Chapter 32: That’s what matters
Georgia reached for Cassidy’s hand and squeezed it gently. "You’re brave, you know that?" she said softly. "Letting go of everything you built in Switzerland... the life you loved... just to be here."
Cass didn’t respond. Her eyes remained fixed on their mother.
Georgia continued, her voice cracking just a little, "I know that was your dream. That quiet life. Your store, your independence... your freedom." She took a breath. "Coming back here means giving all of that up. I see the sacrifice, Cass. And I just want to say... I’m so sorry. You don’t deserve this burden."
Cassidy finally turned to look at her sister. Her gaze gentle but unwavering.
"I’m not giving everything up," she said quietly. "The brand... I can still run it from here. The store has people managing it, and I can keep designing no matter where I am."
She exhaled softly. "And freedom... that’s not just about where you live. I’ll find it again. Maybe in a different way."
Georgia studied her, surprised by how grounded her sister sounded.
Cass looked away for a moment, her voice turning reflective.
"Living alone in Switzerland for over four years... it changed me, Georgia. It taught me a lot. I had to let go of the comfort and luxury I once had here. I had to face my flaws, accept my limits, and discover my strengths."
She glanced back at her sister. "I learned how to connect with people. How to survive. How to grow into someone better than I used to be."
Georgia reached out and held her hand tightly. "And you did, Cass. You really did."