Chapter 9

Mia's POV

I couldn't believe my luck when I stumbled upon the journal tucked away in the attic. It was a dusty old leather-bound book, its pages yellowed with age. As I carefully opened it, a rush of anticipation coursed through me. What secrets did it hold? What mysteries would it unveil?

I settled into a comfortable chair by the window, the warm sunlight casting a soft glow on the pages. The journal belonged to Nathaniel's late mother, and the thought of delving into her past felt both exciting and intimate. I knew I was about to embark on a journey that would change the course of our lives.

The first entry began with a date, many years before Nathaniel and I had even met. The words were written in delicate, flowing script, and as I read, I couldn't help but feel a connection to the woman who had once held this book in her hands.

"June 12, 1978. Today, I discovered a secret that has haunted our family for generations. It is a burden we carry, a weight that grows heavier with each pa