The Night of the Gala
Three months later, Harrison Development hosted a public gala for the new community project.
Emma didn’t want to go.
“I don’t belong in that world anymore,” she told Nathan.
“You never stopped belonging anywhere,” he said. “But I won’t push you.”
In the end, she came for the boys.
Oliver and Owen wore matching navy sweaters. Emma wore a simple blue dress she’d found on sale. Nathan thought she looked more beautiful than anyone else in the room.
Margaret was there too.
She stood at a distance, watching the twins, blinking back tears she was too proud to wipe away.
Emma noticed her and stiffened instantly.
Nathan stepped closer. “You don’t have to talk to her.”
But Margaret approached slowly.
For once, she didn’t look like a queen.
She looked like an old woman facing the damage she’d caused.
“Emma,” Margaret said, voice trembling, “I was cruel to you. I told myself I was protecting my son, but I was protecting my pride. I stole years from all three of you.”
Emma said nothing.
Margaret looked at the boys.
“I don’t deserve to be their grandmother. But if you ever give me even a small chance to prove I can be kind, I’d be grateful.”
Emma’s eyes filled, but her voice held steady.
“I can’t promise anything tonight.”
Margaret nodded.
“That’s more than I deserve.”
It wasn’t forgiveness.
But it was the first honest moment between them.
