After Rejection, she crawled to my feet for forgiveness

Plans failed

Their cries grew louder, and then one of the women, overcome with despair, stepped onto the front steps and raised her voice in a dramatic plea. “If this is what we are worth to you, then I don’t deserve to live!” She moved to the edge of the steps, her intent clear.

Gasps filled the air as the crowd froze. Lucas went pale, panic flashing across his face. He darted toward her, his voice trembling. “Stop! Don’t do this! There’s no need for such measures!”

The officials intervened quickly, pulling the woman back and calming her. Lucas, visibly shaken, turned to Henry, his voice low but urgent. “Fix this. Now. If this escalates further, we’re finished.” He knew if anything bad happened here, he's reputation as the Mayor would be destroyed, he might even be locked up.

Henry, cornered and realizing there was no way out, bowed his head slightly. When he spoke again, his voice was softer, more genuine. “I’m sorry. Truly sorry. For everything we’ve done today. It was wrong.”

The widows quieted down, their tears still flowing but their anger beginning to wane. The tension eased slightly, though the air remained heavy.

One of the widows stepped forward, her voice clear and resolute. “An apology is not enough. Norman is innocent. Release him at once. He doesn’t deserve this treatment.”

The other women echoed her demand, their voices strong and unified. “Free Norman!”

“Free Norman! Free Norman!”

Henry straightened his back, his expression hard. “The accusations against Norman are indisputable,” he said firmly. “He will not be released.”

The words hit the crowd like a thunderclap. The widows erupted into louder cries, their sorrow now unbearable. Their voices wavered between despair and anger, tears streaming down their faces as they clung to each other for comfort.

“How could you say that?” one woman sobbed. “Without Norman, what will happen to us? Who will look after our children?”

Another widow, her voice trembling with anger, pointed at Henry. “You don’t care about justice! You’re just trying to destroy the only man who’s ever helped us!”

The sound of their grief was overwhelming. Even some of the officials glanced at each other uncomfortably, shifting on their feet as the tension rose.

Henry, for once, faltered. His usual smug confidence wavered as he glanced at the crying women, but he said nothing.

Meanwhile, Harris and Bethany stood off to the side, watching the chaos unfold. Bethany’s lips curved into a cold smile as she crossed her arms. She leaned closer to Harris. “This is just the beginning. Henry and Lucas have no idea what they’ve unleashed.”

Harris smirked, his gaze fixed on the panicked faces of Henry and Lucas. “Let them dig their own graves. Norman’s innocence will shine brighter the more they fumble.”

Lucas, sensing the situation was spiraling out of control, stepped forward with a forced smile. “Ladies, please, calm yourselves. I understand your pain, truly I do,” he said, raising his hands in a placating gesture. “Norman’s actions will be reviewed thoroughly, but in the meantime, let me assure you—we won’t leave you without support.”

The widows turned their tearful eyes toward him, listening but not fully convinced.

Lucas continued, desperation creeping into his voice. “You’ll have the same financial support and security Norman provided. Henry will ensure you’re taken care of, just as Norman did. I promise you that.”

Henry’s head snapped toward Lucas, his face a mask of disbelief. “What?” he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible over the murmuring crowd.

Lucas ignored him, pressing on. “You have my word. Henry will personally oversee that you’re all looked after.”

Henry stepped closer to Lucas, lowering his voice so only he could hear. “This isn’t what we agreed on,” he hissed. “You’re putting all of this on me?”

Lucas’s eyes flicked to the crowd, his expression sharp. “Do you want your career to survive this mess? Do you want to be seen as the villain who left widows to suffer? Handle it, Henry.”

Henry clenched his fists, his teeth grinding together in frustration. This was not the outcome he had envisioned. But he knew Lucas was right—refusing would be political suicide. With a heavy sigh, he nodded reluctantly.

Turning back to the crowd, Henry forced a strained smile. “I will ensure that all your needs are met,” he said, his voice stiff and unconvincing. “You have my... commitment.”

The widows exchanged hesitant glances, their tears slowing. They weren’t entirely convinced, but the promise of continued support was enough to temper the immediate chaos.

Lucas seized the opportunity and gestured toward Henry’s team. “All right, everyone, let’s not prolong this any further. Henry, take your team and leave before we create more unnecessary tension.”

Henry’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. With a curt nod, he motioned for his team to follow him.

As the group dispersed, Lucas exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow. Internally, his mind raced. The plan to discredit Norman had backfired spectacularly. Not only had they failed to turn public opinion against him, but they’d also backed themselves into a corner.

“Norman,” Lucas muttered under his breath, his jaw clenching. “Even in prison, you’re a pain in the ass.”