Matthew liked someone who was positive-minded instead of one who’d always blame others when bad things happened. He also liked someone who would not be overwhelmed by negative emotions but instead would view life with an optimistic attitude even during tough times.
On the contrary, Shermaine was the total opposite. She tended to blame others for the unfortunate incidents in her life.
She was born in a family with a prestigious background like the Smallwoods, yet she put herself in prison. One could only say it was a matter of her own conduct.
However, Jacque saw this coming when he heard that Shermaine’s parole was postponed.
Initially, Matthew wouldn’t have cared when she would get out of prison. But things were different now that Shermaine’s parents had crossed the line, so of course, he wouldn’t let this matter go easily.
“What? She can’t leave? What’s the meaning of this? Jacque, I thought you said that everything would be fine? Besides, Shermaine’s been very well-behaved all this while. What seems to be the problem? It’s not possible for Matthew to stand in the way of the law, or would it?”
Kayla was furious when she heard the news. And of course, a woman like her would only blame others but herself.
Unlike her, James was much more rational. “Jacque, since Matthew and Shermaine were friends while Matthias and I are no strangers to each other, perhaps he’d let her off? He’s obviously doing all this because of that woman, and I think he’s pushing it too far this time. Shouldn’t we report him for interfering with the law?”
Jacque shook his head. “He didn’t interfere with the law. Instead, he worked around it.”
Shermaine was granted parole not only because of her good behavior but also because of the strings that the Smallwoods had pulled.
Of course, Matthew was able to do so as well.
“Then what do we do now?” James asked.
Jacque looked at James as his mind drifted to his thoughts.
I’m guessing your best shot would be apologizing to Clarissa. However, that’d seem like a pretty difficult task for you. But, that’s the only way I could think of.
“Well, it’s either you wait it out and do nothing or apologize to Clarissa after this is all over. Perhaps—”
“Apologize? Why should we apologize? Jacque, have you lost your mind? She’s responsible for everything that’s happened, including all the suffering Shermaine’s endured. Shermaine wouldn’t have to go through all this if it weren’t for her!”
I knew you’d say that. Jacque thought as he frowned.
James observed his reaction as he patted Kayla on the hand to calm her down.
“Come on. Just apologize. It’s nothing but an apology. You’re doing this for Shermaine. Nothing’s more important than her.”
“No way—” Kayla refused, but James shook his head disapprovingly.
However, she still hated the idea.
“Well, you brought her into the mess when you couldn’t control your emotions. Besides, it’s just an apology. Can’t endure it for a little while, for Shermaine’s sake? All you need to do is say a few words, and Shermaine will be released in no time. Don’t you think that’ll be great?”
The couple was silent when they heard those words. They refused to apologize since they hated Clarissa. It wasn’t a simple apology to just anyone, but to someone they loathed. Thus, they couldn’t possibly do it.
Yet, they knew it had to be done.
They would have to do it eventually for their daughter’s sake.
The couple knew it was not an easy task and decided to take a different approach. Instead of apologizing to Clarissa directly, the Smallwoods couple wanted to give Matthias and Yuliana a try first.
They were old friends but grew apart after Shermaine’s incident. Years later, they had little to no contact with one another.
Both Matthias and Yuliana were rather surprised when they received the invitation, but the couple went anyway.
Surprisingly, the atmosphere was not awkward at all when they met. They sat down and began to exchange a few words. The conversation was very casual, yet Kayla and James did not come for hearty catchups of any sort.
At last, Kayla could not resist but began to tear up. Both Matthias and Yuliana looked at each other when Kayla burst into tears.
“Don’t cry, Kayla. What happened?” Yuliana asked.
“It’s about our dear Shermaine. James and I are running out of ways to help her. We need your help.”
“James, tell me what’s wrong. I’ll do my best to help you.”
Since Matthias asked about it, James began to explain everything.
“As you can see, Kayla and I are helpless regarding this matter. I can’t imagine myself apologizing to a young girl. Besides, she’s the reason why my daughter is in prison now, so why should I apologize? But we can’t do anything at this moment to change the situation. Hence, I had no choice but to come to you.”
Kayla was still sobbing when James was done talking. On the other hand, Yuliana remained silent.
Well, I’ve learned my lesson to keep my mouth shut whenever it involved Matthew’s matter. So let’s see what Matthias replies.
Matthias pondered for a while before he spoke.
“James, I’m afraid we can’t be of any help in this matter. After all, it has been a while since we met Matthew, and I really have no say in their affairs.”
“You…” Kayla opened her mouth to say something but held back when James gave her a warning shot.
At that point, she became even more upset as tears streamed down her face.
The meeting was cut short as James and Kayla failed to achieve what they came for. Hence, the couple left unhappily.
“They’ll resent us, you know?” Yuliana spoke as soon as they left.
“This wasn’t the first time, anyway. Or we wouldn’t have lost contact.”
“But I do think Matthew crossed the line from what I’ve heard today. The scores are settled, and Shermaine got what she deserved. So why can’t she be granted parole?”
Matthias shook his head. “You know how he is toward Clarissa. As soon as he knew that she had been ill-treated, he will avenge her without hesitation.”
“Yeah, that, how could I forget?” Yuliana mocked.
Matthias shrugged his shoulders at her response.
Never in the world would Clarissa have expected James and Kayla to visit her.
Her initial thought was that they were here to pick a fight. But she quickly bounced that idea off and thought it was impossible.
She did not allow them to enter Zen Highlands but chose to meet them somewhere else.
Furthermore, she did not meet them alone as Matthew sent Gina to keep Clarissa safe at all times.
The couple’s expression dropped when they noticed she had company.
“Ms. Quigley, I believe we agreed to meet alone, so could we have some time alone?” James asked. Yet, Clarissa rejected his request while Gina ignored him.
“Mr. and Ms. Smallwood, what is it that you would like to meet me in person? Gina is not allowed to leave my side at all costs, and she represents me. If you have nothing to say, then I’ll be off.” Yet, Clarissa rejected his requests while Gina ignored him.
Clarissa could not bear to stay any longer, although they were her parents.
I wondered why they asked to meet me? After all, I could see the dissatisfaction and hatred in their eyes. Anyone could see that they’re insincere!
“Ms. Quigley, about what happened last time…” Kayla started but hesitated for a long time.
She could not bring herself to apologize.
“Ms. Quigley, I believe we had a misunderstanding during our last meeting, but I didn’t expect you to tell Matthew everything. And now look what you’ve done – Shermaine’s parole is delayed all of a sudden! After all, they used to go out, so how could he be that heartless? Ms. Quigley, you should be mindful of someone who treated their ex terribly,” James said.
To be honest, I think she deserved the punishment. She was the one who got herself into this mess. But to blame it all on us? I daresay that the Smallwoods are really something else.
Clarissa let out a cold laugh and said, “You must be mistaken, Mr. Smallwood. First off, Shermaine and Matthew never shared a romantic relationship. Secondly, Matthew did it on my behalf. So, why should I be cautious of him? I should be overjoyed.”
“You little—” James stopped Kayla as his expression hardened. He was angered by Clarissa’s statement.
“Ms. Quigley, I wondered why Matthew didn’t tell you he dated Shermaine in the past. Well, you shouldn’t believe everything a man says, although it seems like you do. But my point is, Ms. Quigley, you’re living the best life, so why bother tormenting Shermaine? She has suffered too much, and we’re heartbroken to see her in such a state. She’s our only child; hence, could you please let her off for our sake?”
My, my… You’re here to beg for mercy, yet none of your words sounded apologetic. Besides, it’s obvious that you’re setting a trap, waiting for me to fall into it. Well, if it was a matter that bothered me, it would have actually started a fight between us.
You’re also taking advantage of a parent’s love for a child to gain pity, but truthfully speaking, I don’t see why I should pity you.
Clarissa observed them closely and thought to herself. I can’t believe you were the ones who brought me into this world. But thank goodness I did not grow up under your care. Or else I would be the one in prison.
