A/N: Here's the final installment of this story. I'm sorry for the long wait. I finally found time to write it during my winter break. To be honest, I'm a little hesitant about posting it. I'm not sure if you all will think it's worth the wait, but I hope it is.

Ch. 30

Haley, who was packing her belongings, welcomed the warm weather. She preferred the activities one can do during a hot day in summer than a chilly day in the winter. Although the large city was vacant of chirping birds, she smiled as she thought about her workday coming to an end. It meant she could spend the evening alone with the special person in her life.

"Haley, it looks like you're packing your belongings," Kevin stated in a puzzled voice as he interrupted Haley's joyous reverie.

"Yes I am," she constrained herself from making some remark to his harmless comment. He was being suspiciously civil for once in his life. The change of behavior chilled Haley to the spine and unsettling her nerves.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked slyly as if Haley had no right to do anything without his permission or approval.

"Not that I see it's any of your concern, but I'm leaving this company," Haley replied nonchalantly, placing a family picture in a cardboard box. "I handed my resignation two weeks ago."

"I see. It's a pity because I definitely enjoyed working with you. Your spunk and beauty was a refreshing change in a stuffy company like this one."

Pulling her auburn tresses behind her ear, she continued to remain pleasant toward the devil in front of her. Afraid that he would misinterpret her if she responded to the unwelcome compliment, she kept her mouth shut. As she picked up her pace while she continued to pack, she continued to wish he would go away as quietly and quickly as he came.

"I guess my charm has shocked you into being quiet, not that I'm surprised. I've been told by many that my charm is alluring."

Suppressing a laugh, Haley looked at him solemnly. Kevin, realizing that she was laughing inwardly at him was furious. "Why you little ! How dare you laugh at me!" Before Haley could respond, he continued, "Now I truly see the deceitful person you are. I'm so glad that I split you and Lucas up. His arrogance is sickening and of course you fell for his disgusting act. To think that I wasted all my intelligence in plotting to break the two of you up since the moment you batted your eyelashes for that good-for-nothing boss of yours. I felt a little guilty for dumping all my work on him, but now I know I will never feel at fault again. I'm going to enjoy making his life a living Hell and I'll find a way to do the same to you. I have connections as you know. My father is…"

"Larry Mason," finished Kevin's father.

Kevin's cruel eyes lost its fire and his speech faltered. "I…I was just teasing Haley Father."

"I knew that you weren't the son I'd hope you'd be, but I never thought I raised a deceitful, 'good-for-nothing' son. When your mother died when you were five, I didn't have the heart to discipline you for anything you did when you were growing up. I guess this is mostly my fault, but I did the best I could for you, son. My love has made me weak," admitted Larry Mason bitterly.

Avoiding the painful topic of losing his mother, he stammered, "Dad, you don't honestly believe that I was serious or could do those despicable things, could you?" Even Haley couldn't help feeling sorry for Kevin. He looked like a little kid who was just told that Santa Claus didn't exist.

"I have to do something I should have done in the very beginning."

Fearing for the worst, Kevin mustered the courage to question his father. "Wh – what do you have in mind?"

"I'm sending you to work for my friend as an errand boy. From now on, you need to earn everything for yourself. I hope this experience will make you a better person. I apologize for any harm I may have caused in your life because I never meant for things to turn out this way." Slumping forward like a defeated man, he slowly turned around. "Lucas, you can come out now." Lucas came out from his hidden spot while Kevin walked sulkily to his office to pack his belongings. "I'm sorry for all the trouble my son has caused you and Miss James. I'm more than happy to give you an editor position Miss James. Lucas here has showed me your work and I'm impressed. You have potential and I would be honored if you worked for my humble company."

Baffled by the offer, she kindly expressed her thoughts. "Thank you for the offer Mr. Mason, but I already accepted an editor position at another company."

"In that case, congratulation Miss James. I'm sure you'll accomplish all your dreams. I'm sad to see that Lucas here is leaving me also."

Haley and Lucas smiled at one another, happy that they each are going to pursue their dreams.

"Thank you Mr. Mason for everything."

"I hope you remember to give me a look at the first novel you write. I would love to be the person to discover a new talented, upcoming writer."

"You'll be the first person I send it to."

"Great!" he shook hands with Lucas and gave Haley's hand a kiss.

---

Several months had passed since Lucas' and Haley's last visit to Tree Hill, where they confessed their feelings for one another. They were showing each other their old hangouts and sharing high school memories. Talking about the past brought them back to the world where they both felt young and carefree. Holding hands like high school lovebirds, they laughed as they revealed their juvenile worries to one another that seemed so tragic and huge when they were in high school, but now seemed silly. A few moments later, they reached their final destination – the cherished spot where their story began.

Stopping to face Haley, Lucas took hold of Haley's other hand. Staring intensely into her chocolate orbs, Haley felt the heat rise to the small display of affection. Her pulse skipped a beat as she gazed lovingly back at him with twinkling eyes.

"Hales, you mean more to me than I can ever convey. Your unfailing, unconditional love has taught me that love is something worth fighting for, and I am glad that I won the battle. I don't know how I managed to live my life without you, but one thing is for sure, I can't see myself spending my life with anyone but you. I love you, Haley James and," Lucas pulled out a silver heart ring which gleamed in the sunlight as he continued his declaration of love. "I would be honored if you wear this promise ring. It's a promise that I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy as your boyfriend and in the future, if you'll have me, as your husband."

His speech brought tears to her eyes as she felt the pure bliss captivate her very soul at this perfect moment, highlighted by the ring that was created for her lender finger. Holding out her hand as he slipped the ring on her finger, she threw her arms around his neck, drawing him close to her. Her mutual feelings and admiration for her soul mate was expressed deeply when she captured his lips with hers as the sun began to set on the spot that was a sweet sentiment to their past, present, and future.

Sadly, this is my last story I'm going to write. Who knows, I may be inspired to write something else in the future. Only time can tell.

I want to express how much everyone's kind words means to me. Thank you for making my writing experience an unforgettable one.