Page 54 of The Edge Of Us

There was a pause.

"Can we meet?" she asked. "Before I go back to LA? I want to hug you. Say goodbye the proper way."

I bit my lip, my chest swelling. "Of course. Text me the details. I’ll be there."

"You sure you're okay being seen again? You were all over the news today. I mean, girl—you trended."

I chuckled softly. "Yeah, my agent called. Said I’ve already been offered a spot at New York Fashion Week. It’s… overwhelming."

"You’re ready for this," she said firmly. "You’ve been through hell, and you came out stronger. The world needs to see the real Corine Holts now. Not the headline. The heart."

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. "Thank you, Britt."

"Anytime. And hey… maybe Jasper will be around too. Just saying."

I rolled my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips. "Bye, Brittany."

She laughed, the sound still full of mischief, then hung up.

I set the phone down, looking out the window at my childhood backyard. The sun was warm, the sky soft with the fading blue of late afternoon. My babies were safe. I was home. I was whole again.

And somewhere in LA, Allen Woods had just seen me on his screen.

I didn’t know what that meant.

But I was no longer running from myself.

This was just the beginning.

Chapter 32

Corine

It had been three days since the headlines flooded every fashion and entertainment outlet. My name—Corine Holts—was back on every screen. It was strange. I thought I’d feel overwhelmed or scared when I saw my face on a magazine again, but all I felt was a quiet sense of power. I had survived. And now, I was living.

Brittany texted me that morning: "Meet me at Evermore Park. I want to see you and the little ones before I fly back."

It was a bright Saturday. Kyle tugged on my hand as we made our way through the park entrance. Astrid, now just over a year,giggled softly in her stroller, kicking her chubby legs as if she knew something joyful was about to happen.

When I spotted Brittany sitting on the picnic bench, sunglasses perched on her nose and a soft smile playing on her lips, I felt my heart lighten. She stood and opened her arms. I hugged her tightly.

"God, you look like the Corine I met before the bell," she whispered into my ear.

I laughed softly, pulling away. "I feel like her again. Maybe stronger."

Kyle ran up to her, eyes shining. "Aunt Britt! Look at my dinosaur!"

"Woah! That is the coolest T-Rex I’ve ever seen," Brittany said, crouching to high-five him. "You’re growing up way too fast."

We sat under a large oak tree, Kyle sprawled out on the grass with his toy while Astrid dozed off in the stroller. The wind danced through the trees, and for once, it felt like the world had paused just for us.

"So," I said, nudging her gently, "tell me about this modeling gig."

Brittany sighed and grinned. "Ugh, can you believe it? My first runway walk since recovery. Dad said I had to do something with my life, especially with his campaign coming up."

"Classic Denis Ashford. Always about the image," I teased, but my voice was soft.

"Yeah," she shrugged. "But I don’t mind. Modeling’s always been something I enjoyed before it turned toxic. This time... I’m going into it on my own terms. No starving. No pretending. Just me."

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