The answer he gave to her question could tear an irreparable void between them. She wasn’t just asking him if she and her sister were allowed to leave. She was saying that if they were, she would take her sister and run as fast and as far away from him as possible. A part of him wanted to let her go because it could be the only way that she might ever be able to forgive him for what his family had put her and Lindsey through. But he couldn’t lie to her. “Please leave us, Mother.” Aldin tried not to let the pain edge into his tone. Marilena looked at Wilhemina then Lindsey. “I know it doesn’t mean much to you right now, but I am sorry. I made a mistake. I was trying to save my family. Instead, I ruined it, and yours.” Marilena walked toward the door and briefly stopped beside him. She laid her palm on his shoulder. “I am deeply sorry, son. I hope one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” “I will always love you, Mother. But my ability to forgive you no longer rests in my hands alone.”
