Charles seemed satisfied with her answer. He hugged her and kissed her forehead as he said, “Maybe tomorrow… You’ll see something different!”
Something different? What was different about Christina? Sarah didn’t understand what he meant but was reluctant to think about it any further. Their road ahead was still uncertain in terms of what Christina was concerned about. For now, she was tired and didn’t want to think about anything frightening.
The next morning Charles got up early but didn't disturb Sarah. Their maid prepared breakfast for them, and when everything was ready, Charles went to wake Sarah up. When Sarah woke up, she found that it was only seven o’clock in the morning. It was still so early, so she asked, “Why did you get up so early?”
“It takes several hours to drive to New Orleans, so if we don’t get up early, we won't reach the female prison before noon.”
They ate breakfast, and Charles asked the maid to prepare some of his mother's favorite snacks. Once everything was ready, and they finally left, it was already eight o’clock. Sarah thought that Charles became different based on his behaviors right now.
He used to be so indifferent toward his mother! But ever since Christina was in prison, he had become a dutiful son taking care of his mother. It was actually a good thing. All Sarah knew was that Charles was different. She used to think that he behaved like such a little boy in what his mother was concerned about, but now he was acting mature and attentive. Would Christina appreciate seeing him like this? Would she understand him? Would she know Charles’s intention?
Thinking of Christina's fierce appearance, Sarah was not in the mood to see her. It wasn't because of her cruelty, but perhaps her injuries were still too deep. Once she walked away that day at the airport, she had decided not to think or see Christina ever again.
Once they arrived at the prison, Sarah stopped when the guard opened the door to the meeting room. Charles looked at her in concern and asked. “Is something wrong?”
Sarah looked down, and after a short silence, she finally just said. “You go ahead, I’ll see you outside!”
“You… Don’t you want to come in with me?” Charles was a little surprised and puzzled.
Sarah barely shook her head in denial but didn't answer him directly. After hesitating for a long time, she finally managed to say, “You go, I’ll be outside! If she doesn't want to see me, don’t mention me!”
Charles seemed to be a little disappointed, but he understood Sarah’s feelings. After all, his mother had done horrible things to her, even nearly killed her when she was kidnapped. If Sarah were an ordinary woman, she would not have agreed to come this far. Maybe he was asking for too much.
Sighing, he patted Sarah on the shoulder and said, “Okay, you can wait outside for me!” Then he went in carrying his gift, followed by the prison guard.
Standing outside and looking around, Sarah walked along the sidewalk, staring at the buildings around here. It was autumn, the leaves were falling, leaving a colorful carpet of rustling leaves everywhere. The trees were almost empty, barely any leaves were still on the branches.
It looked so desolate here, just like Christina's life. She had been born into a wealthy family and never suffered any hardship since childhood. After growing up, she married a man who loved her to the end of his life. Before Mr. Thomas's death, he had loved and adored her, always listened to her, and hardly ever stood up against her.
***
Perhaps that was the reason why Christina was so stubborn and resorted to extreme measures to achieve her goals.
Then, in the autumn of her life, she had lost her power and felt from being a queen to a prisoner, given to the authorities by her one and only son. It must be a terrible ordeal for Christina to end like this, but karma always comes back based on the person's deeds, good or bad.
Sarah didn’t want to think any further about what Christina had done to her. She was being punished enough. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she didn't actually hate Christina anymore, but felt sorry for her. She was paying for her mistakes, there was no need to add further insult to the injury.
Having come to this conclusion, Sarah went back to the meeting room. She stood outside the door and overheard their conversation from the outside.
“Did Anny do all this?” Christina was asked in a soft and smooth tone rather than her usual foul voice.
Sarah couldn't help but feel surprised. It was hard to believe it was Christina speaking in such a peaceful tone.
“Yes, mom, since Sarah and I went back to Houston, we invited Anny to come with us. After all, you are used to Anny’s cooking, and we also like her style of cooking.” Charles answered.
s not the same person who used to talk wit
food, but Anny cooks traditional meals. You were never in
al meals!” Charles cou
ing, then asked hesitantly.
unt before, which was the reason why she had left the Thomas company and opened up a kindergar
ppy to help. Don’t forget that she graduated from Yale University in management. Although she has been out of the
“Your aunt was a commercial genius, but unfortunately… ” If it wasn't for Chr
I did to your aunt…”
ow whisper, and although she listened car
remaine
cause he knew his mother needed some time. Both Sarah and Charles
ristina never mentioned Sarah. Even when Charles mentioned her by name, Chris
hard for Christina to admit her mistake. Even though she had changed in many ways, she was
hat visitation was over. Charles said his farewell and
s!”
at her and asked: “You nee
en suddenly took well-wrapped silk from one of h
when I first married. I have been carrying it with me all these years, never leaving it from my sight, and
e added. “Give it to her, but don’t l
d, “Mom, thank you! You know, really, thank you! I’ll give it to her!” Was Charles really tha
bad emotions all of a sudden. She had never expected that this would happen. Startled and mov
felt accepte
arles when he came out. Once he saw her, she pretended to know n
d asked, “What are you smiling abou
of mine has come true. I feel my life is so beautiful. What would
true?”
”
d finally found the peace they had been searching for. Indeed, nothing is bet
settled. It’s all just a matter of time and patience. Life is so good and will bring many more c
*
or’s
y couple. Here’s the final chapter of this novel and I am grateful that you give it a
aire’s Grea
ve Contract Wi
completed. Until our n
you my w
Shann