---- Chapter 12 On the day of Mom's death anniversary, Jones arrived early with a car to pick me up and take me to her grave. He'd brought piles of offerings and fresh flowers, clearly trying to make up for missing the date two years ago. On the headstone, Mom's smile was as gentle as ever. I placed my trophy in front of the grave and chatted with her like I always did about work, life, and the weather. Jones stood nearby, silent the whole time. When it was time to leave, I couldn't help but cry. With red eyes, Jones turned to me and asked, "Sis, no matter how much we try to make it up to you, you' ll never forgive us, will you?" ---- I wiped away my tears and answered softly, ''As long as you don't interfere in my life again, consider it forgiven." I would never forget the pain they caused me. We could never go back to how things were. The wounds had healed, but the scars remained. I didn't want to spend my life bound by resentment. Jones's last shred of hope crumbled. He smiled bitterly. "Alright. I'll let Kyle know what you said." His voice trembled as he added, "I'll move out of next door. I won't bother you anymore." "Good." "Will you ever come back?" "For now? No. I have no reason to." Except for Mom, I had nothing left tying me here. The next morning at the airport, I saw Kyle ina wheelchair, his waist wrapped in gauze. Rose had ---- stabbed him. The wound wasn't fatal, but the damage to his kidneys meant he might never have children again. "Grace..." He wore a hospital gown under a coat, looking worn and hollow. I didn't stop. Kyle ordered his aide to push faster and blocked my path. "Grace, please... just let me say one last thing. I promise I won't chase you again." I paused. "Then, make sure you keep that promise. " "Jones told me what you said," he murmured. " Grace, is there really no way you'll ever give me another chance?" "None," I said plainly. 'I hope we never meet again."