FORGIVENESS

Sophia took a deep breath and began to speak, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm so sorry for interrupting your wedding, Cherry and Liam," Sophia said, her eyes welling up with tears. "I was wrong to do that, and I'm truly sorry for the pain and embarrassment I caused you both."

Cherry and Liam exchanged a glance, and Cherry nodded slightly, acknowledging Sophia's apology.

Sophia continued, her voice cracking with emotion. "And I'm sorry for the threat I made, Cherry. I was desperate and hurt, and I lashed out in a way that was completely unacceptable. I promise you, I would never hurt you or Liam intentionally."

Liam's expression softened slightly, and he nodded, accepting Sophia's apology.

Finally, Sophia turned to Liam, her eyes filled with tears. "Liam, I'm so sorry for what I did to you," Sophia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sleeping with your best friend was a betrayal of the worst kind, and I'm deeply sorry for the pain and hurt I caused you. I know I can never undo what I did, but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

The room fell silent, with everyone watching as Liam struggled to process Sophia's apology. After a moment, Liam nodded, his expression softening.

"I forgive you, Sophia," Liam said, his voice low and gentle. "But it's going to take time for me to trust you again."

Sophia nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I understand, Liam," Sophia said. "And I don't expect forgiveness overnight. But I hope that someday, we can move forward and put the past behind us."

As the tension in the room began to dissipate, Angela spoke up, her voice warm and encouraging. "I'm glad we're having this conversation," Angela said. "It's not easy to confront the past, but it's a necessary step towards healing and moving forward."

Cherry nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad Sophia is here," Cherry said. "I'm glad we're having this conversation, because it's helping me to understand what happened all those years ago."

Liam put his arm around Cherry, pulling her close. "We're in this together, Cherry," Liam said. "We'll get through it, as long as we have each other."

Sophia smiled, a small, sad smile. "I'm glad I can be a part of this," Sophia said. "I'm glad I can help to heal the wounds of the past."

As they talked, the atmosphere in the room began to shift, from one of tension and anger to one of understanding and forgiveness. It was a small step, but it was a start, and it gave them all hope for a brighter future.

Ma'am Rossy, who had been watching the scene unfold, nodded her head in approval. "This is good," Ma'am Rossy said. "This is very good. Forgiveness is a powerful thing, and it can heal even the deepest wounds."

As they continued to talk, the room grew quieter, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioner and the occasional sniffle from Sophia. It was a moment of raw emotion, of vulnerability and openness, and it was a moment that would stay with them all for a long time to come.

Liam's eyes locked onto Cherry's, his expression serious. "The police just called," Liam said. "Mike, your ex-boyfriend, has confessed to the crime."

Cherry's eyes widened in shock. "What did he say?" Cherry asked.

Liam's voice was grim. "After some... persuasion, Mike confessed that he was hired by the same person who's been threatening Angela."

Angela's eyes narrowed. "Who is it?" Angela demanded.

Liam's expression was somber. "According to Mike, the person who's been threatening you, Angela, is the same person who hired Mike to kill David and Cherry."

The room fell silent, with all eyes turning to Angela in shock. Angela's face went white, and she stumbled backward, as if she had been punched in the gut.