was doing, she followed them.
She trailed them through town, heart pounding, breath shallow. She didn't know what she was looking for—maybe closure, maybe an answer to why her life had fallen apart. They turned into an alleyway, and Opal positioned herself near the edge, hidden behind the corner of a building.
Then, she saw something that made her blood turn to ice.
The woman lifted her hand, and with a simple flick of her wrist, fire danced across her fingertips.
Opal's stomach dropped.
A witch.
Her entire body trembled as she watched. It all made sense now—why Caesar had fallen so quickly, why he had never come back, why the woman remained untouched by time.
Opal turned and walked away before her emotions could betray her, before she did something reckless. She needed time to think, to plan.
Because now, she knew exactly what she had to do.