Chapter 16 - Chloe Came Back Alone
Chloe arrived one rainy afternoon.
She stood outside Maya's office holding a small box.
“I brought something.”
Maya looked at her.
“What is it?”
Chloe opened the box.
Inside were several pieces of jewelry Maya had given her over the years.
“I should've returned these sooner.”
Maya didn't take them.
“Why?”
“Because I knew more than I admitted.”
Maya remained silent.
Chloe's eyes filled with tears.
“I didn't know everything.”
“But you knew something.”
“Yes.”
Maya nodded.
“That matters.”
“I was scared.”
“I know.”
“I thought if I told you, Ethan would destroy everything.”
Maya looked at her.
“He already had.”
Chloe lowered her head.
“I’m sorry.”
Maya finally reached for the box.
“Thank you.”
Chloe wiped her eyes.
“Do you hate me?”
Maya thought about it.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I don't want to carry your choices with me anymore.”
Chloe cried quietly.
Maya walked around the desk.
She hugged her.
May you like
It wasn't forgiveness for free.
It was closure.
