Chapter 19 - Vivian’s Apology
Vivian asked Emma to meet her three years after the mansion dinner.
Emma almost declined.
Then agreed.
They met in a public park.
Vivian looked smaller.
Not physically.
She simply no longer carried herself as if every room belonged to her.
“I owe you an apology.”
Emma waited.
“No explanations.”
That surprised her.
Vivian continued.
“You helped me when you owed me nothing.”
Her voice shook.
“I responded by trying to take more.”
Emma said nothing.
“I treated Daniel like belonging to me meant obeying me.”
Vivian wiped her eyes.
“And I treated you like marrying him meant becoming another resource.”
Emma looked at her.
“Yes.”
“I grabbed you.”
“Yes.”
“I lied about it.”
“Yes.”
“I forged your name because I believed my comfort mattered more than your consent.”
Emma’s throat tightened.
“Yes.”
Vivian nodded.
“I’m sorry.”
No but.
No because.
No demand.
Just sorry.
Emma finally said:
“I accept the apology.”
Vivian’s eyes filled.
“That doesn’t mean we become close.”
“I know.”
“That doesn’t mean I trust you.”
“I know.”
“And if Daniel and I ever have any kind of relationship again, you don’t get a vote.”
Vivian looked down.
“I know.”
Emma stood.
May you like
For the first time, Vivian did not ask for more than Emma offered.
That was enough.
