Erick knew his words reeked of selfishness. He hadn’t come to terms with the evening’s events yet, let alone expected Elin to understand.
He cared deeply for her, having seen her grow up. The thought of her emotional pain troubled him. With genuine concern, he offered, “Elin, if there’s any way I can make amends, anything you wish for, I’ll do everything in my power to fulfill it.”
Erick knew he couldn’t commit to a serious relationship or marriage until he resolved his own family issues. This promise to fulfill Elin’s wishes was the best he could do.
Erick’s eyes lingered on Elin’s youthful, innocent features. A wave of shame washed over him, realizing he could only offer her the stark truth. “If you’re still upset, I can talk to Annis, try to make
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things right with her…”
“No!” Elin interrupted sharply, her voice filled with distress.
“Don’t tell my mom!”
Seeing that Elin had finally broken her silence, Erick’s expression softened. “Think about it. Let me know what you decide, and I will honor it,” he said gently.
Elin had never expected an apology or an explanation, let alone compensation. Accepting any form of reparation would only reinforce the idea that she was manipulative and reduce their intimate moment to a mere transaction. To Erick, she might have been just a passing chapter in his life, but to her, it was the surrender of her first love. She harbored no regrets.
Her voice was a faint whisper as she spoke. “I don’t need any compensation. Let’s just pretend this never happened. You got nothing to worry about.”
Erick’s irritation flared at Elin’s poised acceptance and her seeming indifference to giving up such a significant first experience.
Grasping her shoulder firmly, he emphasized each word. “Know this, even for me, mistreating you is forbidden.”
Retreating to her room, Elin sank into the comforting warmth of her bath. Erick’s parting words echoed in her mind, a persistent reminder:
“Know this, even for me, mistreating you is forbidden.”
Elin understood Erick’s harsh outburst might have stemmed from genuine concern for her. Yet, once spoken, words could carve deep impressions, indelibly marking the heart. Memories of the hurt would resurface uninvited, carrying a residual sting of sadness. It was impossible for her to remain untouched by them.
In the following days, Elin deliberately avoided Erick, and it seemed he reciprocated, as their paths hadn’t crossed.
One afternoon after school, Landen called Elin to his study.
Entering respectfully, Elin asked softly, “May I ask what you need of me?”
Landen looked up with a kind expression and inquired, “You’re turning 18 this year, correct?”
Elin nodded.
Landen then asked, “I’ve heard you’re interested in pursuing design in college?”
“Yes, sir,” Elin responded.
“Have you considered Uchaesau? Sterling University College of Creative Design has an excellent reputation.”
Elin was surprised by his suggestion. Uchaesau was far from Swynborough, and she had planned to apply to a renowned local design academy, which would allow her to stay close to her mother.
“I’ve been planning on applying to the design academy here in town,”