♥ Chapter 59 ♥

Yara Voss.

''I am no longer your daughter, and I am not going with you. Stay away from me!

The words come out with more force than I expected.

He takes a step towards me, clearly ignoring my order, but before he can get closer, Thiago, the mansion's driver, steps in front of me, protecting me.

''If you take one more step, I will not answer for myself. '' says Thiago, his voice low but threatening.

The surrounding atmosphere seems to get heavier, and for a moment I think my father is actually going to try something, but suddenly a tall man appears next to Thiago, placing himself between us and my parents. He looks directly at my family, his posture is calm but clearly imposing.

''If you continue to bother Miss Yara, you will have to accompany me to the police station. '' he says, his voice firm and authoritative.

My father takes a step back, confused and furious at the same time.

'' Who are you? '' he growls, his face contorted in anger.

The man gives a half-smile before responding:

''Pleasure, my name is Marcos. I work for Mr. Kael Darkmore, the renowned judge of this city. '' He pauses for a moment, letting his words sink into the air. ''If you continue to bother Miss Yara, I will take you to the police station. And as for you, Ronan…

He turns to Ronan, who remains on the ground with his hand over his bruised face, clearly stunned.

''You should never have approached Miss Yara. She has a protective order against you. '' Marcos' voice is cold and calculated, as if he were just stating a fact.

Ronan looks up, hatred boiling beneath the pain and humiliation. His body shakes with rage, but he makes no move to get up. The impact of Marcos' words, added to Thiago's blow, seems to have momentarily disarmed him.

My father, on the other hand, remains defiant. He clenches his fists, his eyes alternating between Marcos and Thiago. He's not used to being disobeyed, especially by me, and the idea of ​​being prevented from taking me seems to drive him even more crazy.

''It doesn't matter who you are or who you think you are,'' my father shouts, spitting out the words with hatred. ''She belongs to Ronan, and I will take her back, whatever the cost!

''She doesn’t belong to anyone. '' Marcos retorts, his expression unwavering. ''And if you continue with this attitude, you will be the one going to the police station.

The tension in the air grows. My heart beats fast, but this time not out of fear. He looks back at me with a mixture of anger and frustration, perhaps realizing that the daughter he knew is no more.

''Already said. '' I begin, my voice firm and assured. ''I am no longer your daughter. And I will not go back to that horrible life you forced me to live. I have a new life now. I am happy and loved. You will never control me again.

My father opens his mouth to respond, but before he can say anything, Marcos steps forward, raising his hand as if asking for silence.

''I suggest you listen to what Miss Yara is saying. '' he warns. ''Otherwise, I will have to take you to the police station right now.

My father looks like he wants to protest but hesitates. For a moment, silence reigns, broken only by Ronan's heavy breathing still on the floor.

''Let's go. '' My father finally growls, turning around sharply. ''But this isn't over, Yara. You will still regret it.

He takes a few steps, pulling my mother by the arm, while Ronan stands up with difficulty, casting one last look of hatred in my direction. He tries to say something, but Marcos doesn't give him the opportunity.

''You better disappear. '' Marcos says coldly. ''Because next time, you will leave here in handcuffs.

Ronan swallows hard, glances at my father, and then the three of them walk away, finally leaving me alone. I feel the weight of the situation begin to lift off my shoulders, and enormous relief washes over me. I look at Thiago and Marcos, who are now looking at me with concern.

''Is everything okay, Miss Yara? '' asks Marcos.

I take a deep breath and give a small smile, still a little shaken but finally free from all that pressure.

''Yes, everything is fine now. Thanks.

Thiago smiles back, while Marcos gives a slight nod. With everything finally calmer, I take a deep breath and return to the market to continue my shopping, trying to process what just happened.

As I grab the items on the list, my mind whirls around the scene I just experienced. I confronted my parents. I faced Ronan. Furthermore, I can't help but be shocked that I had that courage. In recent years, I have been so controlled and subjugated that I never imagined I would have the strength to stand up against them. But I did it. I look at the shelves, distracted and reflecting.

A feeling of freedom begins to spread throughout my body. For the first time in so long, I feel in control of my own life. I said “no”. I looked into my father's eyes and into Ronan's, and I said I wouldn't come back. For the first time, I was able to defend myself and, more than that, defend my happiness.

As I put some vegetables in the cart, I realized that this strength, and this courage, came from my men. Magnus, Kael and Damien. They show me every day what it means to be truly loved and cared for. They gave me the space and security to be myself and to free myself from everything that held me back. And now, finally, I feel like I can actually breathe.

Free. That's the word that echoes in my mind as I continue shopping. I am free. Free from Ronan. Free from my family's suffocating expectations. Free to love and be loved by the Darkmore brothers.

A smile appears on my lips as I add the last item to the cart. Today, something inside me changed forever. And I will never be that submissive, controlled girl again.