Chapter 13
Sienna did not return home with Gavin.
She returned to my estate.
Her choice.
He moved into a separate apartment.
Also correct.
They began speaking with supervision at first.
Not because I ordered it.
Because Sienna wanted witnesses until her body stopped reacting to his anger.
That was the part Gavin hated most.
He thought apology should restore normal.
Sienna taught him otherwise.
“You don’t decide when I stop being scared.”
He closed his eyes.
“I know.”
“No. You know the sentence.”
Good.
My daughter had changed.
Not hardened.
Clearer.
She continued.
“You keep asking if I forgive you because you want relief.”
Gavin said nothing.
“I need safety before you get relief.”
That landed.
I stayed out of those conversations unless invited.
Hard.
Necessary.
Meanwhile, Marjorie sent gifts.
Returned.
Letters.
Stored.
Sabrina sent a bracelet for Mila.
Returned.
Not revenge.
Boundary.
The Coles had spent months assuming family connection guaranteed access.
Now they learned access was conditional.
Blood.
Marriage.
Grandmotherhood.
None of it overrides safety.
Mila stopped asking where Sabrina was after a few weeks.
Children adapt when adults stop reopening wounds for appearances.
Her hair began growing unevenly.
She liked touching the short side.
Then laughed.
“Funny.”
Good.
May you like
The mirror no longer frightened her.
That was more important than whether adults felt forgiven.
