Chapter 80: You Can Try
Claire hesitated for a moment, her lips pressing into a thin line. A shadow seemed to pass over her features, and she looked away briefly, as though deciding how much to reveal.
"A lot," she finally said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "But that's a story for another day."
Emma studied Claire's face, sensing there was much more to the story than Claire was willing to share.
She considered pressing further but decided against it, understanding the limits of their newfound friendship.
"It must've been bad," she murmured.
Claire nodded, her expression neutral now, though her eyes glinted with a mix of pain and resolve.
"It was."
She gave Emma a small smile, trying to lift the weight of the moment. "But you don't need to carry that burden. Let it go, Emma. Margaret made her choices, just like Jake did. Their situation isn't your fault. We didn't even lock him up because of what he did to you. It was because he embezzled company's funds."
Emma sighed deeply, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her blouse. "I know, but it's hard not to feel... responsible, somehow. Being here, being involved in all of this—it makes me feel like I'm part of the reason things are falling apart for her."
Claire stepped closer, her voice softer but firm. "You're not. If anything, you're the one holding things together, even if you don't see it. Alex cares about you, whether he admits it or not. And Margaret's situation? That's been brewing for years. Margaret and Jake had been fighting Alex since before you came into the picture so don't blame yourself. You're not responsible for anyone's choices but your own."
Emma met Claire's gaze, finding comfort in her words, though the guilt still lingered like a stubborn shadow. "I hope you're right," she said finally.