After packing my things and bidding my comrades goodbye, I got on the ship back home. A month–long cruise later, I was back in Riverton City.
The six months I’d spent at the South Isles were more than enough for me to let go of the past. From now on, I would only live for myself.
I rented a place near the TV station. I returned to work the next day and completed the handover with my colleagues. Then, I bought a bouquet and went to the cemetery.
To my surprise, I saw that Mom’s grave was neat and tidy. Her favorite flowers had been placed there along with the desserts she liked in life.
I put my bouquet down and turned to leave. That was when I saw Hector standing behind me.
It had been half a year since we’d last seen each other, and he’d lost a lot of weight. He’d looked energetic and youthful before my departure. Now, he looked like he’d aged decades.
He didn’t dare meet my eyes. His expression was fearful yet ingratiating as he talked to me. “You’re back, Samantha.”
His voice was hoarse. It carried remorse and a tinge of sycophancy. He tugged on the sleeve of his T–shirt, which
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Chapter 6
was faded after one too many washes. He forced a smile and said, “The house Mom used to live in when she was alive isn’t occupied anymore.
“Benjamin… He drove those three assholes out before going to jail. Mom’s assets are still intact, too. They’re still under your name.”
The more he spoke, the more agitated he got. He couldn’t help looking up at me with a smile. Then, he started crying when he saw that I was still indifferent.
“You’re all I have left, Samantha. I know I made a mistake, and I was a monster in the past. I almost lost my mind when you went missing for six months.” Hector covered his face as he wept. His tears trickled down his face and onto his shirt, dampening the color. “Please don’t abandon ne…”
He was 6’3“, yet he fell to his knees before me while crying. He hugged my legs and begged me to forgive him.
I sighed in resignation and pushed him away gently. “Maybe you don’t remember this, but I’m only human. Did that stop you and Benjamin from hating me and wishing for my death?
“I’m a human being, and my heart beats just like yours does. Do you really think you deserve my forgiveness after everything you’ve done to harm me for Jennifer’s sake? Will your conscience be clear?”
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