betty slowly descended the wide staircase of the business center absent-mindedly adjusting the strap of her handbag on her shoulder her heels echoed sharply on the marble steps marking yet another unsuccessful day she had spent nearly an hour in the HR director's office of a large retail company and once again it ended the same way with a polite rejection understand you have impressive managerial experience fluent French the HR manager a grim woman in her 40s made a meaningful pause nervously tapping a pin on the desk unfortunately there is one thing in your background that prevents us well we really value the company's reputation stepping out onto the street Betty shuddered from the piercing November wind the fashionable mid-season coat still from her past more prosperous life no longer kept her warm as it once did and her favorite Italian ankle boots had worn out there was no money even for new shoes in the minibus rattling down the broken road of the residential area she habitually counted her remaining money her mother's pension barely covered utilities and the most essential medications her last savings were melting away like the first snow "maybe I should really try working as a saleswoman in a supermarket. " A faint cowardly thought crossed her mind but Betty quickly dismissed it the last time she was fired after a week once the store's security checked her documents climbing to the fourth floor again the elevator was out of order Betty tried to put a cheerful expression on her face her mother was already too worried she didn't need to upset her further sweetheart a weak voice from the room made her heart tighten yes mom you wouldn't believe it but I even had time to stop by the pharmacy today they have your pills on sale betty intentionally didn't mention that she had bought the medication at the cheapest pharmacy on the outskirts spending nearly an hour just on the trip in the evening lying in her small room she stared at the ceiling and thought about how strange life was just three years ago she had a prestigious job a new apartment with a mortgage and plans for the future and now an article for fraud which she hadn't committed a rented two- room apartment on the outskirts of the city and endless rejections from employers "god just any job? " Betty whispered feeling her eyes sting with tears the morning of the next day began with a search for job listings in the local newspaper betty's eyes caught a line large construction company is looking for a cleaner work schedule evening hours the salary was low but stable and the evening shift allowed her to search for something else during the day the office was located in a new office building betty nervously adjusted the only decent piece of clothing she had left in her wardrobe which she had bought on sale she was greeted by an older secretary in the reception area looking for a job go to the head of security the third office on the right mr smith turned out to be a tall man around 45 with attentive gray eyes he took his time studying her documents occasionally glancing at Betty over his thin metal framed glasses two higher education degrees language skills and a conviction under article 159 he said it without judgment simply stating the fact yes unfortunately Betty tensed up as usual expecting another rejection tell me more Mrsith unexpectedly offered leaning back in his chair and she told him about working in a pharmacy chain the owner who allegedly fell in love with her the fraudulent contract and how she ended up being the scapegoat in a wellplanned scam "you know Betty," Mrsith said thoughtfully after her story "I trust my intuition.
" He paused and right now it tells me you're telling the truth it's really not a difficult job but it's important can you handle it betty gasped in surprise of course i I'm ready to start today mr smith smiled then let's go and get you set up just keep in mind everything is under surveillance here it's not a threat just information in the HR department she was greeted by Abigail a pleasant middle-aged woman with kind brown eyes while filling out the paperwork she managed to ask Betty about her family learn about her sick mother and even treat her to a freshly baked cabbage pie that she had brought to work that day "here are the keys to the storage room it is everything you need. " Abigail showed her around the shift starts at 6:00 in the evening when the main staff leaves if you need anything feel free to ask don't hesitate on her very first evening Betty was surprised to realize that cleaning could actually be fulfilling the office was quiet and calm and only the occasional employees who stayed late greeted the newcomer warmly she especially enjoyed cleaning the huge windows with a view of the evening city it felt as if she were washing away all the dirt of the past starting her life with a clean slate that evening as she returned home Betty felt hope for the first time in a long while even though it was just a janitor's job here she was treated with humanity no one reproached her for her past and that was already something a week passed working at the company betty had already gotten used to her duties when Abigail called her into her office betty I have a small favor to ask tomorrow there's an important meeting and we need to prepare the conference room i usually ask the girls from the accounting department but they're all busy with the quarterly report on the table lay a large stack of documents these are the reports for the last quarter they need to be sorted into folders and arranged for each participant of the meeting can you handle it betty nodded though she felt a tightening in her chest working with documents after everything that had happened made her anxious here's the seating plan and the list of documents for each person Abigail handed her a sheet just be very careful okay these are financial reports well you understand betty worked with extra care she double-cheed each document comparing it with the list out of the corner of her eye she noticed Leon Smith's figure flashed by in the hallway he was clearly watching her but pretended to just be passing by once she finished with the documents she began cleaning wiped down the table the chair washed the coffee cups left from the previous meeting on the window sill she noticed a ficus she watered it and dusted its leaves "i've been working here for so long and I didn't even noticed the plant. " Abigail smiled coming in to check on her work the next morning Betty purposely arrived early to double-check everything once again at 9 the meeting participants started gathering she stood in the hallway nervously fiddling with the edge of her uniform robe what if she made a mistake but everything was in order in the afternoon Abigail called her into her office two cups of coffee were steaming on the table and a box of chocolates lay there sit down let's have some tea she smiled you know I gave you that task on purpose i wanted to check sorry I'm just an old worry wart listening to the HR manager's slow recounting of how hard it was to find honest employees how they had been deceived last time you're great you did everything perfectly you even noticed the plant can you imagine i purposely didn't water it for a week to see if anyone would notice abigail why make things so complicated betty asked in surprise because dear a person's character shows in the small things those who slack off on the little things will let you down in the big ones that evening while finishing her cleaning Betty accidentally bumped into Leon Smith "you did a good job today," he nodded and added casually "By the way there's an opening for an assistant in accounting if you're interested stop by Abigail's office tomorrow you can discuss the details on her way home Betty thought about how for the first time in a long while she felt needed she had been tested but not as a criminal she had been trusted as a person and that meant a lot that evening the office was unusually lively the important negotiations with French investors were wrapping up betty purposely stayed later waiting until everyone left so she could clean the conference room in peace finally the last meeting participants left chatting animatedly in French as she started cleaning she habitually gathered scattered papers empty coffee cups and wiped down the table where there were coffee stains when she reached the printer to dust it off Betty noticed some forgotten sheets in the tray i should take these to reception she thought but as she picked up one of the sheets her gaze accidentally caught familiar words her experience as a translator in an international company hadn't been for nothing she automatically began to read it was a draft contract an investment in the construction of a new residential complex the sheets contained two versions English and French they had clearly been used during the negotiations something in the phrasing of the French text struck her as odd betty sat down at the table laying out both versions side by side with each paragraph she read her anxiety grew the discrepancies were significant where the English version spoke of equal partner rights the French version contained clauses giving the investors a controlling stake what particularly alarmed her was the clause about the possibility of unilateral termination of the contract in the case of force majour moreover the definition of force majour was deliberately vague my god this is pure fraud Betty muttered feeling a chill run down her spine the scheme was simple and elegant sign the contract invest the money then declare force majour and take everything leaving the company with debts a wave of fear clenched her insides she remembered how her last attempt to expose fraudsters had ended 3 years in a settlement colony and a ruined life "not your business," whispered her inner voice "you're just a janitor put the documents back and forget about it.
" But another voice insistent and firm reminded her of Abigail who had trusted her and Leon who had given her a chance to start over how could she look them in the eye knowing she had stayed silent betty mechanically wiped the windows but her mind kept circling around the French phrases from the contract could she be mistaken maybe these were standard phrases no her experience with legal translations told her this was clearly a scam "if I stay silent I'll betray the people who believed in me," she thought closing the windows "if I speak up they might not believe me think I'm meddling in something that's not my business they'll fire me and then everything's over. " She walked home on foot despite the drizzly autumn rain she needed to make a decision her mother's face appeared before her eyes the day the verdict had been announced sweetheart how could this happen no she couldn't allow this injustice a second time the next morning Betty made her decision "here goes nothing," she thought climbing the steps to the office after all the truth is always the same no matter what language it's written in the reception area was unusually lively the French partners had already arrived to sign the contract betty could hear their rapid speech she knocked firmly on Abigail's office door abigail I'm sorry but this is very important betty placed both versions of the contract on the table the HR manager raised an eyebrow in surprise but listened carefully to Betty's anxious account here she asked shortly and quickly walked toward the director's office a few minutes later Betty was called into the director's office the spacious room with panoramic windows was filled with people the CEO Gregory Howard sat at the head of the table nervously tapping his pen the French guests were quietly conversing in the corner of the office betty noticed how Mrsith was carefully observing the situation so you're our expert on French the director's voice was tinged with barely concealed anger explain on what grounds you are reading confidential documents betty took a deep breath i'm sorry but I couldn't just walk past there are serious discrepancies in the contracts between the lines and attempt to deceive if I were mistaken I'd already be silent but this is important she spoke calmly first in English then switched to French clearly quoting the disputed parts of the contract one of the Frenchmen suddenly turned pale and whispered something urgently to his colleague how dare you gregory Howard jumped to his feet a cleaner is going to teach me how to do business you're fired leave the building immediately gregory Howard allow me mr leon Smith's calm voice sounded unexpectedly firm before making a decision I suggest we verify the information especially since our guests seemed to have gotten noticeably nervous abigail had already called the company's attorney a heavy silence hung in the room betty stood by the window feeling her knees shake one of the Frenchmen suddenly began to gather his things citing urgent matters "mr smith cast a quick glance at the security guard by the door. " "Gentlemen I'm afraid you'll have to stay," he said pulling papers from his folder the security service has some interesting information about your company or rather about the fact that such a company doesn't actually exist after that everything unfolded like a blur it turned out that the French investors were ordinary fraudsters they had used for documents and their double contract scheme was their signature move they had already deceived several large companies in other cities with similar tactics betty the director looked embarrassed i apologize you You saved the company from huge problems we would like to offer you a different position we can talk about that later abigail intervened softly but firmly still holding the trembling Betty by the shoulders right now we all need to have some tea back in Abigail's office warming her hands on a cup of hot tea Betty felt the tension of the past few days begin to ease "you know," Abigail said thoughtfully "I guess sometimes you need to be in the wrong place at the wrong time in order to end up where you're truly meant to be.
" Mrsith had been working non-stop for several days his office had turned into a full-fledged investigation headquarters the walls were covered with photos of the investors diagrams of their connections and documents from other cities it turned out that the frosters had been operating across the country using the same double contract scheme look Betty he laid out several photos in front of her do you recognize anyone in one of them the group of Frenchmen was speaking with a tall man in an expensive suit that's That's Richard our chief lawyer she exclaimed exactly now it makes sense how they got access to the company's internal documentation abigail popped her head into the office with a cup of coffee for Leon Smith how's it going it's going great he smirked we owe not only the exposure of the scam to our Betty but also for uncovering an entire criminal network a couple of days later employees from the economic security department arrived at the office richard and the two Frenchmen were arrested right at their workplaces it turned out that they had been preparing the scam for several months forging documents creating fake companies and establishing connections within the company you know what the most interesting part is mr smith shared with Betty over a cup of coffee they slipped up on a small detail they used an online translator for their communication not even suspecting that there might be someone on staff who speaks French fluently and with legal translation experience no less gregory Howard personally thanked Betty in front of the entire team thanks to our employees vigilance and professionalism the company avoided millions in losses i believe such qualities deserve special recognition he said abigail beamed as if she were the one being awarded after the meeting she gave Betty a tight hug i told you the character of a person shows in the little things you didn't even leave a half-dried ficus unnoticed how could you possibly miss an international scam betty was hitting home in a cheerful mood her heart felt light she had done the right thing not being scared not staying silent now not only was she not fired but they also offered her a new position with a good salary "mom," she said in the evening hugging her mother "it seems like our streak of bad luck is over everything is going to be fine now please sit down Betty gregory Howard gestured to the chair in his office a week had passed since the fraud incident and the director's tone had noticeably changed now it was filled with genuine respect i have a serious offer for you the company is opening an international cooperation department and we need someone with your qualifications betty nervously fiddled with the edge of her blouse but my past are you sure it won't harm the company's reputation the director smiled after you saved us from the fraudsters on the contrary that experience will be an asset a person who has gone through such trials knows where to look for trickery in the hallway Abigail was already waiting for her so did you agree she asked hugging Betty before waiting for an answer i told Gregory there's no better candidate the news of the former cleaner's promotion spread through the office instantly some sincerely congratulated her while others were bewildered the head of the legal department who replaced Arist was openly outraged this is unheard of a person with a criminal record is going to handle international negotiations that evening in Abigail's office Betty gave in to her doubts what if I can't handle it so many years have passed i've forgotten everything nonsense abigail interrupted her decisively you handled the French documents just fine the rest will come with time she poured tea into their favorite cups with corn flowers i also started from scratch once my husband died and I was left alone with a little son i thought I wouldn't make it that I'd break down but then I realized strength is not in not falling but in getting back up the next day Betty walked into her new office for the first time small but bright with a view of the city park a sign already stood on the desk betty head of the international cooperation department she gasped in excitement mr smith appeared in the doorway i was thinking how about we organize a little tea party celebrate your appointment there was a playful gleam in his eyes by evening the small circle of their support group had gathered in Abigail's office they were drinking tea with homemade pie joking and making plans a new life Abigail proclaimed raising her cup because of the people who believe in it Betty added quietly as she walked home she felt an incredible lightness there was a lot of work ahead and she would have to relearn many things but now she knew for sure she could handle it because there were people around her who were ready to support her and believe in her no matter what "mom you won't believe it," she shouted as she burst through the door looking at her mother's beaming face Betty thought "This is it real happiness when you can bring joy to the people you love. " That evening sitting in a new office Betty went through old documents her eyes landed on a yellowed photograph from three years ago she happy and smiling standing by the entrance to the main office of the pharmacy chain Health Plus memories flooded back with renewed intensity back then everything seemed so cloudless she was working as an ordinary pharmacist when a tall elegant man walked into the pharmacy oliver Murphy owner of the chain he introduced himself with a charming smile he started coming in every day buying little things and talking for long periods a month later he invited her to dinner "you know you have an amazing business acumen," he said looking at her with loving eyes "such a talent shouldn't be wasted behind the counter that's how she became a manager then a director she worked from morning till night developing the chain opening new locations and Oliver admired her you're my treasure i didn't make a mistake with you betty bitterly smiled as she remembered her naivity she had believed in the fairy tale about the handsome prince without ever questioning why he was so eager to make her the director just sign it darling it's just a formality he said sliding the papers toward her at that time her mother had been hospitalized with a heart attack and Betty rushed back to her hometown when she returned a week later the office was sealed the accounts frozen and Oliver had disappeared along with all the company's money "how blind I was," Betty whispered feeling tears well up in her throat she remembered the interrogations the humiliating checks the trial how she tried to prove her innocence how she sold her apartment to pay for a lawyer and the indifferent voice of the judge defendant please stand the court sentences there was a gentle knock on the door it was Abigail still here i saw the light was on when she saw Betty's tear streaked face she silently sat down next to her "i'm so scared Abigail. " Betty whispered "I'm scared of making another mistake trusting the wrong people what if I miss something again don't see the trick.
" She told her everything about the beautiful romance that turned into a nightmare the betrayal the shattered dreams my dear Abigail gently patted her hand you know we all have our scars but that's no reason to stop living you're no longer that naive girl you've become stronger and now you're not alone the rain was tapping against the window they sat in the cozy half-d darkness of the office and talked about the past about fears about hope i couldn't even decide on a name for my daughter Abigail confessed i was so afraid she'd make the same mistakes I did and your son grew up to be a wonderful person because I taught him not to be afraid to live betty walked home feeling a strange sense of relief for the first time in 3 years she had been able to tell everything to cry out her pain and she realized the past no longer had power over her now she knew the value of beautiful words she could read between the lines and most importantly there were people around her ready to support and protect her in Leon Smith's reception Betty encountered an unfamiliar man in his mid-30s tall fit with attentive brown eyes and barely noticeable gray at his temples marcus White private detective he introduced himself his handshake conveyed the confidence of a person accustomed to getting what he wanted please sit down Betty mr smith gestured to the chair marcus is interested in your case he has a lot of experience in uncovering similar scams the detective pulled the folder from his leather briefcase i've reviewed the materials of your case there are several interesting points that the court strangely ignored betty tensed talking about the past still hurt but there was something reassuring about Marcus' calm demeanor about the way he listened attentively making notes in his notebook tell me more about Oliver Murphy any particular habits social circle places he's been marcus asked betty started recounting everything she knew he kept asking precise pointed questions where did you meet who introduced him as the owner what documents did he show then the detective suddenly smiled you know your Murphy has already left traces in three other cities same pattern a charming romance a quick promotion then fake documents it had already gotten dark outside by the time they finished talking i suggest we continue this in a more informal setting the detective suddenly offered there's a nice coffee shop not far from here betty didn't refuse mr smith gave an approving nod in the cozy cafe with soft jazz playing in the background the conversation flowed more freely marcus spoke about his investigations about how important it was to notice the details criminals often repeat themselves in the little things that's what gives them away betty caught herself admiring his hands strong with long musical fingers and you well done you managed to start your life over most people would just give up after something like that there was genuine admiration in his voice i simply had no choice she replied quietly my mom she always believed in me they didn't notice how they had been sitting in the cafe for more than 2 hours i'm taking on your case Marcus said firmly as they parted this Murphy has pulled this off more than once it's time to stop him then more gently he added "And you know you can just call me Marcus. " On her way home Betty realized she was smiling for the first time in a long while a man had entered her life who didn't make her wary he sparked her interest and trust "just don't fall in love," she told her reflection sternly in the subway mirror but her heart still skipped a beat every time she recalled the intense attentive look in those brown eyes the next morning a bouquet of wild flowers appeared on her desk along with a note starting the investigation waiting for your call might need a few more details Betty some documents just came in from legal for your approval the voice of her new assistant Stacy pulled her out of her thoughts the first month in her new position as department head had been intense she had to get up to speed with ongoing projects meet partners and streamline workflows every morning started with a team meeting betty quickly realized the key was to organize the work of the small but close-knit team effectively i have good news for you all she announced one morning today our shopping center project caught the attention of Belgian investors we need to prepare a presentation in French she no longer felt timid at meetings with the CEO she confidently defended her position even the perpetually critical chief legal officer started treating her with respect after she discovered a major error in the supplier contract "can you believe it? " she shared with Abigail that evening i led the negotiations with the French myself today over video call of course but I was still terribly nervous then they sent a follow-up email they liked everything and want to move forward with us the team grew fond of her for her fairness her ability to listen and her readiness to help when Stacy's child got sick I let her work from home the result is what matters where you achieve it that's secondary she had said at the time even her financial situation gradually improved she used her first paycheck to pay off old debts with the second she bought her mom a new TV to replace the old glitchy one "sweetheart why such expenses?
" her mom exclaimed "because you deserve it," Betty smiled hugging her small traditions began to take root at work on Fridays the whole department would gather for tea to talk over the week and share plans betty always brought homemade cookies an old recipe passed down from her grandmother you know Abigail once said popping into her office at the end of the day you've changed your eyes are sparkling your posture is strong you're a real leader now betty blushed but she knew it was true she no longer felt like someone marked by their past she no longer tried to stay invisible is it just me or do we have a new unofficial leader in the company mr smith joked once running into her in the hallway pretty soon you'll outshine me too betty just smiled in response she was no longer afraid to be seen no longer afraid to take responsibility life had taught her the most important lesson to believe in herself and not to fear a new day i've got a surprise for you abigail burst into the office waving a bunch of papers remember how you talked about taking some advanced training courses well I pulled some strings the company's paying for your education an international business administration program can you believe it it was truly a gift betty had long dreamed of updating her knowledge but had always hesitated it was too expensive but don't think it's just out of the blue abigail winked gregory Howard was really impressed with your work on the Belgian deal he says people like you need to be nurtured the team fully supported her new journey stacy volunteered to take over some of her tasks once classes started the legal team offered to share materials on international law even the usually grumpy security guard Dave was moved betty if you're ever studying late just let me know i'll make sure no one disturbs you gradually even those who were skeptical of her appointment began to change their tune at one meeting the notoriously picky chief accountant Khloe suddenly said "Let's bring Betty onto the audit committee she's got a sharp eye for numbers. " Mrsith didn't stay silent either i look at you and I'm proud hiring you back then that was the right call my gut told me you're solid one morning Betty found a hefty stack of documents on her desk project files from the past 5 years Stacy explained we figured it might help with your studies we went through the whole archive picked out the good stuff this kind of support was uplifting her presentations in class were often used as examples and her final project on optimizing international supply chains even caught the attention of her professors can you believe it she told her mom sid Lana from accounting came to me for advice today i used to be scared of her she was so strict and now her mom just smiled watching her daughter all grown up confident and sure of herself in the company no one saw her as a former victim with a dark past anymore she was now known as a competent professional and a trustworthy person betty won't steer you wrong had practically become a saying around the office you know what's most important she said to Abigail one day i finally feel like I'm where I belong this This is family damn right abigail nodded because a real team is a family one that celebrates your victories and stands by you in tough times the call from Marcus came on a Saturday morning betty I have important news want to take a walk i've got a country house outside the city we can talk there in peace her heart skipped a beat they hadn't seen each other in almost 2 weeks though they'd been in regular contact about the case the house turned out to be a small cozy cottage surrounded by apple trees "an inheritance from my parents," Marcus explained as he opened the gate the veranda was already set hot tea homemade pastries you bake these yourself betty asked surprised no way he laughed my neighbor helped out i help her with chores from time to time and she keeps me fed but the conversation quickly shifted to business marcus pulled out his laptop look what I found remember that accountant who supposedly got sick right before the scandal broke i tracked him down a photo appeared on the screen there he was oliver Murphy in the company of strangers taken a month after Betty's arrest and guess where thailand marcus methodically laid out documents in front of her bank statements contract copies photographs here he used one name there another but the pattern was always the same a quick romance a whirlwind promotion and then forged paperwork look closely he leaned in pointing at something in the documents he smelled of coffee and a sharp earthy cologne betty found it hard to concentrate on the papers the unexpected closeness was distracting and then came the biggest discovery marcus opened another file remember that elderly woman who claimed to be his mother turns out she's a professional actress does small time roles and this isn't her first time participating in these kinds of schemes they talked for hours marcus explained how he'd pieced the information together bit by bit tracking down witnesses reconstructing the chain of events you know he said suddenly I actually started investigating this before we even met i looked at the case materials and something just didn't add up and then when I saw you I knew I couldn't stay on the sidelines the sun was already beginning to set when they stepped out into the garden the apple trees were shedding their last leaves the air carried the scent of autumn and faint smoke from nearby fires it had gotten chilly marcus draped his jacket over her shoulders their hands burst by accident and both froze for a moment "wait," he said turning to her "i need to tell you something this case it's become more than just work for me. " She looked up and got lost in the warmth of his steady gentle gaze "i know that after everything it's hard for you to trust people again but maybe just maybe you could give me a chance to prove not all men are the same.
" Instead of replying she stepped closer and rested her head on his shoulder marcus carefully wrapped his arms around her and they stood there listening to the rustling leaves and the quiet thutting of their hearts you know Betty whispered "I was scared of this moment too scared of making another mistake of trusting again but with you it's different. " Marcus held her tighter "i'll never lie to you that's a promise. " They drove home in comfortable silence soft music played in the car and the lights of the evening city flickered past the windows it all felt so right so natural like they'd known each other their whole lives the case file for reopening her case had grown thick marcus personally delivered the documents to a lawyer he knew a specialist in cases like hers "if he takes it on the odds are good," he told Betty even the company offered unexpected support gregory Howard assigned a corporate lawyer to assist with the case "consider it an investment in a valuable employee," he said during a meeting and let's be honest the company's reputation only stands to benefit when people see how we stand by our own hearings followed one after another marcus kept uncovering new witnesses people from other cities who had also been victims of Murphy's schemes can you imagine the lawyer said one day he used the exact same setup at least five times always finding a scapegoat an honest person he could pin everything on abigail made it a point to attend every hearing for moral support as she put it but Betty could see how closely she followed the proceedings jotting down notes the whole department quietly adjusted their work schedules to make sure Betty could attend the trials without stress the turning point came with the testimony of Oliver Murphy's so-called mother the actress Paula cornered and with undeniable evidence against her she told everything how they were hired to pose as a happy family how they rehearsed their roles how they built the legend of a successful businessman from scratch how could you betty couldn't hold back during the cross-examination you saw I was innocent the elderly actress lowered her eyes i'm sorry dear she said they paid us well and I thought it wasn't my business on the day the verdict was announced everyone was there marcus Abigail Mrsith colleagues from the department her mother held her hand tightly whispering a prayer when the judge read out the decision for full exoneration Betty didn't immediately grasp what had happened "it's over sweetheart.
" Her mother hugged her crying with joy "your nightmare is finally over. " Abigail and Mrsith gave her a firm handshake "congratulations you're truly free now? " Marcus drove them home "want to come in?
" Betty asked they sat in the kitchen late into the night drinking tea talking laughing for the first time in 3 years she felt truly happy like a heavy weight had been lifted like she could finally breathe freely again you know she said seeing Marcus off I don't even know how to thank you he just smiled i know how just be happy that's the best thank you the next day at the office she was greeted with flowers and congratulations gregory Howard came by personally to shake her hand i'm proud to have someone like you in our company to go through all of that and still remain yourself that's something after the case was closed life moved fast even though they both tried not to rush things he would pick her up after work they'd walk through the city in the evenings talking about everything under the sun betty was slowly learning to trust again though sometimes a strange fear would creep in you know she once confessed to Abigail i keep waiting for the catch i look at him and think "Is this really possible can someone truly be this genuine? " Abigail just smiled "oh it's possible girl more than you think you just have to stop being afraid. " Her mother accepted Marcus right away sensing a kindred spirit in him with her mother's heart i see the way he looks at you her mother said that's how someone looks when they're ready to lay down their life for you that evening Marcus stayed for dinner for the first time and they all sat late into the night in the kitchen talking about Little Betty one evening she and Marcus went to his country house it was a warm spring day and the apple trees were in full bloom remember how we really talked for the first time here he asked wrapping his arm around her shoulders you were so afraid to trust me back then and I was afraid to scare you off and now Betty asked softly now I know for sure you're my destiny at that moment all the fears and doubts disappeared all that remained were his warm hands the scent of apple blossoms and the endless happiness in her heart a week later Marcus introduced her to his parents kind down-to-earth people finally our son settled down his mother beamed he was always all about work now I see it was worth the wait in the evenings they often stayed at Betty's place she cooked dinner marcus tinkered with her mom's old laptop fixing and upgrading things everything felt so natural so right like they had always been together you know what's most amazing betty said once while they were walking along the river embankment i'm no longer afraid to be happy i used to constantly expect something to go wrong but now now I just live and enjoy every single day marcus squeezed her hand tighter i've learned so much from you too like how true strength is in being able to trust no matter what they stood on the bridge watching the sunset and it felt like the entire world had been created just for the two of them and then a month later on an ordinary evening Marcus suddenly dropped to one knee right in the middle of the street betty will you marry me i know it might be too soon and you might be scared but I just can't imagine my life without you anymore.
" And looking into his loving eyes for the first time she didn't feel fear only joy and certainty "yes," she answered simply and that yes sounded like the beginning of a new bright life "attention all employees of the company you are invited to a celebratory event. " Abigail issued an official order appointing Betty as deputy director for international relations after her record was cleared her career took off rapidly her experience knowledge and the reputation she had earned did the rest you're officially the boss now joked Stacy helping her move things into the new office her colleagues genuinely celebrated her success and Gregory Howard ceremoniously handed her the keys to her new office you've earned this and you know I've never once regretted putting my faith in you wedding preparations were in full swing abigail took on the role of chief organizer sweetheart you've got more than enough on your plate with your new position let me handle this i'd be happy to she rushed from one restaurant to another picked out decorations and drew up guest lists with the kind of energy as if she were marrying off her own daughter her mother beamed with happiness helping her pick out a wedding dress "my darling girl I'm so glad I live to see this day," she whispered discreetly wiping away tears her health had noticeably improved now they could afford good medication and regular treatment marcus insisted on renovating their future apartment a spacious three-bedroom in a brand new building before the wedding i want us to start from a clean slate he explained betty often stopped by to check on the progress and every time her heart fluttered with the thought "Soon this will be our home. " On the day of the wedding the weather was exceptionally sunny mr smith who had taken on the role of giving the bride away walked Betty down the aisle marcus stood waiting beneath an arch adorned with fresh flowers his eyes glowing with such happiness it took the guests breath away "kiss!
" the guests chanted among them was the entire team from the construction company betty had long since become one of their own she's the top dog now Abigail declared proudly raising her glass to the newlywids to a new life everyone joined in the toast with joyful cheers as Betty twirled in her first dance with her husband she thought about how incredibly life had unfolded sometimes you have to go through all the trials to find true happiness in the evening after the main festivities had ended she and Marcus stepped out into the restaurant garden you know he said holding her close i often think how lucky I am that Leon showed me your case back then it felt like fate was guiding us toward each other betty nestled her head on his shoulder and I'm grateful for all the trials without them I wouldn't have met so many wonderful people and I wouldn't have learned to truly value friendship and love somewhere deep in the garden music played the sky was filled with stars and it seemed like the whole universe was rejoicing in their happiness the next day the newlywoods flew off on their honeymoon two weeks on the French Riviera symbolic Abigail smiled hugging them at the airport the French language once changed your life and now it leads to a new happiness marcus and Betty's country house was surrounded by flowers a year after their wedding they decided to throw a big celebration for everyone who had supported them the old apple orchard where their story had once begun was now lovingly tended marcus spent every weekend there turning his parents' country house into a cozy family nest well tell me abigail was the first to notice the special glow in Betty's eyes when should we expect the addition betty blushed smiling shily and instinctively placing a hand on her stomach in 7 months but don't tell mom the guest started arriving gradually mr smith came with his wife bringing a huge bouquet of roses stacy now the department head showed off her ring khloe who had recently retired brought her signature pie even Gregory Howard dropped by for a while despite his busy schedule they set up tables in the garden and the weather was perfect betty's mother helped arrange the plates her health had noticeably improved after the illness especially since the young couple insisted she moved closer to them do you remember how it all began mr smith raised his glass with the interview for the cleaning lady position and now look at you a businesswoman a happy wife and soon to be a mother he winked at the embarrassed Betty yes yes the old security guard knows everything marcus laughed and I'm grateful to fate for every day of trials without them we might never have met abigail discreetly wiped away a tear my children the most important thing is that you found each other and soon your love will grow even stronger the evening flew by filled with conversation memories and plans for the future betty shared news of a new international project she had been entrusted with marcus now the head of a detective agency was managing an entire team when the evening darkened they lit up the garden with strings of lights betty looked at the deer faces around her and thought about how incredibly life had unfolded each of these people had played a role in her destiny helping her to stay strong to believe in herself what are you thinking about marcus sat down beside her about how much lies ahead of us," she laid her head on his shoulder "now I know for sure there are no hopeless situations. " "The most important thing is to stay human and believe in kindness. " Later when the guests had left they sat alone in the garden for a long time they talked about their future child plans to expand their home and new projects life stretched out before them like a wide road full of hope and possibilities "it seems we've finally earned our happiness," Betty whispered "we've learned to appreciate it," Marcus replied "and now we know for sure together we can face any challenge.
