The room went completely still.
Her father looked up.
Elena looked toward him.
“I tried.”
One of Chloe’s sisters whispered:
“No.”
Elena’s voice became emotional.
“I sent messages.”
Chloe stared at her.
“I asked to visit.”
Her father said nothing.
“But I was kept away.”
Julian was watching Elena closely now.
She continued:
“I lost fifteen years with my daughters because their father made sure there was no room for me.”
That was when Chloe stood.
Not quickly.
Not angrily.
She simply rose.
“Mom.”
Elena turned toward her.
Chloe smiled.
“You should sit down.”
“Sweetheart, I think people deserve the truth.”
“I agree.”
Something changed in Elena’s expression.
Chloe turned toward one of her sisters.
“Can you bring me the blue box?”
Her sister nodded.
Elena frowned.
“What blue box?”
Chloe didn’t answer.
The box had been hidden beneath the gift table all evening.
She had brought it because she knew there was a chance this might happen.
