And suddenly, the woman I’d trusted for thirty-seven years felt like a complete stranger. 😮😮

The following morning, I woke earlier than usual.

Emily was already sitting beside the window, staring at the ocean with a cup of coffee between her hands.

She looked exhausted, as though she hadn’t slept at all.

I stood in the doorway.

“You knew you were going to tell me something yesterday, didn’t you?”

She slowly nodded.

“Yes,” she replied. “I just couldn’t find the courage to say it.”

My stomach tightened.

“Then tell me now.”

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Emily finally reached into her handbag and removed a small envelope.

She placed it on the table between us.

“I need you to look at these.”

Inside were several photocopied records, some dating back many years.

Bank statements.

Transfer confirmations.

And documents bearing a signature I recognized instantly.

Daniel’s.