She came, though–secretly. The security guards stopped her at the entrance. She wouldn’t give up and kept shouting that she was the bride’s mother, demanding to see me.
The guards took one look at her disfigured face and drove her away in disgust.
I was passing by when I heard her calling my name.
Eventually, I walked to the entrance, my expression indifferent. “What are you doing here?”
Her arrogance vanished. She wrung her hands, her voice timid. “I’m sorry, Jolene. I just wanted to see you. Today is such an important day… I didn’t want to be absent.”
Under the gaze of strangers, she lowered her head in shame afraid to let anyone see the scars that marred her face.
I looked at her, quiet for a moment. Then, softly, I said, “But you’ve been absent for a long time.”
She stiffened. Then, suddenly, she began to cry.
Tears streamed down her face, her voice hoarse with age. She had finally experienced all the pain, loneliness, and injustice she had once made me endure. And at long last, she admitted her mistake.
“I was unfair,” she choked out. “I hurt you too much. Jolene… I’m sorry.”
Пlowered my gaze and watched her for a long time. Then, without a word, I turned and walked away.
The sea breeze brushed against me. Sunlight spilled over my white wedding gown.
That day, I climbed to the rooftop and saw the endless sky and neon lights stretching to infinity. It was breathtaking
Had I thought about jumping?
Yes.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 14
Maybe, deep down, I had. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have climbed up there at all.
But in that moment, feeling the wind and the sun, listening to the rustling autumn leaves and the distant hum of traffic, I chose not to jump.
Instead, I chose to keep moving forward.
To work hard, to stay away from rotten people and meaningless pain.
To never destroy myself for the mistakes of others.
If no one loves you, then love yourself a little more.
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