A/N: Hi everyone! I have not forgotten my promise about getting this story wrapped. I have been busy with my new job. I finally have a teaching position where I don't have to work these long hours. I'm still adjusting but I am super excited to have a job that provides decent benefits.

Enough of that. This prompt is venturing away from the original novel but I think it will still be refreshing. Hope you like!

Rebecca

Twyla Mercedes prompted: The truth is uncovered about Cora's death. (Rated T)

Belle was sitting in the court room as the deposition played out. Testimony after testimony. All about Cora.

Her Anthony was barely hanging by a thread. She knew this was going to be difficult, but that was an understatement. It was torture. Watching her husband sit and relive those moments he wanted desperately to forget. She wished she could take it away and help him bear this burden.

Anthony stole a glance in her direction and Belle smiled. That simple gesture seemed to put him at ease.

She knew he loved her and now he knew that she loved him.

No matter what.

Anthony confessed he pulled the trigger that killed Cora, and then put her on the yacht and set it off to sea so it would sink, erasing all memory of her. He didn't think Belle could love him after what he done, but God help her, her love for him only deepened, and if possible, grew even more.

She was at his side, now and forever.

Then the coroner came.

Anthony tensed as Dr. Whale swore his oath and began his testimony. Only she and Anthony knew the truth. They knew her death was the result of a bullet not the accidental drowning that everyone believed. The hope that all these years with her body underwater would cover up the evidence of a murder.

However, they never expected nor were they prepared for what Dr. Whale revealed.

"Upon examining the body of the late Mrs. Gold, I came across something startling. There was a scar above her right shoulder from a grazing of a bullet. I do not know how long it happened before the yacht sank, but Mrs. Gold was quite determined to take her life."

The people present in the inquest all had gasped collectively in resounding shock. Belle looked to Anthony who was thoroughly astonished.

Dr. Whale continued.

"There were additional scarring found on her wrists. It is in my expert opinion that the late Mrs. Gold wanted to have a dramatic exit and must have regretted the choice of a gun. Since Captain Triton testified the yacht was tampered, the late Mrs. Gold must have caused the damage to have the yacht sink and with the final au revoir she took her life. Her death was suicide."

Belle covered her mouth as the rest of the room went into frenzy. Suicide… Cora Gold took her life?

She went to Anthony, taking him in her arms, as he hugged her close.

"It's over," he murmured. "She killed herself. We're free Belle." Then as it occurred to him, he lowered his voice. "I didn't kill her… But she had been lifeless in my arms when I carried her…"

"She must have pretended," Belle said.

"Yes but why?" Anthony frowned.

"You said before she liked to play by her own rules. Perhaps even in death it was to be on her terms."

Anthony nodded. "Indeed. That would be something Cora would have done."

"At least we can be together. No more ghosts; no more demons."

"Just you and me. Oh Belle… how I love you."

"I love you too Anthony. Let's go home."

Taking her hand, Anthony and Belle returned to Manderley where they started their lives anew.

Short, I know, but a fitting end. You guys know the drill!