Chapter 22
The next morning, news of Calvin’s shocking fall from the hospital roof–and the permanent loss of his legs–swept through Capital City like wildfire.
But what truly stunned everyone came a year after Nettle’s death, when Calvin finally stood before the world and
nd admitted his guilt.
He confessed that he had believed malicious lies, acted arrogantly, and, in doing so, had become the indirect cause of his own sister’s death
He accepted, completely and without reservation, the punishment he deserved.”
The day Calvin was arrested dawned bright and clear–a perfect day. It was eerily reminiscent of that long–ago morning when he had personally escorted Nettie onto the cruise ship.8
But this time, it was Calvin leaving 3
The mysterious white light from the past had never truly changed anything. All it had done was force Calvin, who had spent so long running.from the truth, to finally face it and admit what he’d done.
The moment the cold steel of the handcuffs snapped around his wrists, Calvin seemed to wake from a daze.l
He looked at Nettie, standing before him, and a wave of crushing loneliness washed over him.
Though they stood barely a few feet apart, it felt as if an endless chasm yawned between them–one he could never hope to cross, no matter how desperately he tried.
As Nettle brushed past him, Calvin, who had been calm all this time, suddenly broke. He lunged wildly toward her, but the two officers at his side held his wheelchair firmly in place.
Nettie! Nettle! Why?” he cried out, his voice hoarse with anguish.!
Weren’t they the closest of siblings? Weren’t they all each other had left in the world?
He understood now–truly understood the depth of his mistake. He wanted to make things right, to apologize, to beg her forgiveness. Why, then, was she so determined to cut him out of her life?0
Nettle turned back to look at him, her gaze steady and cold.!
you?” she asked quietly. “Why did you hurt your own sister over and over again, just for the sake of an adopted
“And what about you?” sh daughter?“%
Why hadn’t he listened to her? Why had he forced her into a corner with no escape?
“Don’t tell me you pitied her. If anyone deserved pity, it was me.”
No one had trusted her. No one had loved her. Those who had hurt her never suffered for it.
She had learned to fight for herself.
Suddenly, Calvin remembered the promise he’d once made, kneeling at their parents‘ grave: that he would protect his little sister for life, believe in her no matter what, and make sure she grew up safe, found love, and lived happily ever after 8
But now, it was clear–he had broken that promise first.
“You were the one who betrayed me,” Nettie said, her voice unwavering. “So don’t blame me for what I’ve done. The best ending for us is to never meet again.
“I’ll just pretend my brother died the year Charis came into our lives.“2
Nettie no longer looked at him. She lowered her head and, step by slow, determined step, walked away.
A faint apology was carried to her ears by the morning breeze 2
“I’m sorry..
But Nettle would never accept it. That apology had come far too late–and nothing could ever heal the wounds she carried.
As for Calvin’s imprisonment, Hurst had seen it coming.
After all, it had been Calvin’s actions that led to Nettie’s suffering. In Hurst’s eyes, this was nothing more than the justice Calvin deserved. There was not a trace of pity in Hurst’s heart for Calvin; if anything, he thought Calvin had it coming.
Still, Hurst’s heart ached for Nettie. With her only family now behind bars, all she had left was him–her fiancé.
So, the very next day after Calvin’s sentencing, Hurst wasted no time bringing Nettie home to live with him.
From the moment he’d first laid eyes on her, he had known she was the one he was meant to marry.
He didn’t know how Nettle had come back from the brink of death, or why she had chosen to retum to his side. But none of that mattered
anymore. He could only believe that fate was finally showing him some mercy, giving him a second chance to make things right!! To make it up to her, Hurst began planning their wedding all over again.
If not for Charis, if not for Calvin’s betrayals, if not for the tragedy that tore them apart–by now, Nettie would already be his bride, his wife, and the love of his life.
