EPILOGUE

“First-degree attempted murder of Ana Bernardino, Mrs. Chloe Villalobos is found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment…”

I closed my eyes and smiled when I heard those words. I tightly held Martin’s hand as we listened to the final verdict. Furthermore, I glanced at Chloe’s parents and saw them crying while embracing her.

I then looked behind me where Mateo was seated. Even with a hat and a mask, I recognized his posture. He glanced at me but quickly looked away. I sighed and turned to Martin, giving him a smile.

“And for Mrs. Caridad Villalobos, the charges are mounting: first-degree murder of Stella Montes, Tasing, Don Ignacio Montes, and Don Martinez, first-degree attempted murder of Ms. Ana Bernardino, and reckless imprudence. She is found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.”

The crowd erupted in cheers as they continued to support my father in court upon hearing the verdict for Caridad. I smiled through tears, feeling the long-awaited justice finally achieved by my parents.

I hugged Uncle Paul as I sobbed, feeling his tight embrace as he shared in their long-awaited victory. He kissed my cheek and wiped away my tears before I embraced Uncle Max, who held me tightly.

I can’t blame him. He came all the way from Spain to visit his sister, only to find out that she had long passed away without anyone informing them. I felt his overwhelming joy that justice had been served to them. I chuckled because I knew he was trying to hold back tears to stay cool. TSK.

I turned to Martin, who wiped away my tears. “Thank you,” he said, and I smiled, hugging him. Justice was also served for his father’s death.

Tyron was also shocked when the doctor arrived to reveal the true cause of Don Martinez’s death. He immediately informed his father, who had long suspected the results of Don Martinez’s autopsy. He knew something was wrong, but they couldn’t accuse anyone, so they all eventually forgot to investigate further.

Even now, Martin still can’t believe that his father was poisoned.

I sighed and looked to the other side, thinking of visiting them. Martin was there to support me as my belly had grown big. Our child was strong, so there were no conflicts.

I paused when I felt Mateo beside me. We locked eyes before he removed his hat and mask, to which I nodded in acknowledgment.

“He deserves to die. For all your crimes against the law, against Ana, and the victims of the tragedy, you all deserve that,” Mateo said firmly, causing Caridad and Chloe to break down in tears. I noticed Mateo’s trembling hand, so I held it. “You all ruined my life, my marriage, and my unborn child. You ruined everything.”

I embraced Mateo and cried because we both had been played by fate. We both lost a child. We were both victims of his parents' greed and evil.

“Mateo…” Caridad tried to reach out to Mateo, but he stepped back. “I’m so sorry—”

“HA! I can’t believe you tried to kill my wife while she was carrying our child! You didn’t let my child live! How can you sleep soundly after the crime you committed? How could you force me to marry a woman I don’t love after what you did to Ana? And how can you face everyone here after what you did to the Montes?! And then you apologize?! You are a murderer, mom, you and that man!”

Caridad fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably, but Mateo had no pity. I sensed his anger and disgust towards his parents. I know him. He’s different from them, he’s also a victim.

“I have some money saved up, and I will sell all the land here in San Alfonso to start a new life with my child.”

I smiled and gently touched his arm to calm him down.

“I am not like my father. I have sympathy for all his victims,” he faced me and kissed my forehead before turning to his wife. “You don’t deserve to be a mother to my son. You destroyed my life, and you destroyed Ana’s life. Rot in jail,” Mateo firmly stated and then turned away from all of us, but paused.

“I apologize for everything, Ana. Sorry I couldn't save you, and I apologize for ruining your life. Sorry I was unable to save our son. I hope you have a good life with your future child and the person who will love you forever. Just don't forget to invite me to your upcoming wedding…” he smiled and waved at me.

I just laughed and nodded at him. “You too. Have a good life with your son. Until we meet again.”

He nodded and saluted me before finally leaving the court. Martin hugged me, so I smiled, but my smile faded when I faced the two people who ruined all our lives.

“Mateo has said everything I wanted to say. I have nothing more to say because I know you will rot in prison.” I turned away from them and faced the people who supported us. “San Alfonso will be peaceful again, there are other people who will continue what Don Martinez and my father started…” I looked at Uncle Paul. “I elect Detective Paul, no, Angelo, to be the new mayor to lead the town towards a fresh start. You have my trust, uncle. My father would be happy.”

The people cheered, and I smiled before walking out of the court, but I glanced back at Chloe and Caridad before finally leaving the court.

Upon returning to the mansion, I was surprised by the surprise from the Montecillo servants, as it seemed they had watched the court ruling. I just smiled and thanked them for their support.

I was even more surprised to see Jane and her family. I hugged her and high-fived their child. We chatted briefly and had a small celebration because it was a farewell party for me, Martin, Uncle Max, and Rio as we were leaving for Spain.

“After months of planning, everything is finally done. Let’s enjoy this moment while they are still here!”

I chuckled at Lucas leading the charge in such matters. The celebration ended shortly after, and they bid me farewell.

“I sent the last money you earned from your mission to your account,” I told Tyron. He just grinned and fist-bumped me before running off, seemingly afraid of being caught by Martin due to his secrecy.

I smiled as I looked at the guests, but I screamed when Martin lifted me up.

“Put me down! I’m heavy, Martin." I yelled, but he just grinned as he continued to carry me to our room.

He carefully put me down, fearing that we might hurt our child. I kicked him in annoyance because I almost had a heart

attack, but he just laughed and lay down on the bed. We both looked up at the ceiling.

“Are you ready to leave San Alfonso?” he asked, facing me.

“I’ll leave temporarily. I’ll come back because my life is here too. I can’t leave the legacy my parents left me. I know Uncle Paul can take care of it, but he also has his life, and I want to restore the life that the Villalobos took from him,” I replied.

He nodded and hugged me, and after a while, he fell asleep, probably exhausted from work and the months of trial. I kissed him on the forehead and looked up at the ceiling again.

I reflected on the events in my life, including seeking revenge, which was not easy. And now, I have achieved justice for us and all the victims of Levi. I have no other wish but justice and a peaceful life for all of us. I can finally sleep soundly without thinking about revenge or danger because everything has finally come to an end.

I hugged Martin and kissed him on the lips. “I love you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” I whispered, falling asleep with a smile on my face.

A few days have passed since Chloe and Caridad were found guilty, and I haven’t heard any news about them because we have been busy preparing for our trip to Spain.

“Let’s go?” I nodded to Martin and took a deep breath before leaving our room.

Our friends were waiting to take us to the airport. I smiled at them and held my stomach because I felt a kick. I chuckled, realizing that even our child seemed excited to leave.

“Are you okay? Did he kick you again?” Martin asked with concern. I just nodded, so he gently touched my stomach. “Bad son. Don’t kick your mom,” he said to our child. I grinned as the pain in my stomach seemed to subside. “Good job, son,”

I winced as it seemed like he was more excited. I just shook my head and held on to his arm as we left the mansion.

“Can we make a quick stop at the Hill?” I asked Alexis, who smiled and nodded at me. “I just want to say goodbye.” I smiled and got into the back seat.

We reached the hilltop and Martin guided me, but I was startled to see Uncle Paul standing by my parents' graves. He turned around when he sensed my presence.

He guided me, so Martin whispered that he would wait by the tree. I just smiled and nodded at him.

“So, you’re leaving for Spain now. Time flies,” he said with a smile. I placed the flowers I picked on my parents' graves.

“If time flies, justice sure takes its time,” I replied, and Uncle Paul and I chuckled together because he knew I was right.

“I still can’t believe we finally got justice after all these years. All our questions have been answered. I’m sure Lady Stella and Don Ignacio are happy with the outcome and can finally rest in peace,” he said.

I nodded and looked out over the Montes estate.

“When my memory returned, all I wanted was to seek revenge on those who tried to kill me and ruin my life. I just wanted to bring them down and make sure they never rise again, and I wanted to make them suffer for all their sins, but in my quest for

evidence,” I sighed. “I also discovered my true identity, who my parents were, and what happened to them. There was a deeper reason, and anger prevailed, leading to what happened.”

“You didn’t hurt anyone, Ana. Before you planned to burn down their houses, you evacuated everyone because you didn’t want them to be involved in the tragedy. You didn’t want history to repeat itself. Many regretted believing in false accusations,” we gazed at the scenery. “Many were angry because they were blinded by lies, and they also regret being the cause of Don Ignacio’s death.”

“I just want to remind people of what my father did for the town. How loyal Don Ignacio was to the people. I know they were also victims of Levi’s lies,” I faced Uncle Paul. “And now, there’s a new leader in town for a fresh start in San Alfonso, and I know the people will love you more because you love the town where you were born.”

I held his hand and hugged him. “You will take care of the town and the hacienda. I entrust everything to you until we return here.”

I kissed his cheek and walked away, but I looked back at him. “Until we meet again, Mayor,” I smiled and waved at him.

“Until we meet again, Ana Mystica.”

I paused, but then laughed and waved at him again before inviting Martin that I was ready to leave the town. He nodded and helped me into the car.

Alexis slowly drove the car away from the hill towards the airport.

Midway through the journey, I rolled down the window, felt the strong wind, and smiled. I leaned my head against the window as we continued to drive, admiring the beauty of San Alfonso.

Until we meet again…