I Bought House My Dream Beach House To Heal. On The First Night My Mother Called: “WE’RE MOVING IN TOMORROW. YOUR DAD SAID IT’S FINE. IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT YOU CAN FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE.” My Hands Shook, But I Smiled. I Prepared A Surprise That Is…

“I didn’t know,” Paige blurted. “I swear I didn’t know it was…criminal. I thought Mom just handled things. Dad always—he always let her. And you…you never fought.”

Her words stung because they were true. I hadn’t fought. Not openly.

“I fought,” I said quietly. “Just not where you could see.”

Paige’s voice shook. “She’s saying you set her up. She says you’re trying to steal Dad’s money and ruin us.”

I let out a slow breath. “Paige,” I said, “did you watch the screen at the gala?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Did you hear Dad say he didn’t sign those documents?”

“Yes.”

“Then you know,” I said. “And once you know, you have a choice.”

Silence.

Then Paige said, “I’m sorry.”

It was the first time in fifteen years she’d said it without sarcasm.

“I’m sorry I let her do it,” she continued, voice cracking. “I’m sorry I treated you like you were…less. I didn’t think about you. I thought about me.”

I stared at the ocean, letting the apology land where it could.

“What do you want from me?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe…a chance to be better.”

I didn’t promise forgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t a coupon you hand out because someone finally noticed your pain.