Chapter 16
Preston returned to Chicago once.
Four years later.
Older.
Less polished.
He asked to speak with me.
I almost refused.
Then agreed.
Neutral place.
No family estate.
He sat across from me and said:
“I was wrong.”
I waited.
Specificity matters.
He continued.
“I treated Elena like removing her would solve a political problem.”
More.
“I let men take her somewhere without caring what happened after.”
More.
“I knew Victoria was lying to you.”
More.
“I attacked you because I thought if the ultrasound disappeared, maybe the entire problem would.”
There.
Finally.
No euphemism.
I asked:
“Why come now?”
He looked tired.
“Victoria won’t speak to me.”
Not enough.
Then:
“And I finally understand why.”
Better.
He did not ask forgiveness.
Good.
I did not offer it.
Before leaving, he asked:
“Can I apologize to Elena?”
“Ask her.”
He frowned.
“I’m asking you.”
“That’s the problem.”
He understood eventually.
Maybe.
Elena said no.
Again.
Choice.
Preston left.
No revenge.
May you like
No reconciliation.
Just a man finally forced to carry an answer he could not negotiate around.
