Chapter 12 - I Thought My Life Was Finally Peaceful—Until Mark Asked for One More ChanceTwo years passed.
Mark completed his counseling.
He repaid part of the money.
He followed every court order.
He became more involved with the twins.
He never asked me to take him back.
Until one afternoon.
He came to the mansion.
“I need to tell you something.”
“What?”
“I still love you.”
I looked at him.
“I know.”
“I don't expect you to forgive me.”
“Good.”
“I just wanted you to know that I'm trying.”
He showed me photographs.
He had volunteered at a senior center.
He had helped elderly people with transportation.
He had spent months repairing homes for disabled seniors.
I looked at him.
“You're changing.”
“I should have changed years ago.”
“Yes.”
“I know.”
He looked toward the garden.
“Rose taught me something.”
“What?”
“That a person can be hurt without becoming cruel.”
I smiled faintly.
“That sounds like her.”
He nodded.
“I don't want another chance at your money.”
“Good.”
“I want a chance to be worthy of my children.”
“That,” I said, “is something you can earn.”
He nodded.
And for the first time since the nightmare began, I saw something different in him.
Not entitlement.
May you like
Not greed.
Humility.
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