Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Vanessa’s death fell like a massive stone into still waters, creating ripples throughout the small city.
Initially people expressed regret, wondering how such a promising young woman could meet such an end. But as rumors spread about her fleeing arrest, the whispers changed to mutterings that carried an undercurrent of “she had it coming.”
Maxwell received the news at the military base.
The communications officer cautiously handed him the note. After reading it, Maxwell remained silent for a long time before finally crumpling it and tossing it into the trash.
Sunlight streamed through the window, warming his uniform, yet he felt a bone–deep chill–the girl who had called him “Max” since childhood, who had manipulated his emotions with tears and smiles, was simply gone.
He felt no expected relief, only a strange emptiness, as if something had been carved out of him:
Jordan’s parents were completely broken.
Burying a child, especially under such shameful circumstances, left them unable to hold their heads up in the neighborhood.
Neighbors avoided them, and those who had once flattered Vanessa now looked at them with contempt.
The couple sat at home for days, staring at Vanessa’s empty room until they finally broke down in tears.
“It’s our fault… we spoiled her…” Her mother beat her chest, sobbing uncontrollably. “If only we hadn’t favored her… if we hadn’t let her take Jordan’s place…”
“What’s the use of saying that now?” Her father’s gaze was empty. “We failed Vanessa, and we failed Jordan even more…”
After much reflection, their only hope seemed to be Jordan.
Perhaps… perhaps obtaining her forgiveness might ease their burden?
That afternoon, Jordan’s parents, hunched and haggard, arrived at Ashland University’s gate.
Wearing faded clothes, their faces etched with exhaustion, they stood in stark contrast to the vibrant students around them.
When the security guard stopped them, her mother nearly knelt. “Please, we’re looking for Jordan Hayes. She’s our daughter…”
Unable to deal with the commotion, the guard sent word to Jordan.
Her roommate bristled upon hearing the news. “What? They have the nerve to show up? Jordan, don’t even acknowledge them!”
Emmett also frowned. “Would you like me to handle this?”
Jordan set down her book, remained silent for a moment, then shook her head. “I’ll see them.”
Some matters needed final closure.
Under the old oak tree by the campus gate, her parents‘ eyes instantly reddened at the sight of Jordan approaching.
Her mother rushed forward to grab her hand but was subtly avoided.
“Jordan…” her mother’s voice broke. “Are you… are you doing well?”
Looking at these two familiar yet strange faces, Jordan felt surprisingly calm, without the hatred she had imagined.
She remembered how in her previous life, they hadn’t shed a tear at her death; how when falsely accused of stealing the necklace, her father had immediately sent her to the county correction facility; how when the canopy had crushed her shoulder, her mother had eyes only for Vanessa’s
scratched skin.
“Whether I’m well or not, what does it matter to you?” she asked quietly.
14:45
My Womb? No! My Pen is My Weapon Now!
80.0%
Chapter 1
Her father’s lips trembled as he pulled a cloth bundle from his pocket, pushing it toward Jordan. “Jordan, this is money we saved for you. You must need living expenses for college, right?”
“We truly regret everything. Can you… can you forgive us?”
The bundle was heavy, seemingly filled with coins and bills.
“No need. I earn enough from my writing to support myself,” Jordan didn’t accept it, smiling faintly with a hint of sadness. “As for forgiveness, did you ever consider this day would come when you pushed me into the abyss?”
Her mother burst into loud sobs. “We were wrong! Jordan, we truly know our mistakes! Vanessa is already… can’t you show mercy for the sake of us being your birth parents?”
“Birth parents?” Jordan repeated those words, her eyes finally showing emotion. “When did you ever treat me as your daughter?”
“I won’t forgive you. Some wounds can’t be healed with a simple ‘sorry.”
With that, she turned and walked back toward campus without a backward glance.
14:46
