Updated Feb 25, 2026 • ~3 min read
POV: Gabi
Six months after the scandal.
My photography business is thriving.
Not despite the scandal.
Because of it.
“People want to hire the woman who took down her con artist husband,” my new assistant says.
Her name is Riley. Just hired her last month.
“That feels weird.”
“Embrace it. You’re a badass. Market it.”
We’re at a bridal expo.
My booth is packed.
Brides asking about packages.
Showing me their Pinterest boards.
Booking consultations.
“Gabriella Moreno Photography” is now the most sought-after wedding photographer in Seattle.
“This is insane,” I whisper to Riley.
“This is success. Enjoy it.”
I book twelve weddings in one day.
At premium rates.
By the end of the month, I’m booked solid for the next year.
“You need to raise your prices,” Riley says.
“I can’t—”
“You can. And you should. You’re in demand. Charge what you’re worth.”
She’s right.
I raise my prices by 30%.
The bookings don’t slow down.
NIX
Gabi is glowing.
Business is booming.
She’s happy.
“I’m thinking of hiring another photographer,” she says over dinner.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. I can’t keep up with demand. And I don’t want to burn out.”
“That’s smart.”
“I found someone. Recent grad. Talented. Hungry.”
“When do they start?”
“Next week. If I can afford it.”
I pull out my laptop.
Show her spreadsheets.
“With your current bookings and raised rates, you can afford two assistants. Maybe three.”
“How did you—”
“I may have helped Riley with your financials.”
“You did my books?”
“I suggested optimizations. Riley did the work.”
She stares at me.
“Why?”
“Because you were stressed about money. And I wanted to help.”
“Nix…”
“Too much?”
“No. It’s… perfect. Thank you.”
She kisses me.
“What would I do without you?”
“Luckily, you’ll never have to find out.”
GABI
Three months later, I’m featured in Seattle Magazine.
RISING FROM THE ASHES: How Gabriella Moreno Turned Scandal Into Success
The article interviews me.
The victims.
Nix.
It’s fair. Honest. Empowering.
“You should frame this,” Kennedy says.
We’re at our monthly victim support group meeting.
“Maybe.”
“Definitely. You’re an inspiration.”
“I just did what I had to do.”
“Exactly. And look where you are now.”
I look around the room.
Maya opened her own business.
Simone started grad school.
Jade got engaged.
Lauren bought a car.
Petra’s startup launched.
Nadia is pregnant (IVF worked).
Kennedy is thriving.
We all survived.
More than survived.
We’re thriving.
“We should celebrate,” I say.
“Celebrate what?”
“Us. Surviving. Winning. Moving forward.”
“I’m in,” Kennedy says.
Everyone agrees.
We plan a dinner.
All seven victims plus me.
And our partners.
NIX
The dinner is at a fancy restaurant.
Eight women. Their partners.
I’m the only one who was directly involved in the case.
The others are new relationships.
Post-trauma healing.
“To survivors,” Gabi toasts.
“To survivors!” everyone echoes.
We eat. Drink. Share stories.
“Remember when we thought we’d never trust again?” Maya asks.
“And now look at us,” Simone adds. “All in healthy relationships.”
“Brandon tried to destroy us,” Kennedy says. “But we rebuilt. Stronger.”
“To Brandon,” Jade raises her glass. “May he rot in prison.”
Everyone laughs.
Drinks to that.
Later, Gabi pulls me aside.
“Thank you for coming.”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“Because this is my thing. My trauma. My past.”
“Your past is part of you. I accept all of you.”
She tears up.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
END OF CHAPTER 24
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