Chapter 2: The Hidden Box
That night, after every guest had left, Adrian searched the mansion.
For the first time in years, he wasn't looking at business reports or financial statements.
He was looking for answers.
Anna finally led him to the attic.
Hidden beneath old blankets sat a small wooden box.
Inside were dozens of envelopes.
Every one carried his late wife's handwriting.
Adrian's hands trembled as he opened the first letter.
To Sophie on her sixth birthday.
Another.
To Sophie on her tenth birthday.
Another.
For her wedding day.
For the birth of her first child.
Tears blurred his vision.
His wife had written letters for every important moment in their daughter's life.
Then he noticed something.
Several envelopes were missing.
"Where are the others?" he asked.
Anna hesitated.
"I don't know."
A cold voice interrupted from behind.
Victoria.
She stood in the doorway.
For the first time, her composure was gone.
Adrian stared at her.
"You knew about these."
Silence.
"You hid them."
Victoria looked away.
That was answer enough.
Years ago, she had convinced herself she deserved Adrian.
When his wife died, she saw an opportunity.
The letters were reminders of a love she could never replace.
So she locked them away.
And every lie since then had grown from that first selfish decision.
Adrian's disappointment was worse than anger.
"I trusted you."
Victoria lowered her eyes.
For once, she had no defense.
The engagement ended that night.
Not with an argument.
May you like
Not with shouting.
But with the quiet collapse of a future built on deception.
