Chapter One Hundred And One

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As I looked up, Salie's expression softened slightly, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and longing. It was clear that forgiveness wouldn't come easily, that healing the wounds of the past would take time and effort.

As I continued to plead with Salie, tears streaming down my face, she interrupted me with a mix of anger and frustration. "Naomi, do you even realize what our family has gone through because of you?" she exclaimed. "The royal family came to our bakery, spreading lies about how you ran away from your obligation as Reuben's betrothed. They disgraced us, Naomi!"

Her words hit me like a slap in the face. I had no idea that the royal family had spread such false accusations, tarnishing our family's name and reputation. Salie had tried to find me, to defend our honor, but I had gone off track, lost in my own pain and confusion for two whole years. The weight of guilt settled heavily upon me as I realized the extent of the damage I had caused.

"Salie, I had no idea," I wh