Chapter 2: The Secret Evelyn Hid
That night, the Sterling mansion was unusually quiet.
Raymond sat beside his son's bed.
The boy finally slept after the doctor confirmed his fever was caused by exhaustion and stress.
Clara sat beside Raymond.
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"I tried to protect him."
Raymond reached for her hand.
"I know."
"I should have been here."
"You weren't the one who failed us."
Clara looked down.
"For months, your mother made me feel like I didn't belong."
"She told me I was lucky you married me."
"She said people like me don't survive in families like yours."
Raymond's jaw tightened.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Clara looked away.
"Because every time I tried, she reminded me that she raised you."
"She said you would always choose her."
Raymond looked toward the window.
For years, he had believed his mother was strong.
Elegant.
Wise.
But now he wondered if she had only been controlling.
The next morning, Raymond confronted Evelyn.
But instead of apologizing...
She smiled.
A dangerous smile.
"You want the truth?"
Raymond frowned.
"What truth?"
Evelyn placed a folder on the table.
Inside were old documents.
Photos.
Letters.
And one name.
Clara.
Raymond's expression changed.
"What is this?"
Evelyn leaned closer.
"The truth about your wife."
May you like
Raymond opened the folder.
And his entire world stopped.
