Chapter 13: Talking it out
As the family gathered for dinner, an unmistakable somberness hung in the air. Caleb patiently waited for the meal to conclude before he called for a meeting, sensing the need to address the underlying tension between the sisters.
"Okay, I need to put my foot down," Caleb began, his voice carrying a tone of authority. "You guys are going to talk it out right now. The way you've both been moping around is honestly sad. We need to resolve this."
For a brief moment, silence engulfed the room until Amber, breaking the ice awkwardly, started to speak.
"You know I didn't do it to hurt you, Lilian. I could never hurt you."
Lilian, however, didn't hold back. Her response was tinged with bitterness and hurt.
"Well, you did. Maybe you didn't want to hurt me, but it doesn't change what happened."
Caleb intervened, sensing the escalating tension. "Lilian, that was uncalled for. Amber had her reasons, and you know deep down she didn't intend to hurt you."
But Lilian remained unconvinced, and Amber's pallor reflected her sister's sharp words.
Amber eventually mustered the courage to explain. "It was my grandmother. She threatened your life, Lilian. I know you may find it hard to believe, but she loves you, and you love her. Despite everything, she's still your sister."
Caleb provided further context by recounting his conversation with Amber about their grandmother's involvement.
"My grandmother had come to the house after I left for the office..."
As he recounted the conversation, Lilian's disbelief grew, prompting her to question Amber directly.
"Is that true?" she asked.
Amber nodded solemnly.
Lilian felt the weight of her anger
and resentment begins to lift. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized the complexity of the situation. "I'm sorry," she finally uttered, her voice softer and more forgiving. "I shouldn't have taken my frustrations out on you."
Amber, overwhelmed with emotion, repeated her apologies, and the sisters shared a tearful embrace, symbolizing their reconciliation.
Later that evening, after the emotional reunion, Caleb called Lilian aside for a private conversation. He held her hands firmly, seeking to deliver a message that weighed heavily on him.
"Look, there's no easy way to say this," Caleb began gently, "but when you were in prison, your father attempted suicide. He's still alive, so don't worry, but he's currently in a coma."
Lilian's world seemed to spin as she absorbed the shocking news. Her voice trembled as she sought clarity. "What? What did you say?"
Caleb continued, trying to explain the situation. "A letter was found. He had discovered about your incarceration and Amber testifying against you. He believed he hadn't been a good father."
Lilian's mind raced, connecting the dots. "But how did he know about the case?"
Lilian hesitated for a moment and then reluctantly asked"It was your grandmother, wasn't it?"
The expression on Caleb's' face was all she needed as confirmation.
Lilian's face contorted with a mix of anger, hurt, and frustration. "Why does she hate me so much? If she hated me, she should have confronted me. Why is she targeting my family? What did we ever do to her? I never wanted this – the engagement, the property. I never asked for any of it. So why is she targeting me? I didn't do anything to her!"
As her emotions overflowed, Lilian cried, releasing the pent-up anguish that had built inside her.
Caleb offered a comforting presence, sitting with her through the emotional storm. He listened as Lilian poured out her feelings, allowing her to grieve and vent her frustrations.
When Lilian finally calmed down, Caleb brought her a glass of water. She looked at him with gratitude in her eyes.
"Thank you," she whispered, taking a sip of the water. She shifted, resting her head on Caleb's shoulder.
"Don't tell Amber about it, okay? I want him to wake up first," Lilian requested.
Caleb nodded. "Okay, anything you say." he did not ask if she was sure he would wake up he just believed and respected her opinions.
Lilian, her voice filled with appreciation, told him, "Thank you for everything. I can't express how grateful I am."
Caleb squeezed her hands gently and Lilian continued "Your grandmother's mistakes are not yours. No matter what, you're a good person."
This statement made Caleb's heart lighter this was what he fought for and he would not regret it
In the quiet of the night, they sat together, their companionship serving as a source of solace, understanding, and support.
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