Chapter 2: The Secret Victoria Never Expected
Chapter 2: The Secret Victoria Never Expected
Victoria stood frozen.
Her mind replayed the slap over and over again.
She had struck Richard's own daughter.
The guests quietly stepped away from her.
No one spoke.
Finally Richard looked at his wife.
"Why?"
Victoria blinked.
"What do you mean?"
"Why were you so certain she was lying?"
She couldn't answer.
Because deep inside...
She had recognized the blanket the moment Emily revealed the photograph.
Years ago Richard had shown it to her while telling the heartbreaking story of his missing child.
Victoria had remembered every stitch.
Every star.
Every detail.
Yet she ignored them.
Because jealousy spoke louder than reason.
Emily gently interrupted.
"I didn't come for money."
She reached into her worn handbag.
One by one she placed faded letters onto the banquet table.
"My adoptive mother left these before she passed away."
Richard unfolded the first letter.
His hands trembled even harder.
It was written by a woman named Grace.
Grace confessed everything.
She had found an abandoned infant after the hospital evacuation.
She feared the authorities would accuse her of kidnapping.
Terrified, she fled the city and raised the baby as her own.
Every year she wanted to confess.
Every year fear won.
Until cancer left her with only weeks to live.
Her dying wish was simple.
"Find your real father."
Richard covered his face.
He was crying openly now.
Victoria finally walked toward Emily.
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry."
Emily looked into her eyes.
For a long moment...
She said nothing.
Then quietly replied,
"I didn't lose my childhood because of you."
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"But you almost took away the only chance I had to find my family."
Victoria broke down completely.
