Olivia, however, remained impassive. « She’s exaggerating, » she murmured. « You’re letting yourself be influenced. »
« That’s enough, » said Daniel firmly, his tone more forceful than I had ever heard him speak. « This isn’t manipulation. It’s a matter of basic respect. »
Olivia looked at him in disbelief. « You can’t be serious. »
He looked exhausted. « Liv… I think we owe her an apology. »
The words still echoed in the air. What I felt wasn’t triumph, but relief. For years, I had endured the barbs, ignored the contempt, and convinced myself that these tensions were simply a part of family life. Finally, someone acknowledged how these little wounds had silently accumulated.
Olivia shook her head, grabbed her coat, and stood up. « I’m not staying here to be scolded. »
She stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Daniel didn’t follow her. He remained seated, his head in his hands.
« I’m sorry, » he said softly. « I don’t know how we got to this point. »
I reached across the table and gently took his wrist. « You are my son. I love you. But loving someone doesn’t mean tolerating disrespect, or watching you become someone you’re not. »
He nodded slowly.
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