She was certain she’d found a rug… but something inside was moving…
They spent the evening in stores, salons, and barbershops. By night, a new woman stood before them—polished, beautiful, confident. Even James, usually reserved, blushed seeing her transformation.
“Pickup at nine tomorrow,” he reminded her before bed. “Sleep well. We’re here.”
Sarah lay down, feeling caught between dream and reality. A thought flickered:
“I have to thank them if I get home.”
Two weeks later, she had a temporary passport and visa. But they asked her to stay—as a witness against Gregory. She agreed without hesitation.
In court, when Gregory saw Margaret alive and Sarah—the ragged girl he thought dead—his face twisted. He looked down, like a defeated animal.
Her testimony sealed the case. Gregory got the maximum sentence.
After the trial, Margaret’s house hosted a celebration. Some laughed, some drank, some just rejoiced that the story ended well. At one point, James offered Sarah his hand:
“Dance with me?”
She nodded. He moved smoothly, confidently, and she followed, like in a dream.
“I suggested Grandma rest at her favorite cabin in Colorado,” he said, spinning her. “Come with us?”
“She asked?” Sarah smiled softly.
“No. I want you to. Because I feel good with you. And I’d like… to be with you much longer than just this party.”
Sarah paused.
“I wanted to go back to my parents. They’ve waited so long.”
“Then we’ll go together,” he said firmly. “I’ll meet your family. Maybe have the wedding there, then travel. Like to Colorado. Grandma’s got a place.”
She looked into his eyes, and for the first time in years, her heart sparked with something real. Not just love—something that shattered this nightmare.
A month later, in a small Georgia town, under the sound of fiddles and drums, a lively, true Southern wedding unfolded. Neighbors gathered in the streets, wishing the couple well. After the ceremony, they set off to travel. But first, they stopped by Margaret’s to say goodbye. They brought her a gift—the same Persian rug where it all began.
