Chapter 8 - THE CONFRONTATION
I was leaving the office one Friday.
A woman was waiting by the entrance.
She looked haggard.
Her hair was messy.
She held a stroller.
It was Madison.
I stopped.
My security guard moved forward,
but I held up a hand.
"It’s okay,"
I said.
Madison looked at me.
There was no arrogance left.
Only exhaustion.
"Victoria,"
she said.
"Please."
"I have nothing,"
she whispered.
"Ethan left me."
"He took the last of the cash and disappeared."
"My parents won't speak to me."
"I can't pay the rent."
I looked down at the baby.
He was sleeping.
He had Marcus’s chin.
And my mother’s eyes.
"You had everything,
Madison,"
I said quietly.
"You had a sister who loved you."
"You had a family."
"You threw it away for a man who never loved you."
"I know,"
she sobbed.
"I was stupid."
"I was jealous."
"You were always the perfect one."
"I just wanted something of yours."
I felt a pang of pity.
But I also remembered the four months of lies.
The laughter behind my back.
The plan to steal my inheritance.
"I won't give you money,
Madison,"
I said.
"But I will pay for the baby’s school."
"And I will provide a small apartment in my name."
"You will work."
"You will earn your way."
"And you will never,"
"ever,"
"mention my name in public again."
Madison looked up,
tears streaming down her face.
"Thank you,"
she choked out.
"Don't thank me,"
I said.
"I’m doing this for the boy."
"He shouldn't suffer for your sins."
I walked past her.
I didn't look back.
It wasn't forgiveness.
May you like
It was closure.
The final loose end was tied.
