Chapter 40 - Confidence

Rosaline thought for a while and added.

“I think that’s probably the difference between men and women. Or maybe it’s just me.”

William asked, genuinely interested. “What do you mean?”

Taking Tessa’s advice, Rosaline tried to open her heart and articulate her feelings.

“An understanding and trusting family gives you the confidence to test your limits because you know they will have your back.”

“I can take a leap of faith, knowing I have somewhere I can always go back to if everything goes to shit.”

“But lack of it makes you vulnerable and weak. Too cautious to live to the fullest.”

“If my parents don't have faith in me. Since they can readily believe every bad thing about me, perhaps, I am a bad person. Maybe I am unworthy.”

“Otherwise, why would they be like that? After all, they love me.”

Rosaline muttered the last statement in an emotionless voice as if she was talking theoretically rather than about herself.

But the suppressed grievances in her voice broke William's heart.

“I’m s