CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN - The True Cost of Betrayal

As night fell on the Montgomery estate, Lucas and Ella settled in to rest and recover from their ordeal. But even as they relaxed, their minds were already turning to the future, filled with possibilities and potential adventures. The curse was broken, but their story was far from over. The warm glow of candlelight flickered across the dining room as Lucas, Ella, and little Sophia enjoyed a quiet family dinner. Sophia, now two years old, giggled as she attempted to spear a piece of broccoli with her tiny fork. "Look, Daddy! I did it!" she exclaimed, proudly holding up the vegetable. Lucas chuckled, his eyes crinkling with affection. "That's my girl. You're getting so good with your fork." Ella smiled, reaching out to brush a stray curl from Sophia's forehead. "She's growing up so fast, isn't she?" "Too fast," Lucas agreed, his voice soft with wonder. "I can't believe—" A sudden, thunderous pounding at the front door cut him off mid-sentence. Before any of them could react, the do