214 The Apology 12 (2/2)

Trying to lead the conversation to the main problem, Xiu Ling began with an apology, ”Joann, I'm so sorry.”

Joann who was in the middle of pouring herself a cup of tea, stopped and put the teapot down. She turned to Xiu Ling and asked, ”Why are you apologizing?”

Xiu Ling was not sure Joann was being disingenuous or not but she admitted truthfully, ”For withholding the truth from you for so long and for breaking the news to Sylvia before you.”

Joann just stared at Xiu Ling when she said so. This continued for several minutes with neither of the women saying anything. Just as Xiu Ling thought her friend was about to storm off, Joann merely shrugged and said, ”You know what. I was mad at you at one time but it's all in the past now. Furthermore, they're barely your fault. I cannot blame you for running into Xu Jing when you did. You did nothing wrong. If anything, I should thank you for helping me see the truth. After all, better late than never, right?”

Xiu Ling was surprised that her friend was able to face this with such openness. Based on her understanding of her best friend's personality, Joann would not be able to let go of this so easily... unless something managed to open her eyes.

While Xiu Ling was curious at what kind of event that was, she did not ask because she did not want to intrude into her friend's privacy. She was just happy on her behalf for having a breakthrough in her understanding of self.

Then again, Joann did not really give Xiu Ling a chance to ask before she quickly added, ”But...”

Hearing that, Xiu Ling's heart squeezed. She was worried that her friend would still fault her and the earlier things that she said were just for show. Therefore, it was to her surprise that Joann would lead to a question, ”Why didn't you tell me about this back then?”

”Huh?!” Xiu Ling definitely did not anticipate that. She thought about it and answered truthfully, ”Because I was afraid of you.”

”Afraid of me?!” Now it was Joann's turn to be surprised. Instead of being offended or brushing it off like she normally would, Joann asked for an explanation in a curious tone, ”Why were you afraid of me?” It sounded like she was in the mood to listen, which was honestly quite a surprising change in the woman.

Xiu Ling definitely had noticed this change in her friend and she nodded. ”Because I was afraid of how you might react. I did not want to ruin a perfectly good marriage. I was unsure.” Here Xiu Ling paused to stress what she had to say next. ”Furthermore, Joann, please don't take this as an offense, but you can be quite the domineering party in your relationships.”