Page 71 of Forever Endeavor

Sonny stood in amazement. Like everyone present, he held his breath, anticipating Cal’s next words.

“To say I have been overwhelmed by the response is a massive understatement. Never could I have imagined so many people would become invested in my little story. And it’s to those people that I want to extend my deepest and most sincere apology.”

Apology? What the hell did Cal have to apologize for?

“It is with a heavy heart that I must confess the story you’ve heard was largely fabricated.”

Gasps could be heard in the crowd, Sonny’s among them. Son of a bitch.

“I am a fisherman who unintentionally misled millions with what amounts to little more than a fish tale. While some of the details were true, most were exaggerated to make for a better story. Most significantly, there is no mystery woman. There is no star-crossed connection. There is no reunion. And therefore, there is no happily-ever-after ending for a story that should never have been told in the first place.”

Sonny grinded his teeth. He’d warned Billie she was being duped. Shit on a stick. Of all times to be right about the old man.

Cal continued. “I know people will ask why I did it, and my only answer is that there is no answer, other than I strayed from my original aim to bring hope to a friend. I’m deeply sorry to anyone I have hurt or offended. Rest assured, I have learned the hard way about the tangled web my deception has weaved. Thank you. I will have no further comment.”

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