Chapter 7 - THE WOUNDS MONEY COULDN'T SEE The mansion became peaceful.
But peace did not erase memories.
Elena still woke at night remembering the sound of breaking glass.
Sometimes Maya would cry unexpectedly, and Elena's heart would race before she could remind herself that Victoria was gone.
Arthur noticed.
"You don't have to pretend you're fine."
Elena looked at him.
"I'm trying to be strong."
"You don't have to be strong every minute."
Those words broke something inside her.
She cried.
Arthur simply sat beside her.
No advice.
No judgment.
Just presence.
Across the room, Maya crawled toward them.
Arthur smiled.
"Look."
Maya grabbed his trouser leg.
He laughed softly.
"She has forgiven the whole world already."
Elena wiped her tears.
"She's stronger than I am."
"No."
Arthur looked at her.
"She's strong because you protected her."
For the first time, Elena realized that surviving Victoria had changed her.
She was no longer the woman who apologized to keep peace.
May you like
She had discovered her voice.
And she intended to use it.
Related Stories
