Chapter 20 - Adrian's Last Request
Adrian pleaded guilty.
The charges connected to the wedding incident were only part of it.
Investigators also proved he had participated in identity misuse and conspiracy surrounding Halcyon.
His attorney negotiated a sentence that included incarceration, restitution and mandatory treatment programs.
Before sentencing, Adrian requested one final meeting with Clara.
She nearly refused.
Then accepted for one reason.
Closure.
He looked older.
Not dramatically.
Just honestly.
“I wanted to apologize.”
“You already have.”
“No. Before, I apologized because I wanted something.”
Clara waited.
“I don't expect forgiveness.”
“Good.”
He nodded.
“I knew my mother arranged our meeting. But the first night we talked…I liked you.”
Clara felt nothing.
That surprised her.
“I kept telling myself the beginning didn't matter because eventually my feelings became real.”
“They weren't real enough to make you stop.”
“No.”
“At any moment, you could have told me.”
“I know.”
“You could have walked away from your mother.”
“Yes.”
“You could have burned the agreement.”
“Yes.”
“You could have let go of my wrist.”
Adrian lowered his eyes.
“Yes.”
Clara stood.
“That is the part you need to live with.”
He looked up.
“Do you hate me?”
She thought carefully.
“No.”
That hurt him more than yes.
“I don't need to.”
Clara moved toward the door.
“Clara?”
She turned.
“I am sorry.”
For the first time, she believed he meant it.
And for the first time, it didn't matter.
“I hope you become someone who never makes another woman need that apology.”
Then she left.
May you like
Adrian remained behind the glass.
Clara never saw him again.
