Chapter 462: Mercy Won’t Erase One’s Pain
Lariette had expected such a reaction. When she first brought it up to Ruediger, he was also surprised, but understood why she chose such a way.
"Send him there?" Rafael repeated, brows furrowing. He glanced at Declan, whose eyes were narrowing.
Lariette nodded. She stayed calm as she added, "To one of the schools. Somewhere remote. Let him teach the children."
Chairman Delaney blinked. He exhaled, "Are you sure, Lari? You want him to be one of the teachers?"
"Yes, Grandpa," she smiled, "It’s irony, I know. What he did to our family was cruel, but I can’t deny he’s a good teacher. Eddy has helped me. We found out that he often did similar charity work when he’s abroad."
Lariette mentioned the plan to Ruediger last Sunday. He immediately utilized his connections to investigate the long years when Mr. Eastwood was still abroad.
It turned out, he had gone to various rural areas to teach children. Everyone’s evaluations of him were good.
The children, even those who didn’t speak the same language as him, cherished the time he was with them. A few of his students continued to excel in life and kept in touch with him.
Ruediger’s people checked even further.
Mr. Eastwood never had such an unsavory scandal either. In fact, he managed to uproot volunteers who were devils at heart, the ones who secretly preyed on the innocent children.
Because it seemed he was very dedicated to his teaching profession, she thought this choice was the best.
"He doesn’t deserve comfort," Lariette lowered her eyes, staring at her cup of tea, "And I don’t want to waste my time and energy hating him either. Let him live. But let him face himself every single day."
The silence stretched as everyone took in her explanation.
Rafael was the first to react. He ran a hand through his hair as he let out a low, incredulous laugh, "Lari, you’re too kind for your own good."
"I’m not being kind," Lariette smiled faintly, "I just don’t want to be tired. Tired of hating him, and the past I can’t change. I simply want to protect my hard-earned peace."
Rafael nodded, understanding what Lariette meant. Declan said nothing, but he also understood.
As one of the people who used to hurt her in the past, they had no right to judge her decision.
Chairman Delaney watched Lariette quietly, his gaze softened with both pride and sorrow. He leaned back, folding his hands over his cane.
"Your grandma would’ve said the same," he murmured, voice tinged with nostalgia, "Mercy doesn’t erase one’s pain, but it keeps you from becoming what hurt you. It’s a nice choice, Lari."
Lariette blinked rapidly, fighting the tears that threatened to fall, "Grandpa, I just want to move on."
As another year began, she hoped for more happiness and warmth to surround her and her loved ones. She had decided to live freely and peacefully since last summer, the season when she met him.
Declan clasped his hands together, "If this is what you want, Lari, I’ll make sure it’s done properly. I’ll handle the arrangements. He won’t be able to run. And he won’t come near you again."
Rafael was still curious, "You think sending him to teach children is enough punishment? Do you want to add anything else, Lari?"
"Maybe the punishment isn’t enough, but I won’t add anything else," Lariette reached for the tea cup, swirling it gently, "It’s fine. Let him live with what he’s done."
Chairman Delaney gave a slow nod, "Very well. Dec, handle it well. And discreetly."
"I understand," Declan replied firmly.
Aside from everyone in this study, no one else knew about Mr. Eastwood, including Jonathan and Samantha. Lariette requested not to inform them of anything, considering their interests were never in her life.
Chairman Delaney agreed, and so did the two Elsher brothers. As for Ruediger, he had always stood by Lariette’s side.
As he leaned on his cane, Chairman Delaney rose carefully from his seat. He crossed the small space between them before resting his palm on Lariette’s eyes.
"I’ll support your decision, my dear," he said quietly, "Whatever gives you peace."
Tears finally slipped down her cheeks. She stood up before hugging the elderly man, "Thank you, Grandpa. Thank you so much."
Rafael’s expression was softer now, "I won’t question you anymore, Lari. But I swear, if he ever tries to harm you again—"
"He won’t," Ruediger said firmly, cutting Rafael off. His tone carried quiet authority, "I’ll see to it personally. He won’t harm her ever again."
Chairman Delaney chuckled, "It’s good my darling granddaughter married a man who can protect her."
Ruediger looked at Lariette, his expression gentle, "To protect her peace."
The old man’s eyes glimmered with faint amusement. As for the lady, she let out a shaky breath as a smile bloomed on her lips. The heaviness in her chest began to lift.
They sat together a while longer, the four of them. Then, they left one by one.
As Lariette sat on the front passenger seat, she turned to Ruediger, "Eddy, do you think he’ll ever feel remorse?"
"Does it matter to you?" he glanced at her. The passing lights reflected on his calm countenance.
"No," she admitted, "I’m just curious."
Ruediger was silent for a moment, one finger tapping on the steering wheel. Then, he said, "Remorse might not come at all, or come too late for men like him."
Lariette nodded faintly. Her gaze drifted toward the window. The world beyond the glass was cold, but it brought her a sense of peace.
Then, his question pulled her out of a trance.
"Lettie, you really don’t hate him?"
"I did," she whispered, meeting her eyes, "But it’d hurt too much to keep it. I’d rather focus on people who love me than someone like him."
The neon lights outside illuminated his gentle smile, "I’ll love you more and more, and no one’s hate can bring you down. Or disturb your peace."
She let out a hearty laugh, "What are you? Defender of Peace?"
"No," he smiled, "Just someone who wants to guard your heart."
So that no darkness would ever taint her.