The Millionaire’s Bride Mocked a Poor Maid—She Never Expected What Happened Next
Chapter 14
Many years passed.
Anna’s hair turned silver.
William’s shoulders grew stooped.
The school became a permanent institution.
Children of farmers became teachers.
Servants’ sons became merchants.
Widows who once had nothing owned small farms again.
The Hawthorne name changed.
Not because the family became richer.
Because it became responsible.
Beatrice remained part of Anna’s life.
She never forgot the day she had mocked the poor maid.
Sometimes she would mention it.
“I was horrible.”
Anna would smile.
“You were young.”
“I was cruel.”
“You were afraid.”
Beatrice would sigh.
“And you still forgave me.”
Anna shook her head.
“I didn’t forget.”
Beatrice looked at her.
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
“No.”
Anna smiled.
“Forgiveness means I don’t need you to suffer for what you did.”
Beatrice’s eyes filled with tears.
“And remembering?”
“It reminds me why we built this place differently.”
Beatrice nodded.
She understood.
