**Chapter 75: I’m Sorry** A restless energy coursed through me as I observed my lawyer, Rodgers, meticulously sifting through the business proposal that Corrine had sent my way. I had to admit, the woman was impressively efficient; it had barely been a day since our discussion, and already, here was a detailed proposal laid out before me. Either she possessed a remarkable work ethic, or she had been quite industrious beforehand, waiting for Letty and me to give the green light. Rodgers sat across from me, his brow furrowing slightly as he scanned the pages. He had been more than just my legal counsel; he was my trusted advisor, a guiding hand since I first tasted the sweet success of my first million. I never ventured into any business without his expert opinion. His track record was impeccable; every venture he had advocated flourished, while those he discouraged quickly withered into failure. His judgment carried a weight I couldn’t afford to ignore. After a moment, the tension in my chest grew unbearable, and I finally broke the silence. “What do you think?” I asked, my voice betraying a hint of anxiety. He glanced up, his eyes flickering with a hint of caution. “It’s a compelling idea. I can certainly see its potential,” he stated, but the pause that followed hinted there was more bubbling beneath the surface. “What is it?” I pressed, desperate for clarity, my heart racing as anxiety began to tighten its grip around me. Rodgers looked at me thoughtfully, as though organizing his thoughts before divulging them. The silence stretched on, amplifying my unease. “Spit it out, Rodgers,” I urged. His expression grew serious. “I just feel like this isn’t a traditional idea.” “I’m aware it’s unconventional,” I replied defensively. He continued, “But there’s another aspect to consider.” He hesitated, searching for the right words. “Have you thought about how this will affect the foundation aspect of your life?” At that, I frowned. I sensed his concern weighed heavily on him. Quickly, he attempted to ease my apprehension. “I’m not saying it’s a bad idea; it’s genuinely innovative and has the potential to evolve into a significant company. However, as the founder of the Hope Foundation, you have an image to uphold. Since your identity has become public, people associate you with the children you help. It’s likely that donations would dwindle if they discovered you were involved in a sex toy company.” My gaze dropped to the surface of my desk, processing the implications of his words. At the moment, I had transformed one of the extra rooms in my home into a makeshift office since I would be spending most of my time there until after the baby arrived. I could no longer ignore the reality Rodgers was highlighting. I was the face of a children’s organization, and diving into that line of business would undeniably clash with the moral expectations surrounding my role. A resigned sigh escaped my lips. Initially, I had resisted the idea passionately, but as the concept grew, excitement surged within me as I imagined launching the company alongside friends. “You’re right,” I finally conceded. “The social elites would likely withdraw their support if they learned of my involvement.” He nodded gravely, and the weight of the conversation settled between us. I was lost in thought, grappling with how to gently let Corrine and Letty down. I knew they would be disappointed, but I trusted they would ultimately understand. That was the essence of true friendship, after all. “This is a significant opportunity, and I don’t want you to miss it,” he said, interrupting my spiraling thoughts. “Would your friends be open to having you as a silent partner?” Hope flickered within me, growing brighter as he outlined the possibilities. In previous business ventures where I had provided capital, I had played the role of a silent investor—holding shares and having a say in major decisions while remaining mostly incognito. Only the CEO and board members were aware of my involvement. “That could work,” I replied, the shadows of doubt lifting slightly. “I’ll talk to them, but I’m sure they won’t have any objections,” I added, a smile breaking through. “It’s settled then,” he declared, rising from his chair. “Speak with them, and once you’ve made arrangements, let me know so I can draft the necessary documents.” “Thank you, Rodgers, for your unwavering support,” I replied, grateful. “Anytime. After all, you do pay me handsomely for ensuring your worries are sorted,” he quipped with a smile. “See you, Ava,” he said as he walked out. As soon as he left, I picked up my phone, eager to call Letty first, followed quickly by Corrine. She answered on the first ring. “Letty, I’ve got—” Before I could finish, she interjected, her voice heavy with regret. “I’m really sorry, Ava. I’ve been wanting to apologize, but I didn’t know where to start.” Her tone, laced with remorse, stirred an instinct in me to comfort her, to take away whatever burden weighed on her heart. “What are you talking about, Letty? What do you need to apologize for?” I asked, glancing at the wall opposite me, a perplexed frown knitting my brow. As far as I was concerned, there had been no conflict, no reason to seek forgiveness. “For pushing,” she confessed, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I keep insisting on the issue with Rowan without realizing how much it hurts you. I just want you to be happy, and a part of me believes Rowan is your happiness. It’s tough to accept all those years of love between you two are now overshadowed.” “Letty…” I thought I’d finally be able to speak, but she continued her passionate tirade. “I want you to find happiness. You told me once you hoped Rowan would have feelings for you, but now that it seems he does, you’re skeptical and resistant. I just don’t understand why.” A deep sigh escaped my lips, fatigue washing over me as I realized we were treading familiar ground once more. “I’ll explain this once, and I don’t want to revisit it again,” I breathed deeply, gathering my resolve. “I loved Rowan—a part of me always will. You can’t erase that kind of love, but the pain he caused me has buried it beneath an avalanche of hurt. His actions have suffocated my love, transforming it into something unbearable. To protect the fragments of myself that remain, I had to bury it, ensuring it remained untouched by his influence.” With each word, a stab of anguish struck my heart. Though I knew the love was still there, it lay dormant, eclipsed by years of his cruelty. It was a festering wound, one that tugged at my soul far more than any physical pain ever could. “He didn’t ever lift a hand against me, but sometimes, I wish he had. Physical injuries heal; the scars on the heart and soul cut deeper,” I went on, my heartache spilling into the words I spoke. “I can’t fathom how that must feel, Ava,” Letty said, her sobs mingling with my pain as she absorbed my words. “I’m sorry for dredging up such painful memories.” “I know you meant well, Letty, but Rowan isn’t my key to happiness. We were not happy in the nine years we spent married—why would things be any different now?” I could almost hear her heart sinking at my proclamation, the truth too harsh to bear. I was firm in my belief that Rowan’s feelings toward me had long since morphed into indifference, or perhaps even resentment. Any chance of rekindling what we once had felt too bleak, too far-fetched to even consider. “I promise, I’ll never bring it up again,” she said, her remorse palpable even through the phone. Relief washed over me. “Thank you. And let’s not forget—I’ve sworn off men completely. Love is not in the cards for me. After all, history clearly indicates I possess a dismal taste in that department,” I added, attempting to lighten the mood. Her laughter broke through my heavy heart, a welcome sound. “I remember that declaration well. I guess the new business venture is well-timed; free sex toys for you, right?” Her laughter was infectious, and I could picture the gleam of amusement in her eyes. “Speaking of which…” I dove into the details of my discussion with Rodgers, explaining why being a silent partner was the right choice. Just as I had anticipated, she accepted the concept wholeheartedly. “I fully support it. I’m certain Corrine will as well. I’ll talk to her later,” she promised. “Before I forget,” she continued, “did you manage to buy from the list we sent you?” “I planned to swing by after my meeting with the lawyer,” I replied. “Well, you better hurry up then—your feedback is crucial!” She paused as someone called her name, then returned to the conversation. “I have to run; there’s an impromptu meeting I need to attend.” “It’s alright. Have a wonderful day, and remember to keep me posted about the toys!” With that, we ended the call. I busied myself with chores before slipping into the refreshing embrace of a shower. After preparing, I set off for the mall, trepidation coiling around my stomach. Excitement mingled with anxiety, surfacing from the prospect of plunging into what society might judge harshly—a venture into a sex toy shop. Following Corrine’s directions, I navigated my way through the mall. Relief washed over me when I arrived at the store, tucked away in a discreet corner. But doubt crept back in like a thief in the night; could I truly go through with this? I was engulfed in contemplation when his unmistakable voice cut through the air. “Ava?” Panic washed over me as I froze, my heart racing with dread. What was he doing here?