308: RECONCILIATION

LUKE'S POV As she looked from me to our mother, tears welled in Catherine's eyes, her emotions warring within her. Slowly, she nodded, a silent acknowledgment of the difficult path ahead. My mother's eyes brimmed with tears as she approached us, her movements tentative yet filled with hope. She sank to her knees before Catherine, her voice trembling with emotion. "I am so sorry, Catherine," she whispered, her words a prayer for absolution. "I cannot undo the pain I have caused, but I promise to spend the rest of my days trying to make amends. Please find it in your heart to forgive me." Catherine's tearful gaze met mine, and I felt a surge of empathy wash over me. Despite the hurt and betrayal she had endured, I could still see the hope in her eyes—a flicker of willingness to let go of the past. "Catherine," I said softly, squeezing her hand gently. "I know it's not easy, but forgiveness can be the first step towards healing. We don't have to forget what happened, but we can choos