By noon, the house was in chaos. Caterers bustled through the kitchen. Eleanor barked orders about flower arrangements. Thomas paced in his study, rehearsing what he'd say to his long-lost daughter.I watched it all from the landing, my heart a stone in my chest.At 2 PM, a car pulled up the driveway."She's here!" Eleanor shrieked, rushing to the door.I descended the stairs slowly, each step feeling like walking toward my own execution. But this time, I knew what was coming and I was damn ready for it.The front door opened, and there she was.Aurelia.She looked exactly as I remembered—delicate features, long dark hair, those wide, innocent doe eyes that had fooled everyone. She wore a threadbare jacket and carried a battered duffel bag, the picture of a girl who'd suffered through years of hardship.It was all an act. Every bit of it."Mom? Dad?" Her voice trembled, perfectly calibrated to tug at heartstrings.Eleanor sobbed and pulled her into a crushing embrace. "My baby. My swe
Last Updated : 2026-01-17 Read more