Chapter 2 – A Letter From the Dead
Adrian carefully unfolded the fragile letter.
The paper had yellowed with age, but the handwriting remained unmistakable.
Every loop of every letter carried memories of bedtime stories, birthday cards, and the gentle woman his father insisted had betrayed the family.
He began reading.
My dearest Adrian,
If this letter reaches you, then I have failed to come home.
Please don't believe what they will tell you about me.
I never stole from the Lancaster family.
I was forced to leave to protect two innocent lives.
His vision blurred.
The guests exchanged uneasy glances.
Bianca stepped closer.
"This proves nothing."
Adrian ignored her.
He continued.
The people behind this know that your father trusts them more than he trusts me.
Celeste Vale forged documents, bribed witnesses, and convinced everyone I had stolen company shares.
If I stayed, they would kill the baby I carry.
Gasps echoed across the ballroom.
Bianca's face turned ghostly pale.
"My mother?" she whispered.
The letter continued.
If you are reading this, then your little sister survived.
Protect Lily.
She carries the truth they tried to erase.
Adrian lowered the letter slowly.
He looked toward the frightened little girl.
His little sister.
Not a stranger.
Not an orphan.
Family.
Behind him, Bianca instinctively reached for his arm.
May you like
He stepped away before she could touch him.
That single movement hurt her more than any words ever could.
