Chapter 7: The Truth Finally Comes Out

Nearly three months had passed since I left Bellamore.

Wanoki Island had slowly become my home.

The volunteers were no longer strangers.

They had become friends, almost like family.

Every day brought something new to learn, and every sunset reminded me that life could still be beautiful.

One morning, while organizing visitor registrations, Sophie rushed into the office holding her phone.

"Penelope!" she called excitedly.

"Congratulations!"

I looked up in confusion.

"For what?"

"Your marine conservation article was published online!"

"Director Hale submitted your report to the National Environmental Journal."

I blinked in surprise.

"He did what?"

"It's already receiving thousands of views."

"Everyone's praising your work."

Before I could respond, Adrian entered the office carrying several documents.

"Good morning," he greeted calmly.

Sophie immediately pointed at him.

"You didn't even tell Penelope what you did!"

Adrian smiled apologetically.

"I wanted it to be a surprise."

"Your report deserved recognition."

"I only helped it reach the right people."

I looked at him, genuinely touched.

"Thank you."

"No," he replied.

"You earned it yourself."

Those simple words filled me with confidence.

Unlike before, someone was acknowledging my efforts instead of overlooking them.

Meanwhile, back in Bellamore, an unexpected truth was beginning to surface.

Mrs. McLaren invited Sarah to lunch.

She hoped the two of them could become closer since Sarah had always been important to Emil.

Halfway through the meal, Sarah's phone rang.

"Excuse me," she said before answering.

"Yes... I'm still overseas for the fashion exhibition next month."

"No, don't mention the incident from years ago."

"Especially not the fake suicide story."

"If Emil finds out, everything will become complicated."

Mrs. McLaren froze.

Fake suicide?

Sarah ended the call and immediately realized someone had overheard her.

"Mrs. McLaren..."

The older woman's expression became unusually serious.

"Sarah."

"What exactly did you mean just now?"

Sarah's face turned pale.

"It's... nothing important."

"Answer me."

"Years ago... did you really attempt suicide?"

Silence filled the restaurant.

Sarah slowly lowered her head.

"No."

"I only left the country."

"My family helped spread the rumor because I didn't want anyone looking for me."

"Including Emil."

Mrs. McLaren's hand trembled.

"Do you realize what happened because of that lie?"

"Emil blamed Penelope for your death."

"He treated that poor girl terribly for years."

Sarah bit her lip.

"I never thought things would become so serious."

"I only wanted to leave quietly."

"Then why didn't you tell the truth after returning?"

Sarah remained silent.

The answer was obvious.

She had been afraid.

Afraid Emil would resent her.

Afraid everyone would judge her.

That evening, Mrs. McLaren returned home with a heavy heart.

She immediately called Emil into the study.

"Sit down."

Seeing his mother's serious expression, Emil felt uneasy.

"What's wrong?"

"I learned something today."

"Something you deserve to know."

She carefully explained everything Sarah had confessed.

Every single word felt like a hammer striking Emil's heart.

"That's impossible," he whispered.

"She... she died."

"No."

"She never did."

"She left the country willingly."

"The suicide story was fabricated."

Emil's face turned completely pale.

His breathing became uneven.

"Then... Penelope..."

"She was innocent all along," Mrs. McLaren answered.

"She never stole you from Sarah."

"She never caused anyone's death."

"Everything happened because of a misunderstanding and Sarah's silence."

Emil stumbled backward before collapsing into a chair.

Images from the past flooded his mind.

Every cold glance.

Every cruel word.

Every lonely night Penelope had endured.

The countless times she had begged him for a divorce.

The countless times he refused simply because he wanted her to suffer.

"What... have I done?" he whispered hoarsely.

For the first time in years, genuine guilt overwhelmed him.

Mrs. McLaren sighed sadly.

"You lost someone who loved you with all her heart."

"Whether she forgives you now..."

"Is entirely up to her."

Late that night, Emil drove to Penelope's old apartment.

The building looked exactly the same.

Only one thing had changed.

She was no longer there.

He stood outside for nearly an hour.

The empty balcony reminded him how many times she had waited there for him.

Rain slowly began to fall.

Yet he made no attempt to leave.

He finally understood what loneliness truly felt like.

At that same moment on Wanoki Island, I was walking along the shoreline after dinner.

The cool breeze carried the scent of the ocean.

Adrian walked beside me quietly.

"You seem happier lately," he observed.

"I am," I admitted.

"For the first time... I don't feel trapped by my past."

Adrian smiled.

"That's wonderful."

"Everyone deserves a chance to be happy."

I looked toward the horizon where the sea met the night sky.

"I used to think happiness depended on someone loving me."

"Now I realize..."

"It begins when I learn to love myself."

Adrian nodded.

"That's the most important lesson anyone can learn."

Neither of us noticed the shooting star crossing the sky above.

I silently made a wish.

Not for love.

Not for Emil.

Only for a peaceful future.

Far away in Bellamore, Emil remained standing in the rain outside my empty apartment.

For the first time in his life, he wished he could turn back time.

But some mistakes...

Could never be undone.