His Mother Told Him to ‘Get Rid of Her’—A Year Later, He Regretted It (3 of 3)

Danger soon found them — threats, meetings, revelations about her father’s criminal ties. She learned his “gift” had made her a target, not protected her.

Valya refused to run. She went public with the truth, publishing everything. For the second time in her life, she chose survival on her own terms.

Months later, Ilya returned, stripped of excuses. “I was part of the game,” he said, “but you are the reason I stayed. Let me stay forever — no lies.”

She thought for a long moment, then nodded. “One condition: truth, even if it destroys us.”

Because Valya had learned this — darkness isn’t eternal. And when the sun comes back, you never forget how to stand in its light.