Matthew liked someone who was positive-minded instead of one who’d always blame others when bad things happened. He also liked someone who would not be overwhelmed by negative emotions but instead would view life with an optimistic attitude even during tough times.
On the contrary, Shermaine was the total opposite. She tended to blame others for the unfortunate incidents in her life.
She was born in a family with a prestigious background like the Smallwoods, yet she put herself in prison. One could only say it was a matter of her own conduct.
However, Jacque saw this coming when he heard that Shermaine’s parole was postponed.
Initially, Matthew wouldn’t have cared when she would get out of prison. But things were different now that Shermaine’s parents had crossed the line, so of course, he wouldn’t let this matter go easily.
“What? She can’t leave? What’s the meaning of this? Jacque, I thought you said that everything would be fine? Besides, Shermaine’s been very well-behaved all this while. What seems to be the problem? It’s not possible for Matthew to stand in the way of the law, or would it?”
Kayla was furious when she heard the news. And of course, a woman like her would only blame others but herself.
Unlike her, James was much more rational. “Jacque, since Matthew and Shermaine were friends while Matthias and I are no strangers to each other, perhaps he’d let her off? He’s obviously doing all this because of that woman, and I think he’s pushing it too far this time. Shouldn’t we report him for interfering with the law?”
Jacque shook his head. “He didn’t interfere with the law. Instead, he worked around it.”
Shermaine was granted parole not only because of her good behavior but also because of the strings that the Smallwoods had pulled.
Of course, Matthew was able to do so as well.
“Then what do we do now?” James asked.
Jacque looked at James as his mind drifted to his thoughts.
I’m guessing your best shot would be apologizing to Clarissa. However, that’d seem like a pretty difficult task for you. But, that’s the only way I could think of.
“Well, it’s either you wait it out and do nothing or apologize to Clarissa after this is all over. Perhaps—”
“Apologize? Why should we apologize? Jacque, have you lost your mind? She’s responsible for everything that’s happened, including all the suffering Shermaine’s endured. Shermaine wouldn’t have to go through all this if it weren’t for her!”
I knew you’d say that. Jacque thought as he frowned.
James observed his reaction as he patted Kayla on the hand to calm her down.
“Come on. Just apologize. It’s nothing but an apology. You’re doing this for Shermaine. Nothing’s more important than her.”
“No way—” Kayla refused, but James shook his head disapprovingly.
However, she still hated the idea.
“Well, you brought her into the mess when you couldn’t control your emotions. Besides, it’s just an apology. Can’t endure it for a little while, for Shermaine’s sake? All you need to do is say a few words, and Shermaine will be released in no time. Don’t you think that’ll be great?”
The couple was silent when they heard those words. They refused to apologize since they hated Clarissa. It wasn’t a simple apology to just anyone, but to someone they loathed. Thus, they couldn’t possibly do it.
Yet, they knew it had to be done.
They would have to do it eventually for their daughter’s sake.
The couple knew it was not an easy task and decided to take a different approach. Instead of apologizing to Clarissa directly, the Smallwoods couple wanted to give Matthias and Yuliana a try first.
They were old friends but grew apart after Shermaine’s incident. Years later, they had little to no contact with one another.
Both Matthias and Yuliana were rather surprised when they received the invitation, but the couple went anyway.
Surprisingly, the atmosphere was not awkward at all when they met. They sat down and began to exchange a few words. The conversation was very casual, yet Kayla and James did not come for hearty catchups of any sort.
At last, Kayla could not resist but began to tear up. Both Matthias and Yuliana looked at each other when Kayla burst into tears.
“Don’t cry, Kayla. What happened?” Yuliana asked.
“It’s about our dear Shermaine. James and I are running out of ways to help her. We need your help.”
“James, tell me what’s wrong. I’ll do my best to help you.”
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