The offer was degrading, but he’d always envied Ethan. “What do I need to do?” he asked, clenching his fists. “Seduce her,” Linda said coldly.
“Better yet, make her slip up. Let Ethan see she’s not who she pretends to be. And don’t worry about consequences.
If anything goes wrong, I’ve got your back.” Tyler froze, processing her words. “Okay,” he said curtly.
When he left, Linda sighed with relief. Her plan was in motion, and she was confident she’d soon be rid of the hated girl. For good.
“I’d love to punch you in the face,” Ethan said. “But I won’t stoop to that. You’ll get what’s coming to you.”
And he left. When Emily’s mother recovered, the young couple moved to the military base where Ethan served. They were given an apartment, and in a small chapel, they were married, their love now guarded by angels.
Two years passed. Ethan and Emily had a son—a strong, blond boy they named James, after his grandfather. When Ethan first held his child, he knew his heart had fully healed from old wounds.
Now, his life held everything he’d once thought lost—love, family, and purpose. Ethan had long delayed talking to his mother, but looking at his son, he decided he couldn’t pass on the pain he’d carried for so long. One evening, he went to his parents’ house.
Linda opened the door and froze at the sight of her son. She looked different, her face no longer carrying the sternness that once defined her. Now she seemed uncertain, even a bit guilty.
“Mom,” Ethan began, “I’m not here to blame you. I just want you to know. I forgive you.”
Tears filled Linda’s eyes. “Forgive me, son,” she whispered. “I loved you so much, I didn’t realize how much I was hurting you. I wanted you to have the best life, but I was wrong.”
Ethan hugged her, and the gesture said more than words could. “We have a son now, Mom, and I want him to know you not as I saw you before, but as you can be. Come meet your grandson.”
From that day, everything changed. When Linda first held her little grandson, her heart melted. Looking at the boy, she felt the past fade, making way for a new, bright chapter in her life.
Soon, Linda retired from her job, choosing to focus on family. She visited Ethan and his wife daily, helping Emily with chores and strolling with her grandchildren through the park’s pathways. Her pride gave way to love and care.
“You’ve become the best grandma,” Emily said one day, hugging her. “And you’ve become my daughter. Forgive me, if you can,” Linda replied, smiling softly.
Now, Ethan’s home was filled with laughter, warmth, and harmony. The past no longer cast shadows on their lives. They learned that love is stronger than grudges, and forgiveness can achieve the impossible.