Adrian’s Apology
Chapter 08 - Adrian’s Apology
Adrian did not defend himself.
That mattered.
He admitted he had been afraid Sophia would dismiss the evidence to protect the company.
He had spent fifteen years believing she chose wealth over him.
Even after learning Richard lied, some part of that anger remained.
“I wanted the truth to arrive in a way he could not control,” Adrian said.
“So you controlled it.”
“Yes.”
Sophia looked at him.
The simple answer took the fight out of her.
“I am sorry,” he continued. “Not because the confrontation went badly. Because Emma should never have been used to expose Richard.”
Sophia nodded.
“She gets to decide what happens next.”
They met Emma and Helen at a family counselor’s office.
Emma wanted contact with both biological parents.
Slowly.
No surprise visits.
No media.
No demands about names or custody.
“I have a mother,” Emma said, looking at Helen. “I might be able to have more family. That’s different.”
Sophia agreed.
Adrian agreed.
Helen cried quietly.
The counselor suggested separate meetings at first.
Emma chose a bookstore for her first afternoon with Sophia.
They walked through the aisles speaking about ordinary things.
Emma loved mysteries.
Sophia hated olives.
Both rearranged furniture when nervous.
At the café, Emma asked, “Did you and Adrian love each other?”
“Yes.”
“Do you still?”
Sophia looked through the window.
“I don’t know who he is now.”
Emma stirred her hot chocolate.
“He looks at you like he knows.”
Sophia almost smiled.
“People can be certain and wrong at the same time.”
Emma nodded.
“Grandpa seems good at that.”
The word startled Sophia.
Grandpa.
May you like
Richard still had a relationship to Emma, even after everything.
The question was whether he deserved one.
