We Will Love Again – Episode 37
The anonymous documents threatened to revive a claim Alaina had just defeated. This time, however, she recognized alterations in the project dates and revision histories.
Someone had manufactured evidence after Evonne withdrew the original filing. The effort was no longer a frightened attempt to save Crazy Maple; it was deliberate retaliation.
Her attorney advised postponing the production agreement. Alaina agreed, knowing delay could cost her the buyer.
Aaron compared the files with records preserved during Triple AI’s evaluation. The originals proved Alaina’s concept predated Crazy Maple, but releasing them required corporate authorization.
Noah remained on leave and could not approve access. For once, his power was unavailable precisely when he most wanted to use it.
He contacted the independent review committee instead of bypassing it. The request would take longer, but it would leave no opening for accusations of manipulation.
Alaina learned what he had done from Aaron. “He could have copied the files months ago,” Aaron said. “He chose the process that protects your claim, even though it may not protect his timetable.”
The change in Noah revealed itself through restraint rather than promises. Alaina found that harder to dismiss.
Nora visited Alaina that afternoon. She arrived alone, without threats, conditions, or a plan she expected anyone else to follow.
“Noah told me not to come,” she admitted. “So if you ask me to leave, I will.”
Alaina let her in, though caution remained between them. Nora sat on the edge of the couch and kept her purse closed in her lap.
“I apologized for the sabotage,” Nora said. “I have not apologized for the hospital.”
Alaina’s body tightened at the memory. No polished words could return the years that followed.
“I was cruel to you when your mother was dying,” Nora continued. “I used your love for Noah and your fear for his future. I told myself the outcome proved me right.”
She did not ask to be understood. “I was wrong.”
Alaina accepted the apology without offering forgiveness she had not yet reached. “Thank you for saying it.”
Nora nodded, tears gathering without becoming a performance. She stood to leave as promised.
At the door, she handed Alaina a small envelope. “Noah wrote this before Oxford. He left it with me in case you ever called.”
Alaina’s hands trembled around the sealed paper. Nora had never delivered it, and the postmark-free envelope remained exactly as Noah had left it.
After the door closed, Alaina opened the letter and read the first line: If you ask me to come home, I will.