Chapter 14
Celeste eventually asked to apologize to Anna.
Anna said no.
Three months later, still no.
Six months later:
“Yes. Ten minutes.”
Her choice.
I did not attend.
Mia did not attend.
Good.
Afterward Anna told me only what she wanted.
Celeste apologized for forcing the drinks.
For damaging her hands through excessive work.
For threatening her job.
Then tried to explain family pressure.
Anna stopped her.
“Your family pressure did not put the glass in my hand. You did.”
Good.
Celeste cried.
Maybe genuine.
Not relevant to access.
“She asked about Mia.”
I looked at Anna.
“And?”
“I said not yet.”
Correct.
“Do you think someday?”
Anna shrugged.
“Maybe.”
I smiled faintly.
Powerful families hate that word.
Maybe means the other person owns the timeline.
No schedule.
No entitlement.
May you like
No guaranteed reward for remorse.
Exactly what Celeste needed to learn.
