Chapter 2: The Name I Didn’t Want to Hear
Chapter 2: The Name I Didn’t Want to Hear
For a second, I didn’t understand what she said.
“Grandpa… Richard?”
My voice came out hollow, like it didn’t belong to me.
Chloe nodded, tears gathering faster now.
“It started after Mom left for work trips,” she whispered. “He said I was being too loud… too messy… too disrespectful.”
I felt my stomach drop.
My father.
Richard Vance.
A man I had spent my entire life trying not to disappoint.
A man I trusted completely with my daughter.
“No,” I said immediately, shaking my head. “That’s not possible.”
Chloe flinched at my tone.
I softened instantly.
“Hey—no, I’m sorry. I’m not angry at you.”
But inside, something was cracking.
Chloe hesitated before speaking again.
“He told me not to tell you,” she said. “He said you’d take me away and ruin everything.”
My hands went cold.
“Show me,” I said quietly.
She pulled out her phone.
May you like
One video.
My world tilted before I even pressed play.
