Chapter 12 - THE PRICE OF AN APOLOGY
Vincent requested a meeting through Nathan.
I agreed.
Neutral location.
No family members.
No assistants.
He arrived looking tired.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he said:
“I'm sorry.”
I looked at him.
He continued.
“For the nights I stayed away.”
“For the way I spoke to you.”
“For letting Sophia cross boundaries I should have enforced.”
His voice broke.
“And for making you feel like you weren't enough.”
I swallowed.
He looked down.
“I don't expect forgiveness.”
I nodded.
“Good.”
He continued.
“I've been cooperating with the investigation.”
I stared.
“And Sophia?”
His expression hardened.
“She concealed financial information from me.”
I waited.
He swallowed.
“And I gave her access she never should have had.”
I looked at him.
“Did you sleep with her?”
He went still.
Then answered.
“No.”
I stared.
He continued.
“But I understand why you believed I did.”
I looked away.
For a moment, relief came.
Then anger.
Because even if he hadn't been physically unfaithful, he had abandoned me emotionally.
I took a breath.
“Vincent, I don't know whether I believe you.”
He nodded.
“I understand.”
I stood.
“Thank you for apologizing.”
He looked up.
“But I'm still leaving.”
His eyes filled.
May you like
Then he nodded.
“I know.”
