Chapter 19 - The LetterLate that night, after the guests had gone, Elena returned to the library.
A small envelope sat on the desk.
No return address.
Her name was written across it.
She opened it.
Inside was a single handwritten page.
The letter was from Claire.
She wrote that prison had taught her something wealth never had.
Silence.
She admitted her cruelty.
Her jealousy.
Her fear.
And finally, she wrote:
"I don't expect forgiveness. I only hope one day I become someone who deserves it."
Elena folded the letter.
She didn't know whether Claire would ever truly change.
But she placed the letter inside a drawer rather than throwing it away.
Not because she trusted Claire.
Because she had decided not to carry hatred anymore.
Julian entered.
"What is it?"
"An ending."
He looked at her.
"Are you sure?"
Elena smiled.
"No."
May you like
She looked toward the window.
"Maybe it's a beginning."
