Chapter 5
William remained persistent, waiting outside the hospital daily without fail, rain or shine.
During an unexpected downpour, I saw him still standing at the hospital entrance after my shift, soaked through with a haggard appearance.
“What do you actually want?” I finally confronted him.
William lifted his head, eyes pleading: “Emma, give me one chance—just one–to explain and apologize.”
I
gave a cold laugh: “Explain what? Apologize for what? Do you think saying sorry can erase the scars on my face or heal the pain in my heart?”
William lowered his gaze: “I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I must tell you how deeply I regret everything.”
Every day, Sophia writes me a letter of apology. Her sincere remorse and longing leave my resolve wavering.
“Mom, I miss you every day, thinking of the meals you cooked, the stories you told, the hugs you gave…”
“I know I was wrong. I hurt you. I’ll accept any punishment, just please forgive me…
This immature handwriting softened my heart again and again.
I finally agreed to meet William at a café near the hospital.
“Would you have known the truth without these injuries on my face?” I stared into his eyes, voicing my deepest doubt.
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Villiam remained silent, tears falling. “I’ve failed your love, I can never
ake up for hurting you.”
You’re avoiding the question,” I stated calmly.
Villiam painfully closed his eyes: “No… If it weren’t for Sophia’s ightmare, if it weren’t for her confession, I might have been kept in the ark forever.”
Then what makes you think I would forgive you?” My voice was errifyingly calm.
Villiam opened his eyes and looked straight at me: “I don’t expect your orgiveness. I just want you to know I’ve learned the truth, and I’ve paid ne price for my stupidity and cruelty.”
Every day I regret, every day I suffer, but I know these can’t compare to ven a fraction of what you’ve been through.”
calmly told him I had said goodbye to the past and wouldn’t return to the home that hurt me, then turned and left.
Sophia caught up and hugged me tightly: “Mom, I’m sorry, I know I was wrong, I really miss you.”
I gently stroked Sophia’s face: “Mom misses you too, but some hurts, once they happen, can never be undone.”
Sophia cried even harder: “I can change, I’ll be a good kid, I’ll never hurt you again…”
I crouched down to her eye level: “Sophia, remember, no matter what happens, Mom loves you, but sometimes, loving someone doesn’t mean you have to be with them.”
William took Sophia back home, and before leaving, he left a long letter expressing regret and blessings, no longer bothering.
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Chapter 5
“Emma, I won’t disturb your life anymore, but I want you to know, I’ll spend the rest of my life repenting and making amends.”
“Sophia needs a complete family, needs parental love, but I respect your choice.”
“I just hope you can be happy, find someone who truly cherishes you, and live the life you deserve.”
After reading the letter, I silently put it down, David came to pick me up for the date, and I smiled and took his arm.
“Will that man come to bother you again?” David asked with concern.
I shook my head: “No,
head: “No, it’s all over.”
A year later, Sophia sent me a letter, telling me that she and Dad were doing well and hoping for my happiness.
“Mom, Dad took me to see
Psist and helped me out of the
shadows.”
“I’m studying hard at school, hoping to become a nurse like you future, to help those in need.”
in the
“Dad has changed a lot; he’s no longer that cold person. He often tells me stories about you, about how brave and kind you are.”
The letter included a photo of William and Sophia standing in front of the hospital room where I once cared for him, their eyes full of nostalgia.
I married David in a foreign country, starting a new life where I gradually
let go of past pains and rediscovered hap
David was a thoughtful husband who respected present, and planned our future.
past, cherished my
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Chapter 5
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We worked together, traveled together, and built our little home – simple yet fulfilling.
