Chapter 14 - Ethan Moves Into the Workshop
Ethan rented a small apartment in town.
He did not move back into the mansion.
Every Saturday, he came to the workshop.
He repaired old furniture.
Fixed windows.
Restored a cedar chest David had built for Margaret.
At first, they barely talked.
Then slowly, they did.
Not about Lauren.
Not about the trust.
About ordinary things.
Coffee.
Weather.
David’s terrible music.
One afternoon, Margaret asked why Ethan stayed married so long after things began feeling wrong.
He thought about it.
“Because admitting the marriage was failing felt like admitting I failed.”
Margaret nodded.
“That sounds like your father.”
Ethan smiled sadly.
“Is that good?”
“Sometimes.”
He looked at her.
“And sometimes?”
“It costs too much.”
Lauren moved to an apartment near her sister.
She cooperated with investigators.
She sold what remained of Pierce Residential Ventures and used her share to repay part of the joint savings.
Ethan accepted the money.
Not reconciliation.
He filed for divorce.
Lauren did not contest it.
Months later, she sent Margaret a letter.
Margaret read it.
Then put it away.
Ethan asked if she forgave her.
Margaret answered.
May you like
“I don’t know yet.”
For once, nobody demanded a faster answer.
