At that moment, I saw what looked like a completely shattered soul. The once proud, unyielding Jack now lacked even the strength to stand.
“I… I was wrong,” he finally murmured. His voice was heavy with regret and self-reproach. “I let greed blind me, and I hurt all of you… But what’s the point of saying that now?” I didn’t respond. No words could undo the harm he had inflicted upon us.
I turned and walked away. Each step I took was firm and resolute.
The moment I stepped outside the courtroom, I took a deep breath of fresh air. A profound sense of relief washed over me.
The days that followed were filled with wrapping up loose ends, managing my mother’s estate, and handling company shares.
It was overwhelming at times, but I was no longer the person who relied on others. I had learned to be independent, resilient, and to face life’s storms head-on.
As for Jack, he would be trapped in a cycle of regret and reflection in prison.
It was said that he spent countless sleepless nights, and his hair turned grey almost overnight. His once commanding presence reduced to that of a frail, broken man. The prison walls became his only companion, echoing the torment of his inner guilt.
He wrote me numerous letters, hoping to reconnect. He longed to see me. But I never replied a single one.
The money he had squandered on those two women? I reclaimed it through legal means.
Now, with my name cleared and my future bright, I could finally stand tall as the person I was meant to be.
Though I missed the opportunity to participate in the upcoming international competition, Kevin continued to excel in my place.
Before returning overseas, I made a
point of inviting Ethan to dinner. He had been a crucial support during my darkest time, and I felt it was only right to express my gratitude.
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“I never thought we’d sit across from each other like this. You’ve had a tough journey, no doubt,” Ethan said.
He seemed taken aback by my initiative, but his assistance had been invaluable, and this was my way of acknowledging it.
I knew our relationship might have fractured beyond repair, but some things could still be mended and given a fresh start.
The warm light of the restaurant cast a soft glow over the table, casting the silhouettes of me and him sitting across from each other. Outside the window, the city lights painted a breathtaking canvas, yet the atmosphere between us was even more profound. “Yeah. So much has happened. It feels like years have passed.”
I gently stirred my coffee. As the steam rose, I reflected on the struggles and perseverance that had brought me to this point.
Ethan’s eyes softened with a hint of compassion Gently, he said, “You’re stronger than I ever imagined. And more remarkable, too. I’m proud of who you’ve become, though I regret not being there when you needed me the most.”
I smiled. A mixture of emotions flickered across my face-relief, gratitude, and acceptance.
“Thank you, Ethan. No matter what happened before, I’ll always remember the help you gave me. And I’ll repay that kindness in my own way.”
He shook his head. His gaze was
firm. “There’s no need for such formality between us. Seeing you rise above everything and embrace life again is the best repayment could ask for. I’m certain your future will be even brighter.”
I nodded. A surge of warmth spread through my chest.
The truth was, I had hidden my feelings for him all along. Loving him had been my greatest resolve.
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