Page 202 of Broken Destiny

“Please forgive us,” Simon added, lowering his gaze before lifting it again to meet mine. “We’re truly ashamed, especially after everything that you have done for us.”

“So… rr… y!” Catherine managed between sobs. “We’re so sorry.”

My chest tightened.

It had never been their fault.

I had known that from the very beginning.

They had trusted their mother.

How could they have ever doubted her? How could they have known the truth when the lies had been wrapped so carefully in love and authority?

For years, they had been given a version of me that never existed.

I looked from face to face.

Sophia was crying.

Catherine looked as though she might burst into tears at any second.

Randall couldn't even meet my eyes.

And suddenly I realized they weren't standing on my doorstep because Caleb had asked them to.

They were here because they genuinely regretted what had happened.

Before I could say anything, Caleb stepped up behind me.

"What are you guys doing here?" he asked. "What's going on?"

I looked back at him and then at the family gathered in front of us.

A smile tugged at my lips.

"They're here for breakfast."

The tension broke instantly.

Sophia laughed through her tears while Simon exhaled heavily, and suddenly everyone moved at once.

They all rushed forward, wrapping their arms around Caleb and me, squishing us into a tight embrace that left us laughing and slightly breathless.

The house, which had felt quiet just moments before, suddenly filled with noise—voices overlapping, footsteps echoing, children giggling.

Life had returned.

“Is that my granddaughter?” Randall asked, his voice trembling as he stepped toward Emma.

“Yes,” I replied softly. “Emma.”

“Lucas,” he said warmly. “Come here and hug grandpa.”

Lucas walked to him shyly, his small steps careful, and wrapped his arms around Randall’s waist.

Emma looked up at me, her brows knitting together.

“Mama, who’s this?”