Chapter 17 - FOURTEEN MONTHS LATERFourteen months after discovering the letters, Emily received another one.
This time, Michael handed it to her himself.
They were sitting in their new apartment.
A smaller place.
A quieter place.
A place without Margaret's influence.
Emily opened the envelope.
Inside was a letter Michael had written that morning.
Emily, I know I cannot give you back the fourteen months we lost.
She smiled sadly.
I know I cannot erase what my mother did.
Her eyes filled with tears.
But I can choose what happens next.
Emily looked at Michael.
He was watching her nervously.
She continued reading.
I don't want a marriage built on promises that other people can destroy. I want one built on truth. Even when the truth is ugly. Especially then.
Emily folded the letter.
Then walked toward him.
She kissed him.
Michael closed his eyes.
It was not a magical cure.
May you like
They still had work to do.
But for the first time, their love belonged only to them.
