Catherine’s father had actually been the first person at the scene, trying to save Victor’s father, while the real culprit fled and left Catherine’s family to bear the blame for a crime they had never committed.
Maris slid down against the wall, her face ruined by devastation.
She had carried hatred for an innocent man and his family for fifteen years, and in doing so, had poisoned her own son’s life.
Leon had been driven by paranoid superstition and a desperate fear of losing status, which pushed him to manipulate Maris, bribe hospital staff, and destroy a young marriage.
“Forgive me,” Maris begged, crawling toward Catherine on her knees.
“I don’t expect your love or your kindness, but I have destroyed your life with a lie, and I am prepared to face the consequences.”
Catherine looked down at the woman who had caused her so much suffering, her expression filled with tired, quiet strength.
