Chapter 8: The Power of Forgiveness
Madam Sterling stared at the necklace, a tear slipping down her wrinkled cheek. For decades, she had maintained a rigid standard of cold perfection, driving away her children and corrupting her family to protect a social standing that had ultimately meant nothing.
""I thought... if I was weak, everything would fall apart,"" Madam Sterling whispered, her voice finally breaking. ""I built a prison and called it a palace.""
""I forgive you,"" Elena said quietly.
Madam Sterling looked up, stunned. ""After everything I did to you?""
May you like
""I don't forgive you for your sake,"" Elena replied, standing up to leave. ""I forgive you so I don't carry your bitterness in my heart. Good luck, grandmother.""
As Elena walked out into the bright afternoon sunlight, she felt light for the first time in her life. The chains of her past had finally broken.
