Chapter 16
I saw Coralie again at a charity dinner.
Three years after our engagement ended.
She attended with no partner.
So did I.
Cassian was there too.
Different table.
No drama.
That almost disappointed gossip.
She approached me near the terrace.
“You look well.”
“So do you.”
True.
Then:
“Is he here?”
She meant Finnian.
“No.”
She nodded.
“I’m glad.”
Interesting.
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want him thinking every room with me becomes about that night.”
Good answer.
We spoke briefly.
She told me she had stopped trying to build her importance through proximity to powerful men.
I almost made a joke.
Didn’t.
Growth does not need sarcasm every time.
Then she asked:
“Did you ever understand why I went to Cassian?”
“Yes.”
Her face changed.
“Do you forgive it?”
“No.”
Honest.
“But I understand it.”
That was enough.
She nodded.
Then:
“Did you change because of me?”
“Partly.”
She smiled sadly.
“I hate that.”
“Why?”
“Because it makes the whole disaster sound useful.”
I understood.
“It wasn’t necessary.”
That distinction mattered.
We could learn from harm without pretending harm deserved gratitude.
She exhaled.
“Good.”
Then we parted.
No rekindling.
No lingering hand.
May you like
Some relationships should remain ended even after anger matures.
That can be healthy too.
