Chapter 17: Moving In with the Man
The sun rose slowly over the city, casting golden light across the streets and buildings. For Linda, it felt like a new beginning. She had finally won her case, secured her rights, and most importantly, she had the man she loved waiting for her. Today, she was moving in with him.
The taxi ride felt endless, but Linda didn't mind. Every red light, every bump in the road, made her more eager. She stared out of the window, watching the city wake up, imagining her new life. She would no longer be alone. She would have someone to share every morning with, someone to laugh with at night, someone to build memories with.
Her hands trembled as she held her bag. It wasn't much—just enough clothes and personal items—but it represented everything she owned, everything she had fought for, and everything she hoped for in this next chapter.
The taxi stopped in front of a tall, modern apartment building. The glass doors reflected the morning sun, making the place glow. Linda took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She had imagined this moment countless times, but now that it was real, she couldn't stop the butterflies in her stomach.
She stepped out of the taxi and walked toward the entrance. Her phone buzzed.
Waiting for you downstairs.
It was him.
Linda's heart leaped. She smiled despite herself and hurried to the elevator. The doors opened, and she stepped inside, pressing the button for the lobby.
When she reached the ground floor, he was waiting, leaning casually against the wall. He smiled when he saw her, and her heart felt like it could burst.
"Hi," he said softly, holding out his hand.
Linda dropped her bag and ran into his arms. "Hi," she whispered, burying her face in his chest.
They stood like that for a long moment. It wasn't just a hug. It was reassurance, comfort, hope. It was the promise of something new.
Finally, he pulled back slightly, holding her hands. "Are you ready?"
Linda nodded. "I've never been more ready in my life."
He smiled and led her to the elevator. The ride was quiet, filled with anticipation. When the doors opened to his floor, Linda's eyes widened. The apartment was beautiful—spacious, with large windows that let in sunlight, a balcony with a view of the city, and furniture that was modern but cozy.
"This is… amazing," Linda whispered.
He laughed softly. "It's not the apartment that matters. It's having you here that makes it feel like home."
Linda felt her chest tighten. "I can't believe this is real."
He guided her to the living room. "It's real," he said. "I want you to feel comfortable. This is your space too now."
Linda set down her bags and walked around, touching the furniture, examining the kitchen, peeking into the bedroom. Everything was hers now, in a way. She felt a warmth spread through her chest, a mixture of gratitude, excitement, and hope.
"I can't believe I'm actually living with you," she said, turning to face him.
He smiled and took her hands. "You don't have to believe it. You just have to live it."
They spent the morning unpacking her things together. Clothes went into drawers, books onto shelves, personal items in the bathroom. They laughed as they argued over where to put things, teasing each other like they always had.
"Are you sure this is where the shoes go?" he asked, holding a pair of sneakers.
Linda laughed. "Yes. Unless you want to wear them all day, every day."
He grinned. "Fair enough."
By noon, most of her things were settled. They sat on the couch, catching their breath. Linda leaned against him, feeling the weight of everything she had been through.
"I still can't believe this," she said softly. "After everything… it feels like a dream."
"It's not a dream," he replied. "It's real. And it's just the beginning."
Linda smiled, feeling a surge of hope. She thought about the fights with Mathilda, the courtroom drama, the eviction. All of it had led to this moment. And for the first time in weeks, she felt truly happy.
They decided to order lunch. As they waited for the food, they sat on the balcony, watching the city below. Linda rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of the sun and the man beside her.
"This… this is perfect," she whispered.
He kissed the top of her head. "Perfect is just a word. What matters is that we're together."
Linda closed her eyes, soaking in the moment. She felt safe, loved, and hopeful. She imagined waking up next to him every morning, sharing meals, watching movies, talking about dreams, and planning their future.
The afternoon passed in a blur. They unpacked the last of her things, laughed at the small arguments over placement, and made plans for dinner. Linda even started decorating a little, putting up photos of her family and friends, making the apartment feel more like home.
As evening approached, they cooked dinner together. Linda chopped vegetables while he stirred sauces and seasoned meat. They laughed as they accidentally spilled some ingredients, teasing each other over clumsy mistakes.
"Are you trying to ruin dinner on purpose?" he asked, smiling.
"Maybe," Linda replied, grinning. "Maybe I just want your attention."
He laughed, pulling her close. "Well, it worked."
Dinner was simple but perfect. They ate together at the small dining table, talking about their day, their past, and their plans for the future. Every moment felt full, warm, and intimate.
After dinner, they moved to the living room. He put on some soft music, and they sat together on the couch. Linda rested her head on his chest again, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
"I can't believe this is real," she said again.
"It is real," he said softly. "And I want every day to feel like this with you."
Linda smiled, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't felt in months. The fights with Mathilda, the heartbreak, the legal battle—they all seemed far away now. For the first time in a long time, she felt truly happy.
They spent the rest of the night talking, laughing, and planning small adventures. Linda imagined weekends out together, mornings making breakfast, evenings watching movies, and quiet nights sharing secrets and dreams.
As she lay in the bedroom, looking around at the small space she now shared with him, she felt a surge of hope. Maybe this was the fresh start she had been waiting for. Maybe this was the life she had fought for.
She reached for his hand and held it tightly. "Thank you," she whispered.
"For what?" he asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"For choosing me," she said softly. "For making me feel like I belong somewhere."
He kissed her forehead. "You belong with me. And I'm not going anywhere."
Linda closed her eyes, letting the warmth of his arms and the hope of the future wash over her.
For the first time in weeks, she felt like she was home.
The next morning, she woke up to sunlight streaming through the windows and the smell of coffee brewing. He handed her a cup with a smile, and they sat together on the balcony, watching the city wake up.
Linda felt a rush of gratitude. She had won in court, she had a home, and she had someone she loved. Life was finally starting to feel right again.
Even with the fights, betrayals, and heartbreaks behind her, this new chapter was hers. She had hope. She had love. And she had him.