Caroline burst into tears and finally admitted she had believed everything her father owned would eventually belong to her. She thought marrying Derek meant they could live comfortably without consequences, and she assumed I was only tolerated because I depended on Richard. I looked at her and said quietly, “You never bothered to learn anything about me. That was your mistake.” For once, she had no insult ready.
At noon, the suitcases were carried back outside. Caroline paused at the doorway and looked at me, her pride completely gone. “Will you ever forgive me?” she whispered. I answered honestly: “Maybe. But forgiveness doesn’t mean giving you my house, my money, or my peace.” She left beside Derek without another word. Richard wrapped an arm around me after the door closed, smiled, and asked, “So, what’s for breakfast?” I laughed. “Nothing. I think we’ve both earned a quiet morning.”READ MORE BELOW