Rachel’s face fell:
- You’re too late, Mike. Emily’s been gone six years. I don’t know what happened between you two—she never said. She quit her job, left the dorm, and stopped by briefly. I begged her to stay, but she was crying: “I can’t, Rachel. I’m being threatened. Don’t tell anyone I was here. Keep this for me—it’s for Michael. I wanted to give it to him, but I can’t.” She left. Later, she called, said she had a daughter, Victoria. I was thrilled. She lived in a nearby town. I meant to visit, but with my husband and kids, it’s tough. Then I got a call—she was gone. I went to her funeral, helped arrange it. Victoria went to a group home. I wanted to take her, but my husband flipped—said it’s him or her.
Mike, Emily loved you. She never had another man. I think she named her daughter after you. Here’s the folder she left for you. I didn’t touch it—heard you got married and didn’t want to stir things up.
Stunned, Michael took the envelope, hands shaking:
- You never opened it?
Rachel looked shocked:
- Mike, are you nuts? Emily and I grew up in foster care—snooping gets you in deep trouble. It’s not mine, so I didn’t touch it. The letter’s still sealed.
I couldn’t throw it out after she died, but I didn’t read it either. No need to stir her soul.
Michael hugged her warmly:
- Thank you, Rachel, for keeping it. This means the world. Goodbye, and good luck.
In his car, he opened the envelope. Inside were the photos he’d thrown at Emily and a letter. He read, whispering:
“Dear Mikey, I was so angry, even hated you for your stupid jealousy. But I’m innocent. You’re the only man in my life, and probably always will be. I hoped we’d make up, but then Lauren and your mom showed up. They threatened me, told me to leave town and you. Said those photos were nothing compared to what their hired goons could do. They scared me. They threatened to throw acid in my face if I didn’t obey. Said you were set to marry Lauren, that you knew and were just toying with me. It hurts so much. Goodbye, my love. I still love you. Your Emily.”
Michael sobbed:
- Damn it, what a fool I was! How could I believe that garbage and hurt her? And Lauren—how could she?
He realized his breakup with Emily was a calculated scheme, with his mother and Lauren pulling the strings. He couldn’t stay under the same roof with her.
“Emily’s gone, no bringing her back. But maybe there’s still hope… Victoria might be my daughter.”
At home, Lauren lounged in a silk robe, flipping through Vogue. Glancing at him, she said:
- You’re late. Rough day?
His emotions boiled over:
- You have no idea. And by the way, I’m divorcing you. We’ve got nothing to split, no kids. We’ve always been strangers. Oh, and I know you helped ruin things with Emily. How do you live with yourself? No guilt?
Her face twisted with rage:
- Divorce? Fine by me! You’ve been a thorn in my side. Want the truth? Your mom paid me to get rid of your little orphan so she’d stop hovering around her “perfect son.” It was fun watching her flee town. Keeping you was easy—just got you drunk. I knew you’d marry me out of guilt. It was a game, until it got boring. And in bed? You’re pathetic. I’ve been cheating on you forever. You’re a total loser! All I wanted was your money, status, fame!
Michael said quietly:
- You’re despicable. How did I miss it? Oh, right—I was working to fund your lifestyle. I’ll never forgive you for Emily. You ruined both our lives. Do you even get that?
He walked out, promising to mail divorce papers, and moved into a rented apartment. The quiet brought relief—no more ties to that awful woman. After confronting his mother, who admitted to slandering Emily, he cut off contact. She screamed:
- How dare you blame us? We wanted your happiness! That nobody would’ve dragged you down!
- Mom, I’m not happy. You shoved Lauren at me, practically forced us to marry. Duty made me wed that greedy shell! If you’d stayed out, I’d have a loving family with Emily. Instead, no love, no kids! Lauren refused to have children, even aborted when she got pregnant, all to keep her figure!
- If you’d spent more time with Lauren, your marriage would’ve worked! his mother insisted.
- No, Mom. My life would’ve worked if you hadn’t meddled with Emily.
With that, he left, done with his parents.
At the clinic, Michael took a long-overdue vacation and focused on gaining custody of Victoria. With his connections, he was confident approval was near. Sarah was allowed weekend visits with Victoria, and Michael decided to visit them to meet the girl. He stopped at a store, buying candies, fruits, and a doll with a toy stroller.
Sarah’s home was spacious but worn, missing a man’s touch. She greeted Michael warmly, grateful for his help with the adoption. She led him inside, where a simple but cozy table was set: vegetable soup, golden meatballs with roasted potatoes, and homemade blueberry muffins.