Chapter 8
In the weeks after the trial, things settled.
I officially reinstated all the staff Daniel had cut to save money.
We launched a new affordable housing project—something Elias and I had dreamed about years ago.
Chloe sent a note apologizing. She said she’d been manipulated. I wrote back wishing her well.
My mom came to stay for a while. We cooked together and watched old movies.
Elias moved into a small house not far from mine. We met for coffee every morning before work.
But there was one more thing I needed to do.
I went to visit Daniel in prison.
We sat across from each other, glass between us.
“I’m not here to gloat,” I said. “I’m here to close the door.”
He looked tired. “I ruined everything. You. Elias. Myself.”
“You chose to,” I said. “No one made you lie. No one made you steal.”
“I was jealous,” he said quietly. “You were so good at everything. I wanted what you had, but I didn’t want to work for it.”
“Jealousy doesn’t excuse what you did,” I said. “But I’m glad you finally admit it.”
“I’m sorry,” he said. “For everything.”
I nodded. “I won’t carry your mistakes anymore. But I hope one day you make something of yourself—honestly this time.”
I stood up to leave.
“Lila,” he called. “Thank you for not giving up on the truth.”
May you like
I didn’t look back. I walked out into the bright afternoon sun.
The past couldn’t touch me anymore.
