Chapter 24 - the day wendy asked for one final meeting
Wendy was released from supervision.
She requested a meeting.
Jessi almost refused.
Then she agreed.
They met at the foundation.
Wendy looked smaller.
Older.
Without the expensive clothes and social status, she seemed almost ordinary.
“Thank you for seeing me.”
Jessi nodded.
“I don't know why you asked.”
Wendy looked down.
“I wanted to return something.”
She placed a small envelope on the table.
Inside was an old photograph.
Jessi's mother.
Pregnant.
Standing beside Jessi's father.
And behind them, a younger Wendy.
Jessi stared.
“Why were you there?”
Wendy swallowed.
“Your father asked me to help.”
“With what?”
“Protecting the company.”
“Then why did you betray him?”
Wendy's eyes filled.
“Because Marcus convinced me I could protect my family by taking control of yours.”
Jessi said nothing.
“I was afraid.”
“You hurt people.”
“I know.”
“You helped Luca.”
“I know.”
“You watched me walk into that wedding knowing what he intended.”
Wendy began crying.
“I know.”
Jessi breathed slowly.
“I don't forgive you.”
Wendy nodded.
“I know.”
“But I don't hate you.”
Wendy looked up.
That was enough.
The meeting ended there.
No hug.
No reconciliation.
Just truth.
When Jessi returned to her office, Phoebe asked:
“How do you feel?”
“Tired.”
“Regret?”
“No.”
“Angry?”
“Less.”
She looked at the photograph.
“I think sometimes forgiveness isn't saying someone was right.”
Phoebe nodded.
“It means they don't get to keep deciding how you feel.”
Jessi smiled.
May you like
Exactly.
---
Related Stories
