The car continued through the quiet streets of Los Angeles.
Aurelia remained beside Vincent, her hand still held tightly in his.
The case that had consumed months of their lives had finally reached its most important truth.
Matthew Reynolds had been murdered.
Aurelia's father had been murdered.
Marco had confessed.
Her aunt had revealed the motive.
And the evidence now existed outside their memories—in the hands of the police.
Legally, logically, professionally—
Aurelia knew what came next.
Statements.
Evidence.
Charges.
Court.
Trial.
Justice.
But emotionally, she wasn't ready to put everything into neat categories.
Vincent seemed to understand that.
He didn't ask her to.
After several minutes, Aurelia finally spoke.
"Vincent?"
"Hmm?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For coming."
He looked at her.
"I told you I'd come."
"You did."
She smiled faintly.
"And you broke the elevator promise."
"What promise?"
"That you wouldn't make me a heart patient."
He smiled.
"You're still alive."
"Barely."
He laughed softly.
Aurelia rested her head against his shoulder.
"Tomorrow, I'll probably start thinking about the legal consequences."
"I know."
"I'll analyse every piece of evidence."
"I know."
"I'll probably make a list."
"I know."
She looked at him.
"How do you know everything?"
"Because you're Aurelia."
She smiled.
For the first time since leaving the warehouse, her expression softened.
She looked outside the window.
The city lights blurred against the glass.
The pain wasn't gone.
The betrayal wasn't suddenly easier.
But she didn't feel alone with it anymore.
Vincent glanced at her.
"You don't have to be strong every second."
Aurelia looked at him.
"I know."
And this time—
She actually meant it.
The car continued toward home.
Behind them was the night that had changed everything.
Ahead of them was the trial.
But perhaps love was not always about finding someone who could solve every problem.
Sometimes, it was about finding a soft, calm place where you could finally lean onto someone and tell your mind,
Don't worry.
My partner is beside me.
He will be there.
And for the first time, Aurelia didn't feel like she had to carry everything alone.