A Promise Kept, A Heart Healed

through me, momentarily e

and shoved her, h

she deliberately knocked her hip against the corner of t

going on

alked in. His eyes took in the scene: me, standing

tantly streaming down her face.

r the angry red burns covering my arm. He rushe

ked, his voice filled with a frantic co

into his chest. "I just wanted

his furious gaze on me. "I know you don't like her, but bullyi

, my voice cracking. I held up my a

y side. "It's true, Mr. Harrison! We saw the

Ashley's tear-streaked face. He saw the evidence, h

that," he said, his voice cold and fin

st, as if I were some monster. The man who had once promised to p

t and radiating outwards, chilling me to the bone. The

Ashley, his voice soft again. He scooped her

the house without a

f soup and betrayal thick in the air. Maria gently guided me to a chair and bega

to space, feelin

passed. I packed the rest of my things, finalized my trav

bags from all my favorite designer stores. He placed them on the table

reacted. I know things have been ten

nd pulled out a diamond nec

ormance. A transaction. He thought he could buy my forgiveness, smoo

ting his litany of excuses. "Her family lost everything, you

was quiet, but sharp as glass. "She intentio

nsisted. "It was an accide

st time, I saw him clearly. Not the boy I grew up with, not the man I was s

aid, pushing the necklace away

face before it was replaced by frustration. Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanc

. It was a

dy turning towards the door. "

ft. A

er to the trash can and swept all of the design

y visa anymore. I was waiting for the right

he had a surprise for me, a charity auction gala. He pr

stupid, hopeful part, wanted to believe he

art wa

n ten minutes when I saw her. Ashley. S

nd leave, but Lia

s voice low. "Just ignore her.

part of the plan. Not when