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Chapter 74:The Abandoned Child

Author: Ruby
last update Last Updated: 2025-08-12 23:33:52

Brett's POV

Riley settles back on the couch, her green eyes fixed on mine with an intensity that makes me want to run. But I've spent too many years running from the truth.

"You've heard pieces of this before," I begin, my voice rougher than I intended. "But never the whole story."

"I'm listening."

I move to the window, needing distance before I can dive into the darkness. "My mother was Sandra Graham. Twenty-three when she had me, already three years deep into a crack addiction that would define both our lives."

"Brett"

"No, let me get through this." I don't turn around. "You wanted the truth, now this is it."

The city spreads out below us, millions of people living their lives.

"The first memory I have is of her shooting up. I was maybe three, sitting on our filthy couch, watching her tie off her arm with one of my shoelaces." My hands clench at my sides. "She saw me watching and smiled like she was doing something wonderful."

Riley's sharp intake of breath cuts through the quiet.

"
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