Chapter 14
Marina stayed in Port Clement for two weeks.
I returned home.
That mattered.
She needed a father, not a husband waiting outside every conversation.
The marriage was over.
At least as marriage.
We did not know what remained.
Mother asked whether I missed her.
“Yes.”
“Good.”
I stared.
“Good?”
“If you didn’t, you would become too comfortable making people simple.”
Annoying woman.
Correct.
Marina had lied.
Manipulated access.
Used me at first.
Locked my mother in a cage.
Also been raised on deliberate falsehood from thirteen.
Loved me genuinely later.
Tried to escape Sabine’s plan.
Failed morally when fear peaked.
All true.
No single label.
That did not require reunion.
Complexity is not forgiveness.
It is accuracy.
Carys returned to work at her own request.
I offered another property.
She declined.
“This one is closer to my sister.”
Practical.
Good.
She did ask for one change.
“No bridal service.”
I almost laughed.
“Permanent?”
“For a while.”
Granted.
She moved to breakfast service.
No brides.
Less champagne.
Probably healthier.
Mother gave her a new emergency pendant system for elder guests.
Carys protested.
Mother said:
“After what happened, you’re the only person I trust to tell me when ours is stupid.”
Not promotion.
Responsibility.
Carys accepted.
May you like
Then negotiated two weekends off.
Excellent.
