“No. Let them come.”
In the garden near the fountain, Beatice praised Moses, congratulated him, and then, with all the shamelessness Catherine had expected, began talking about family needs, investments, opportunities, and support.
At last Catherine asked the only question that mattered.
“Why did you really come?”
Beatice clasped her hands. “Family must support each other.”
Catherine took a slow breath.
“For years you told me I was a burden.”
Beatice’s smile tightened.
“You said I had no future. You sold me into marriage.”
“That was tradition.”
“No,” Catherine said steadily. “That was convenience.”
Joseph lowered his head.
Beatice tried to regain control, but something had shifted. Catherine was no longer trembling. She was no longer the girl carrying water before sunrise and apologizing for taking up space.
“My life is no longer something you negotiate,” she said.
Beatice stared at her in disbelief.
“You think marrying a rich man makes you brave?”
Catherine’s voice remained calm.
“I paid for your roof with my childhood.”
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