Lucas’s heart pounded. He had dreamed of this confrontation a thousand times, yet reality was so different. He could reject her and even the score. But deep down, he recognized the truth—he had already outgrown that need.
After a long silence, he exhaled. “Alright, Ariel. You’ll move on to the next round. Your talent should speak for itself. But understand this—I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it because I no longer carry that anger. I’ve moved on.”
Ariel’s eyes widened, gratitude breaking through her tears. “Thank you, Lucas. Truly.”
He nodded, the weight of old pain lifting. “Good luck, Ariel. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
As she left, Lucas felt something shift within him. He had faced his past and risen above it. By choosing grace over vengeance, he had ended the cycle of cruelty.
For the first time, Lucas knew he was no longer defined by the scars of yesterday. He was defined by the strength and kindness he carried into tomorrow.