CHAPTER 3 – The Secret No One Buried
CHAPTER 3 – The Secret No One Buried
Victoria stepped forward.
"Security!"
"No," the groom interrupted.
"Who is he?"
The man finally turned.
"My name is Gabriel Santos."
"I grew up in the servants' quarters behind this estate."
Guests exchanged confused glances.
Victoria forced a laugh.
"He was one of the staff."
Gabriel looked directly at her.
"No."
"I was your father's son."
The room froze.
An elderly attorney slowly stood from the front table.
"I believe," he said quietly, "it's time everyone heard the truth."
He opened a sealed envelope.
"Twenty-eight years ago, Richard Ashford acknowledged Gabriel as his biological son."
"The agreement required lifelong financial support and recognition."
"But shortly after Mr. Ashford's death..."
"The documents disappeared."
Victoria staggered backward.
"No..."
"They were destroyed."
Gabriel nodded.
"By someone who wanted to erase every reminder that the maid had been loved."
Maria covered her face with trembling hands.
"I told him to let it go."
Gabriel gently held her hand.
"You spent your entire life protecting everyone else."
May you like
"Tonight..."
"I protect you."
