Chapter 2 - The Terrifying Truth
The letter began without any apologies, diving straight into a nightmare I never knew existed.
“Sophie, if you are reading this, I am likely dead, or they have finally found me.”
I gasped, covering my mouth to stifle a sob as my eyes darted across the page.
“Your mother was not just sick, Sophie; she was poisoned by the factory she worked for.”
“The company refused to pay for the experimental treatment that could have saved her life.”
The medical documents attached to the letter were heavily redacted, but the astronomical bills were clearly visible.
My father had not abandoned us to run away from his responsibilities.
He had borrowed a million dollars from a ruthless underground syndicate to pay for my mother’s care.
“I broke the silver locket that night because I found a tracking microchip hidden inside of it.”
“The syndicate was coming for you and your mother to collect my massive debt.”
“I vanished so they would follow me instead of hurting the two people I loved most in this world.”
Tears streamed down my face, ruining my perfect wedding makeup.
He had spent the last twenty years living on the streets, running like a hunted animal, just to keep me safe.
He sacrificed his dignity, his home, and his daughter’s love.
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And I had just ordered security to throw him back out into the cold.
I had to find him before it was too late.
