Chapter 31 — The Shape of Truth
The mediation room was smaller than Kiera expected.
No grand table. No dramatic lighting. Just neutral walls, a pot of coffee in the corner, and a long window overlooking the city. It felt deliberately unremarkable—like the truth should be.
Kade sat beside her, posture calm, controlled. Carter Bell sat across from them, documents neatly arranged. On the other side of the table, Vivienne Laurent looked exactly as she always did—immaculate, poised, bored.
Not a crack in the armor.
The mediator, a middle-aged woman with kind but sharp eyes, cleared her throat. "We're here to explore resolution, not blame," she said. "Let's begin."
Vivienne smiled faintly. "I agree. I'm exhausted by the theatrics."
Kiera didn't respond. She focused on her breathing—slow, steady, present.
Vivienne's gaze flicked to her, lingering. Assessing.
"So," Vivienne continued, crossing her legs elegantly, "this all started because I was replaced."
"That's not accurate," Kade said calmly. "Our engagement ended because you violated trust."
Vivienne scoffed. "Trust is subjective."
"Consent is not," the mediator interjected gently. "Let's stay factual."
Vivienne's smile thinned.
"My reputation was damaged," Vivienne said smoothly. "I deserve compensation."
"For cheating?" Carter asked coolly.
"For humiliation," Vivienne corrected. "And for the narrative that followed."
Kiera's fingers tightened in her lap.
The mediator turned to Kiera. "Ms. Frost, you may speak if you wish. You're not required to."
Kiera swallowed—then lifted her head.
"I didn't ask to be part of this," she said quietly. "I didn't pursue anyone. I did my job. I followed boundaries. And when things changed, I was honest."
Vivienne laughed softly. "Oh, please. You knew exactly what you were doing."
Kiera met her gaze without flinching. "No. You're just not used to someone choosing truth over performance."
Silence fell.
Vivienne's eyes flashed. "You think you're better than me?"
"No," Kiera said. "I think I'm done being blamed for your choices."
Kade felt something break open in his chest.
The mediator nodded slowly. "Thank you, Ms. Frost."
Vivienne leaned back, lips curling. "You see? She's provocative."
"Provocative isn't illegal," Carter said. "False implication is."
Vivienne's smile vanished.
The mediator cleared her throat. "Given the documentation provided—contracts, timelines, witness statements—I see no grounds for further pursuit against Ms. Frost."
Vivienne's nails dug into the arm of her chair.
"What I propose," the mediator continued, "is a mutual non-disparagement agreement. No public statements. No contact. No further legal action."
Vivienne's gaze snapped to Kade. "You're choosing her."
Kade didn't hesitate. "I'm choosing the truth."
Something ugly crossed Vivienne's face.
"This isn't over," she said coldly.
"Yes," the mediator replied evenly. "It is."
Vivienne stood abruptly, gathering her bag. Her eyes met Kiera's one last time.
"You'll break him," she said softly. "Just like everyone else."
Kiera stood too, voice calm but firm. "No. I won't disappear for him. That's the difference."
Vivienne left without another word.
Outside, the city hummed—indifferent and alive.
Kiera leaned against the building's stone facade, breath leaving her in a rush. "I thought I'd shake more," she admitted.
Kade stepped closer. "You were incredible."
"I was terrified," she said.
He smiled gently. "You didn't let it own you."
She looked at him, eyes bright. "Neither did you."
They stood there for a moment, the weight finally lifting.
"So," she said, attempting lightness, "is that it?"
"Legally?" Kade said. "Yes."
"And emotionally?"
He considered. "That part might take longer."
She nodded. "I'm okay with that."
That evening, back at the penthouse, Leo greeted them with a handmade sign that read: WELCOME HOME in crooked letters.
Kiera laughed, tears threatening.
"Daddy said we had a big meeting," Leo announced. "So I made this."
Kade scooped him up. "Best welcome ever."
Later, after Leo was asleep, Kiera stood by the balcony again, city lights stretching endlessly.
"I said things today I never thought I could," she said.
"You told the truth," Kade replied. "Out loud."
She turned to him. "Does it ever stop being scary?"
He shook his head. "But it does stop being lonely."
She smiled—soft, full. "That's enough."
He hesitated, then said, "Kiera, I don't want to pretend anymore. About us."
Her heart stuttered. "Me neither."
He stepped closer, giving her time.
"I care about you," he said simply. "Not because you need saving. But because you're you."
She lifted her hand, resting it against his chest, feeling the steady beat beneath. "I care about you too."
Slowly, carefully, he leaned in.
Their first kiss was gentle—almost reverent. No rush. No hunger. Just two people meeting where they were.
When they pulled back, she rested her forehead against his.
"That didn't hurt," she whispered, surprised.
He smiled softly. "Good."
The truth had taken shape—quiet, brave, and chosen.
And for the first time, neither of them felt the need to run from it.