CHAPTER 3: THE WOMAN EVERYONE FORGOT
CHAPTER 3: THE WOMAN EVERYONE FORGOT
Victoria's hands began shaking.
"Where did you get this?"
Lily looked toward the hotel entrance.
"My mommy gave it to me."
"She said if anything happened to her..."
"...I had to find Aunt Victoria."
The lobby became completely silent.
"Aunt..."
Victoria whispered.
"My sister isn't your mother."
Lily reached into her pocket.
She unfolded a worn letter.
"I couldn't read it."
"But Mommy said only you would understand."
Victoria opened the letter.
It was written in Amelia's handwriting.
"Victoria..."
"If you're reading this, I couldn't protect Lily any longer."
"I never stole your bag."
"I took it because someone hid evidence inside it."
"The evidence proved our family's financial adviser had been stealing from us for years."
"He threatened Lily after I found out."
"I disappeared to keep her alive."
Tears blurred Victoria's vision.
She remembered believing the lies.
Believing Amelia had betrayed the family.
Believing she had run away with money.
Instead...
Amelia had sacrificed everything to save her daughter.
Victoria slowly knelt before Lily.
"I'm so sorry."
The little girl asked only one question.
"Did Mommy tell the truth?"
May you like
Victoria could barely speak.
"She told the truth... all along."
