Chapter 14 - Olivia’s Apology

Olivia moved to California.
Before leaving, she sent me one letter.
Unlike Daniel, she asked permission first.
I said yes.
Her letter was short.
Rachel,
I participated in hurting you.
Believing Daniel’s marriage was “functionally over” made my choices easier to justify, but it did not make them honorable.
I should have required proof before stepping into your family.
I am sorry.
I am also grateful you did not turn me into the center of your anger when Daniel was the person who owed you fidelity.
That line mattered.
Women are often invited to destroy each other while the man who built the lie becomes background scenery.
Olivia was responsible.
But Daniel was my husband.
My vows were with him.
I wrote back only:
I accept the apology. I hope you build your next life on cleaner ground.
Then I deleted our correspondence.
May you like
Not dramatically.
I simply did not need it anymore.