After 999 Nights, He Said We Were Never Together Chapter 20

After 999 Nights, He Said We Were Never Together Chapter 20

When the prosecutor confirmed that formal charges would be filed, the Whitfields finally relaxed.

They turned the remaining legal work over to their attorneys and returned to Madrid.

They were far from home, but distance had also carried them away from old obligations and constant

turmoil. Sophie finally breathed freely again.

As the days passed, she gradually adjusted to life in Spain.

One afternoon, her parents asked what she planned to do next. Sophie picked up a piece of fruit, fed it to

Helen, and blinked thoughtfully.

“I’ve been thinking about that too. I’d like to continue my education, but part of me wants to rest a little longer

and find a job first. I want to experience ordinary working life. What do you think?”

The wind had picked up in the garden. Thomas brought out two blankets for his wife and daughter, smiling

warmly.

“You’ll only be twenty-three after your birthday in a few days. There will be plenty of time to work later. I hope you use this part of your life to pursue whatever you truly want. Graduate school would be wonderful, and so would traveling the world while you’re young.”

Helen nodded in agreement and tapped Sophie lightly on the head.

“Whatever you choose, we’ll support you. Take your time. There’s no rush. For now, let’s talk about your birthday. You’re another year older. How do you want to celebrate?”

Her birthday.

Sophie thought of the more than twenty birthdays she had celebrated with the Blackwoods.

This would be her first in Spain, and suddenly dozens of strange, exciting ideas filled her mind.

“We just moved here, so maybe we could have a pajama party and invite the neighbors. Or we could visit Aunt Claire in Iceland. Can you see the northern lights this time of year? But I also kind of want to go surfing

and skiing…”

Watching their daughter agonize over such happy little problems finally put Thomas and Helen at ease.

They had been nearly thirty when Sophie was born and had raised her with endless love. All they had ever

wanted was for her to be happy.

Because they had failed to notice what was happening, Ryan had hurt her deeply, and they had worried about

her for months.

Now that she had truly begun to move forward, they were delighted. They decided to fulfill every idea she

mentioned.

“Then we’ll make it a birthday week. Party on the first day, skiing on the second, Iceland on the third…”

The Whitfields were people of action. Once the idea was settled, they immediately created a full celebration

plan.

They bought flowers to decorate the garden, prepared food, and sent invitations to their neighbors.

On the morning of her birthday, Sophie woke to messages from friends in the United States.

She answered each one. Near the bottom of the list, she found messages from Richard and Grace.

Both had sent their wishes precisely at midnight, along with a generous birthday gift.

After hesitating for several minutes, Sophie thanked them.

The moment her message went through, the typing indicator appeared.

A reply followed quickly.

[Sophie, we know you don’t want to revisit the past, and we don’t want to disturb you on such a happy day. Happy birthday. We hope you’re healthy, successful, and happy every day. Remember to eat plenty of cake.]

Sophie knew that no matter how close the Whitfields and Blackwoods had once been, their friendship would

never fully return to what it was.

But she also understood that people couldn’t be judged as a single group. The failure belonged to her and

Ryan, not to either set of parents.

Though their lives might never cross again, Sophie still cared for Richard and Grace. They had loved her like

a daughter since childhood.

Their guilt and kindness touched her.

She accepted the birthday gift and sent a sincere response.

[Richard, Grace, thank you for the birthday wishes. I’ve always felt the care and love you’ve given me over the years. No matter what happened between Ryan and me, you’ll always be elders I respect and cherish. I hope both of you remain healthy and that everything goes well for you.]