Chapter 9
Time files.
Joy was nearly one year old now. Her chubby face was adorable–she had my eyes and Knot’s nose.
Every time I watched her sleeping peacefully, I couldn’t resist kissing her sweet little cheeks.
I named her “Joy” hoping she would have a peaceful, joyful life without worries.
“Mom, Joy said a new word today!” I exclaimed excitedly to my mother, who had just returned from the garden.
Mother put down her gardening scissors and reached out to take Joy, her face beaming with pride.
“Our Joy is so smart! Come on, say ‘Grandma.“”
“Grandma-”
Joy called out in her sweet baby voice, making my mother burst into delighted laughter..
Since retiring, my parents had handed the company over to me. Their greatest happiness now was spending time with their granddaughter.
Knox had come to our door many times, kneeling to beg for reconciliation. But each time, I refused.
Some damage, once done, cannot be undone by apologies.
“Vega, Mr. Blackstone called again,” my father said.
I shook my head.
“Dad, we can’t bend the rules. They can’t visit Joy until she’s three years old.”
Three years passed quickly.
Joy grew into a bright, clever little girl with a stubborn personality–just like me,
When she first met Knox’s parents, she politely called them “Grandpa” and “Grandma,” moving the elderly couple to tears.
Knox stood nearby, his eyes full of hope.
“Joy, I’m your daddy.”
Joy tilted her little head, studying him seriously.
“Mommy says when you do something wrong, you have to be punished.”
“You made Mommy sad, so I can’t call you Daddy.”
The room fell silent,
Knox crouched down to be at eye level with his daughter.
“Daddy knows he was wrong. Daddy regrets it very much.”
88.9%
Regret doesn’t help.”
Joy declared with childish solemnity in her sweet voice.
“Mommy says once some things happen, there’s no magic pill to undo them.”
Knox looked up at me, his eyes filled with pain and remorse.
I looked back at him with a slight smile but said nothing.
Once he had the chance for a complete, beautiful family, but he shattered that opportunity with his own hands.
Now, my career was flourishing. I had an adorable daughter and loving parents. My life was fulfilling and wonderful.
No one is indispensable to another.
Knox came to see Joy every day.
Before leaving each time, he would stand in the yard, gazing from a distance at us in the living room.
I knew what he was thinking.
If time could be rewound, he would make different choices.
But life offers no “what ifs.” Everyone must take responsibility for their own decisions.
And I no longer needed belated apologies or anyone’s guilt.
