Chapter 10: The Daughter of Two Worlds
The folder stayed on the ground for several seconds.
Nobody moved.
It was strange how one object could hold so much power.
A few pieces of paper.
A lifetime of secrets.
Alexander walked away before anyone could stop him.
My father wanted security to chase him.
I stopped him.
“No.””
Everyone looked at me.
“I need to know.””
My father’s expression softened.
“Lillian.””
“I need the truth.””
This time, nobody argued.
We returned to the library.
The same room where I had learned Adrian’s betrayal.
The same room where my entire identity had begun falling apart.
I opened the folder.
The first document was a DNA report.
The second was legal paperwork.
The third was a letter.
From my mother.
My hands shook as I opened it.
*Lillian, if you are reading this, then Alexander has found you.*
I stopped.
My mother knew.
She knew this day might come.
*I need you to understand one thing. A father is not the man whose blood runs through your veins. A father is the man who stays.*
My eyes filled.
I looked at Daniel.
He turned away.
Trying to hide his tears.
The letter continued.
*Daniel saved your life. He gave you a home. He loved you when the world was trying to use you. Never let anyone take that away from you.*
I closed my eyes.
For the first time, I understood.
My father had hidden the truth because he was afraid.
But he had never stopped loving me.
The door opened.
Adrian entered.
He looked uncertain.
“I need to tell you something.””
I almost laughed.
Another secret.
Another confession.
“Go ahead.””
He sat down.
“My father knew about your identity before we married.””
My heart sank.
“How?””
“He had people watching the Ashford family.””
“Why?””
Adrian looked ashamed.
“Because he wanted your shares.””
I nodded.
“Of course.””
Adrian looked at me.
“I didn’t know.””
“I believe you.””
The words surprised him.
Maybe they surprised me too.
But there was a difference between forgiving someone and trusting them.
I had learned that.
“What happened to your mother?”” I asked.
Adrian became quiet.
“My father ordered the accident.””
The room froze.
My father stood.
“What?””
Adrian looked at him.
“I found records.””
He placed another file on the table.
“I spent my entire life believing my father was powerful.””
His voice cracked.
“I never knew he was a murderer.””
I looked at Adrian.
The man who destroyed my marriage.
The man who hurt me.
But also the man who had finally chosen the truth.
“What will you do?””
He looked down.
“Help you stop him.””
I studied him.
A year ago, I would have believed his words immediately.
Now I needed actions.
Not promises.
My father opened the file.
Inside were photographs.
Financial records.
Names.
Then one document caught my attention.
A transfer agreement.
Signed by Alexander.
I read the date.
My wedding day.
My blood ran cold.
“What is this?””
My father took the paper.
His expression changed.
“Lillian…”
“What?””
He looked at me.
“This proves your marriage to Adrian was never accidental.””
I stared.
“What do you mean?””
My father pointed at the signature.
Alexander’s.
“He arranged for Adrian to meet you.””
The room became silent.
Adrian looked horrified.
“No.””
My father continued reading.
“Alexander planned everything.””
My hands went cold.
The man I married.
The betrayal.
The affair.
The divorce.
All of it.
A question formed in my mind.
One terrifying question.
If Alexander planned my marriage…
Then did Adrian ever love me?
Before anyone could answer, Adrian’s phone rang.
He looked at the screen.
His face changed.
“What is it?”” I asked.
He slowly lowered the phone.
“It’s Vanessa.””
I froze.
“Why is she calling?””
Adrian answered.
At first, nobody spoke.
Then Vanessa’s terrified voice came through the speaker.
“Adrian…”
A pause.
“Please help me.””
His expression changed.
“What happened?””
Her voice trembled.
“Alexander knows I betrayed him.””
Everyone went silent.
Then she whispered:
“He’s coming for me next.””
The call ended.
And for the first time, I realized something.
May you like
Alexander Ashford was not trying to win.
He was trying to erase everyone who knew the truth.
