"I want to go to Country R with Elizabeth tomorrow."
Horace paused mid-movement, slowly lifting his head to look at her.
"Country R?" His brows drew together in confusion.
"Yes." Ariel nodded calmly. "I want to visit my uncle—James Thomas."
"You can't be serious, love." Horace straightened, disbelief written all over his face.
"That man is not your uncle. After everything they did to you, how can you even think of visiting them?" His voice hardened.
"I won't allow it." He folded his arms across his chest.
Ariel stepped closer, closing the space between them. She placed her hands gently on his shoulders, her touch soft, calming.
"Oh, my dearest husband," she said quietly. "I know he hurt me. I know he wronged me deeply. But I can't keep living with hatred in my heart. Forgiveness matters, Horace. It's the only way to truly heal."
She looked up at him, her eyes filled with sincerity.
