The Billionaire's Revenge (The Blank Check #6) - Jeannette Winter Page 0,63
but…I feel bad for Marvin,” she said.
Jordan coughed. “Forgive me if I don’t.”
“But you forgave me for my part in the lie. Why won’t you do the same for Marvin?” Gianna asked, believing it was a valid question. Maybe he really hasn’t forgiven me either.
“Gianna, it’s not about what happened when you were nineteen. It’s who he became over the years. Maybe forgive isn’t the right word. I guess I resent him for…”
“Not being who you thought he was?” she asked.
“Or for myself for not seeing it long before. My mother, who loves everyone, didn’t care for Marvin. When he came over, she seemed to hover. She said he might not be the friend I thought he was. She was right. But I chose to ignore signs and in a way, that is what opened the door for him to hurt you.”
“No. He made his own choices. You’re no more to blame than I am,” she said. There was a knock on the door and she said, “Well we know that’s not Marvin.”
They walked to the door together, weaving through the packing boxes stacked throughout her living room. Moving day wasn’t coming fast enough. When she opened the door it was a courier. “I have a letter for Ms. Ionnetty.”
“That’s me.” She signed for the letter then closed the door. “I wasn’t expecting anything.” As soon as she opened it, she realized who it was from. “Jordan, it’s from Marvin.”
“Do you want me to read it?”
She shook her head. “I’ll do it.” She went and sat down on the couch and Jordan joined her. “Gianna. Let me start by telling you that I’m sorry. I know that won’t make up for anything I have said or done, but it’s all I have. You might have heard that I have turned myself into the police. What I did to Mary-Lou and Jordon was because they stood in my way from having you. I hurt everyone I could because I was hurting inside.
I felt as though I was spinning out of control. I had thoughts that scared the shit out of me. Not just thoughts about hurting myself, but thoughts of hurting others. I was becoming a monster. Someone I couldn’t hide from any longer. I signed myself in for some in house treatment. It’s going to be an on-going, long process, but hopefully they can fix whatever is wrong with me.
But no chemical imbalance or diagnosis will ever make up for the damage I’ve already done. The only thing I can do is take responsibility for them.
I also know that you and Jordan are engaged. I’m happy for you. For you both. He is the man I wanted to be, but never could. He had all the honorable traits that will make a good husband. Don’t hold it against him for once upon a time taking pity on me and being my friend. Losing that friendship is yet another regret I must live with.
One final thought. I’m not writing to ask your forgiveness. I don’t deserve it. I’m just thanking you for telling me no, and for standing your ground and being the strong woman I always knew you were.
Now go and have a shit load of children and be happy. Marvin”
There was a lot to take in, but she couldn’t believe that Marvin sought out help on his own. She really had believed it was going to escalate and Sal or Connor might have to put an end to it in a way she’d tried not thinking about. Gianna knew this didn’t mean Marvin was now a saint, but she was glad to see he was taking responsibility for his own actions. It was a good start for him, and also helped with the healing for her.
She held the letter and looked up at Jordan. “It’s really over.”
“I guess it is,” he said.
“Okay, now you’re really going to think I’m crazy.”
“You want to go to his arraignment don’t you,” he asked.
She nodded. “How did you know?”
“Because that’s the loving kind person you are.”
Gianna reached up and touched his cheek. “And you’re not one who turns his back on a friend either. Are you coming with me?”
Jordan said, “Gianna, I promised you, I’m by your side always. Yes, I’m going. I was hoping you’d ask me to go with you. This is something we both need.”
“I love you Jordan,” she said.
“I love you to Gianna,” he replied.
She was glad Jordan wasn’t thinking about revenge any longer. Together, they found their love surpassed all else.
Nothing’s too hard or scary as long as we face it together.