"Jane, about Julie Samptonās engagement, your grandparents owe you an apology. We knew she was so cruel, knew how she treated you, yet we still asked you to bring James Black to support her. We didnāt consider your feelings. For this, your grandpa and I truly want to say sorry to you." Granny Sampton gently stroked Janeās hair. "That day, you must have been utterly disappointed in us, right? Grandpa and I always said we loved you, but we still favored Julie."
That day, the elderly couple prioritized the bigger picture. What they thought was that marriage was a major life event, and if James Black could lend his support, the Smith Family would surely hold Julie Sampson, the daughter-in-law, in higher regard.
So, despite knowing Jane would be upset, they still asked her to speak up and bring James Black along.
In their minds, this was a critical milestone in Julieās life. If it could be perfect, all the better.
Thus, Jane was made to endure the discomfort.
"Jane, your grandparents truly care for you, but weāve wronged you in many ways." Granny Sampson started coughing softly as she spoke.
"Grandma, Iām not angry. Iām not unhappy." Jane gently shook her head, but tears rolled down her face with the motion. "Grandma, itās chilly. Letās head back. Whatever you want to say, we can talk more at home."
"Letās sit here and talk." Granny Sampson seemed determined, as if she wanted to get everything off her chest at one time.
But the more she acted this way, the heavier Janeās heart grew with unease.
"Jane, these days Iāve been thinking... What if Julie never returned? What if we never knew she existed? What if you were Brightās only sister, growing up carefree as you did when you were little? Would your life now be different?" Granny Sampson sighed.
Her voice was gentle, "Youād be more confident than you are now, happier than you are now, and certainly more fulfilled. As a child, we protected you. As an adult, the Black Family would protect you. Your whole life wouldnāt have required swallowing your pride or submitting to others, nor would you have ever felt like an outsider, relying on others. If you grew up that way, youād certainly be more beautiful and outstanding than you are now."
It was a pity. She and her husband failed to protect Jane, resulting in her experiencing all the bitterness and sweetness of life.
Jane cried uncontrollably in Granny Sampsonās words.
For all those years, Jane had felt wronged, felt hurt.
But somehow, with Granny Sampsonās simple apology, all that grievance seemed to dissolve in an instant.
"Silly child, truly silly. Whenever someone treats you even a little kindly, youāre willing to give back to them twelvefold," Granny Sampson tremblingly raised her hand to wipe away Janeās tears.
Suddenly, in a soft murmur, she said, "Maybe I wonāt have the chance to meet the people who gave birth to you and tell them thank you. Thank you for bringing you into this world and leaving you with grandpa and me for over twenty years to be our granddaughter."
Granny Sampsonās tone was so soft that Jane didnāt quite catch what she said.
"Come on, letās head back. I canāt have my granddaughter catching cold." Granny Sampson stood up first and helped Jane to her feet.
The two held hands and slowly walked toward the doorway.
James Black and Bright Sampson were sitting in the car, waiting. When they saw the pair coming out, their faces still carried visible traces of crying, with tears that hadnāt yet dried. They both let out a silent sigh in their hearts.
To Bright Sampson, one was his beloved grandmother, the other was his most respected and cared-for sister in the whole world.