Chapter 3 — My Father's Final Letter
My hands trembled.
I hadn't seen my father's handwriting since the day we buried him.
Tears blurred my vision.
Robert quietly handed me the envelope.
"He made me promise."
"What promise?"
"That no one—not even your mother—would ever read this before you."
I slowly broke the seal.
The room disappeared.
It was just me...
And Dad.
My dearest Hannah,
If you're reading this, then I'm gone.
And if your mother is angry with you... it means I was right.
My chest tightened.
I kept reading.
You always believed your mother loved both of you equally.
I wanted to believe that too.
But for years I watched her favor Chloe.
Every excuse.
Every lie.
Every sacrifice.
Always at your expense.
Tears rolled down my cheeks.
Across the room, my mother lowered her head.
She already knew.
Dad had seen everything.
The letter continued.
You worked through college.
You paid your own rent.
You never asked me for money because you knew Chloe always came first.
I was ashamed that I didn't stop it sooner.
I covered my mouth.
Dad knew...
He had known all along.
That is why I placed the house in your name.
Not because I loved Chloe less.
But because I feared no one would ever protect you after I was gone.
The paper shook in my hands.
Then I reached the final paragraph.
One more thing.
Do not let your mother convince you to forgive before she tells you the truth.
Ask her what happened eighteen years ago.
She has hidden it from you ever since.
The room became painfully quiet.
I slowly lowered the letter.
My eyes locked onto my mother.
"What happened eighteen years ago?"
She burst into tears.
"You weren't supposed to find out."
Chloe looked at her in confusion.
"What is she talking about?"
Mom collapsed into a chair.
"There was another will..."
May you like
Everyone froze.
Another will?
