Time Heals All Wounds By Oliver Thomas 21 Summary
In this intense chapter, the protagonist confronts her father on stage during a public event, finally receiving his attention after a long absence. His arrival stirs a charged atmosphere, especially as he coldly addresses the audience and acknowledges the presence of Aaron, who is visibly shocked and terrified. The father’s sarcastic remarks about the environment his daughter is involved in add to the tension, highlighting a strained and complicated relationship.
President Morrison then erupts in anger, condemning Aaron and Sophia for their actions, which he describes as malicious and damaging to the university. He emphasizes the importance of the protagonist’s father as a major donor and supporter of the institution, accusing Aaron and Sophia of defaming both the girl and the university. The crowd quickly turns against Aaron and Sophia, judging them harshly and dismissing their accusations as baseless fabrications.
Overwhelmed by the backlash, Aaron collapses in despair, unable to cope with the public humiliation. The protagonist’s father shows a rare moment of softness toward her but remains cold toward Aaron. The protagonist then delivers a powerful rebuttal, challenging Aaron and Sophia’s assumptions about her motives and character. She firmly denies their accusations, asserting her independence and strength, and ends with a cutting remark that leaves no doubt about her feelings toward Aaron.
The chapter captures the emotional clash between the characters, showcasing themes of betrayal, misunderstanding, and resilience. The protagonist stands strong amid hostility, reclaiming her voice and dignity in the face of public scrutiny and personal conflict.
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Chapter 9
“Daughter?”
The single word exploded through the auditorium like a sudden thunderclap, silencing everyone instantly. The air felt thick with tension, as if time itself had paused for a moment.
“Hey, Dad,” I whispered into the microphone, my voice barely above a breath, carrying the quiet ache of a child who had longed for their parent’s presence and support.
At last, my father stepped onto the stage, his hand reaching out to gently brush my hair. His eyes, icy and unreadable, scanned the room before settling on Aaron’s face, which was pale and frozen in shock.
“I came here to see the environment my daughter spends her days in,” he said slowly, his voice cold and measured. “I didn’t expect it to be quite so… entertaining.”
He deliberately stretched out the last word, dripping it with heavy sarcasm. The entire auditorium fell into a suffocating silence.
Aaron’s expression was one of sheer terror and despair. His body trembled violently, as though he might collapse under the weight of the moment. Sophia looked like the life had been drained from her; she staggered backward, her face ashen and devoid of color.
President Morrison inhaled deeply, his features darkening with fury. His voice shook as he struggled to contain his anger.
“Aaron Ruthven! Sophia Macoas! What you two have done is beyond outrageous! Absolutely unacceptable!”
His booming voice echoed off the walls, making heads turn and hearts race.
“Spreading malicious accusations based on a single photograph, filing anonymous complaints, and then publicly humiliating a student during an official ceremony! What on earth is wrong with you? This is defamation! Serious misconduct! Do you have any respect for this university’s rules and standards?”
His hands trembled with rage as he continued, “Ms. Leroix’s father is the primary donor for our new library wing! He founded the scholarship program that has supported countless students!”
“Mr. Leroix takes time out of his incredibly busy schedule to support our school and visit his daughter, and you two have the audacity to twist that into something disgusting! You’re not just hurting Rachel — you’re attacking this entire institution!”
Each word landed on Aaron and Sophia like a harsh slap, leaving them reeling. The audience’s mood shifted dramatically. Sympathy turned to revulsion, and the whispers grew louder.
“Oh my God… they completely fabricated this whole thing!”
“How could they be so foolish? Going after the daughter of a major donor?”
“They’re so twisted, seeing something dirty in a father-daughter relationship? That’s sick!”
“I actually thought Aaron was decent, and Sophia was sweet. With acting skills like that, they should’ve gone into drama!”
The crowd’s harsh judgments crashed over them like a relentless wave, every comment cutting deeper than the last.
Aaron finally broke down. His legs buckled, and he collapsed to the floor, utterly shattered, mumbling incoherent words.
“This isn’t happening… it can’t be real… how is this…”
My father’s cold gaze swept over Aaron before softening when it returned to me. “Sorry you had to deal with this, sweetheart.”
I shook my head and gripped the microphone tighter.
“Aaron, Sophia,” I said, voice steady but sharp, “did you really think I stayed up three nights straight fighting for train tickets because that was my only way home?”
“Did you believe I dress simply because I can’t afford the designer brands you’re so obsessed with?”
“Did you think I stayed silent and didn’t fight back because I’m insecure and an easy target?”
With every question, my voice grew stronger, sharper, each one striking like a thunderbolt.
“Me needing a sugar daddy? That’s honestly the funniest joke I’ve heard all year.”
Aaron kept his gaze fixed on the floor, unwilling to meet my eyes.
“I wanted those train tickets because I thought it would be special—to experience that normal struggle of getting home with someone I cared about.”
I stared at Aaron with a piercing look, my words cold and final.
“Too bad you weren’t worth it.”
Conclusion
The chapter closes on a poignant note, capturing the raw vulnerability and fierce resilience of a young woman confronting betrayal and misunderstanding in the harsh glare of public scrutiny. Despite the weight of false accusations and the chilling coldness of her father’s presence, she stands unwavering, reclaiming her voice and dignity with a steely resolve. The emotional turmoil of shattered trust and broken hopes is palpable, yet beneath it lies a powerful assertion of self-worth and independence.
This moment serves as a stark reminder of the complexities woven into family ties and societal expectations, where love, disappointment, and judgment collide. The protagonist’s journey through pain and defiance underscores the enduring truth that healing and clarity often emerge only after the deepest wounds have been laid bare. In this crucible of conflict, her strength shines brightest, hinting at a future shaped not by others’ perceptions but by her own unyielding spirit.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fallout from this explosive confrontation, where loyalties will be tested and the true nature of relationships will be revealed. As the auditorium’s atmosphere shifts from shock to judgment, the emotional stakes rise, and the characters must grapple with the consequences of their actions and the harsh realities of public scrutiny. Expect the tension between Aaron, Sophia, and the narrator to intensify, as unspoken truths and buried resentments come to the surface.
Amidst the chaos, new alliances may form while old ones fracture, and the characters’ inner vulnerabilities will be laid bare. The next chapter will explore how each of them copes with betrayal, disappointment, and the painful process of seeking redemption or revenge. Readers will be drawn into a web of conflicting emotions, wondering who will emerge stronger and who might be broken by the weight of their choices.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
