Chapter 11
In the blink of an eye, 20 years had passed.
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Candice stood by the gallery’s floor–to–ceiling windows, gazing at the busy streets of New Aeravale. She had inherited Kathleen’s beauty and her natural gift for business. At 25, she was already a rising star in the art world.
“Candice, it’s time for the interview,” her assistant said, reminding her.
It was a feature for the Moments magazine–A Legacy Reborn: The Art Empire of Kathleen Sullivan’s Daughter.
The journalist asked, “Candice, many people say you’re just like your mother. What do you think?”
Candice paused for a moment. “I’ll never be her.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because she taught the world what real love was in 29 years, yet it took me 18 just to understand regret.”
The journalist, clearly familiar with the family’s past, did not push any further.
After the interview, Candice drove to the cemetery. It was the anniversary of Kathleen’s death, and just like every year, she came
without fail.
The grave was surrounded by fresh flowers–from Bowen, Kathleen’s friends, and some from strangers.
Over the years, the Kathleen Sullivan Cancer Foundation had helped thousands of cancer patients. Many would go there once a year to leave a bouquet and offer thanks.
“Hey, Mom,” Candice whispered as she sat by the headstone, just as always. “I’m here again.”
The breeze swept gently through the cemetery as if answering her.
She said, “The gallery made 200 million this year. You’d be proud. I remember you once wrote in your journal that you dreamed of making it the best in New Aeravale. Well, it is now.”
She paused for a moment. “Dad’s still the same. After everything, he never dated again. He said hurting you once was already unforgivable, and he didn’t want to make the same mistake twice.
“Grandma and Grandpa passed away last year. Before they left, they told me to tell you that they loved you. They always did. They just realized it too late.”
“And Yvonne…” Candice’s voice dropped to a whisper. “She lost her mind in prison. The doctors said it was a full mental breakdown. Maybe that’s karma.”
The cemetery was quiet, with only the sound of wind and distant birdsong.
Candice’s tears finally fell, and she mumbled, “Mom, you know what I regret the most? It’s those words–I hate you. I’ve spent
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Chapter 1
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20 years trying to take them back. Every time I remember the way you looked at me that day, I wish I could turn back time.
“Annie told me you tried to send me a message before you died. I wonder what it was. Was it an ‘I love you‘? Or maybe a ‘Take care
of yourself‘? I’ll never know.”
She pulled a picture frame from her bag–a yellowed photo from when she was born, with Kathleen holding her.
Kathleen looked so happy in the photo, her eyes full of maternal love.
“This is the most precious thing I own.” Candice placed the frame gently in front of the grave. “Every time I look at it, I wonder,
what if?”
What if she had not been blinded by Yvonne?
What if she had seen who truly loved her?
What if she had told her mom, just once, “I love you“?
However, life had no what–ifs.
Bowen’s car was parked not far away. He had aged considerably, his temples already gray. The once–ambitious business elite
looked like just an ordinary middle–aged man.
“She’s been there for a while,” Annie said from the passenger seat. Over the years, she had stayed by their side, caring for both
father and daughter.
“Let her stay a little longer,” Bowen replied as he watched his daughter’s silhouette. “This is her time with Kathleen.”
“Aren’t you going over?”
“No,” he said with a bitter smile. “I don’t deserve to stand in front of her.”
Even after 20 years, he could not forgive himself. Every night, he dreamed that Kathleen was still alive and nothing had
happened.
Then, he would wake up every morning to the cruel reality.
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Chapter 12
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Chapter 12
