Chapter 8
That surprised me.
"I'm calling because Daniel asked me for money. A lot of money. And when I asked what he needed it for, he screamed that you'd stolen his life."
She paused.
"But I've seen the documents his attorney showed me. I don't understand every detail. All I know is that my son has lied to me about far too many things."
For the first time, Margaret seemed to be speaking with me instead of against me.
"I'm sorry I didn't listen to you when I still had the chance," she whispered.
I closed my eyes.
For five years, I had wanted to hear those words.
But they had arrived too late to change my decision.
"Thank you for telling me," I replied. "I hope you can find some peace too."
"Is there any chance you could forgive him?"
I looked at the delicate snow beginning to fall outside my window.
"Maybe someday remembering what happened won't hurt anymore."
I took a deep breath.
"But forgiving him doesn't mean going back."
Margaret didn't argue.
And I was grateful for that.
## Daniel Tried to Regain Control
The mediation concerning our divorce took place several months later, with our attorneys present and me participating remotely.
Daniel had initially requested financial compensation related to the property.
He also wanted me to withdraw my claims concerning the bank transactions.
Laura explained each proposal to me.
I listened carefully.
I didn't want to act out of anger.
I wanted to settle the outstanding issues fairly, protect my rights, and finally bring everything to an end.
At the first session, Daniel appeared impeccably dressed.
He was wearing the same watch he'd worn on our last night together.
His attorney spoke first.
He proposed a financial settlement that, he claimed, would allow us to avoid a longer legal process.
Then Daniel asked to address me directly.
"Elena, I think we both made mistakes."
I said nothing.
"Our relationship was going through a difficult time. I made some bad decisions, I admit that. But you reacted in an extreme way."
Laura intervened.
"Mr. Parker, we're here to negotiate specific legal matters. I'd appreciate it if you refrained from turning this into a personal argument."
Daniel stared at me through the screen.
"I want to talk to my wife."
This time, I was the one who answered.
"You can speak with your attorney and mine about the outstanding issues."