“For you, Dad.”
My voice was steady, clear.
“Happy Father’s Day.”
Victor stared at the envelope like it might bite him.
“What is this? One of your sentimental cards?”
“Open it and see.”
Helena leaned forward.
“Victor, don’t engage with her theatrics.”
“Open it.”
Our eyes met. For the first time in my life, I didn’t look away first. Something flickered across his face—uncertainty, maybe even fear—but I didn’t stay to watch. I turned and walked toward the door. 50 guests parted to let me through, too stunned to speak.
“Sabrina.”
Victor’s voice cracked.
“Get back here.”
“You don’t walk away from me.”
I paused at the threshold, didn’t turn around. I just did.
And then I was gone.
Let me take you back 3 weeks.
After that video call, the one where Victor told me not to dress like a teacher, I finally found the courage to open my mother’s envelope. I sat on my apartment floor with the wooden box beside me, Ruth’s words echoing, for the truth. My hands trembled as I broke the seal.
Inside were two documents and a letter written in my mother’s handwriting. I read the letter first.
My dearest Sabrina, if you’re reading this, I’m no longer there to protect you. And I’m so sorry. There’s something I should have told you while I was alive. But I was too afraid. Afraid of losing you. Afraid of what Victor would do. The truth is, Victor is not your biological father. Before I met him, I was in love with someone else, a man named James Whitfield. He was kind and gentle and he loved me completely. We were going to be married, but James died in an accident two months before our wedding and I discovered I was pregnant with you shortly after. My family was devastated. A child out of wedlock would have ruined our reputation. So when Victor proposed, he needed our family’s land for his developments. My parents saw a solution. Victor agreed to marry me and adopt you legally in exchange for the property rights. It was a business transaction. He promised he would treat you as his own. He lied. I spent every day of our marriage watching him resent you for existing. And I couldn’t stop it. I tried, Sabrina. God, I tried, but he was too powerful. And I was too weak. I’m enclosing your adoption certificate. Proof that you are not Victor’s biological daughter. Keep it safe. One day you may need it. Know this. You were created from love. Real love. James would have adored you. and I love you more than my own life. You are not a mistake. You are my miracle. Forever yours, mama.
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