Chapter 11 - Breaking the Seal
Lucas drove home in absolute silence, the only sound the gentle rhythm of the rain against the windshield. Lily had fallen asleep in the backseat, exhausted by the emotional whiplash of the evening. When they arrived at the house, Lucas carried her upstairs, gently tucking the yellow blanket around her shoulders. He noticed the faint red marks on her small wrist.
A quiet, destructive rage settled deep in his bones.
He walked downstairs, poured himself a glass of whiskey, and went into his office. He sat at his mahogany desk, staring at the cream-colored envelope.
For the day you forget.
He picked up the silver letter opener and broke the seal. He unfolded the paper. Grace’s handwriting was elegant, despite the weakness she must have felt when writing it.
"My dearest Lucas,
If you are reading this, it means you have found someone. It means you are trying to move forward, and I am so deeply glad for that. I never wanted you to be swallowed by grief. You have so much love to give.
But I also know how easy it is to compromise when you are lonely. I know how easy it is to ignore the small red flags because the silence of an empty house is too loud to bear. Lucas, you are a builder. You build magnificent things. But the most important thing you will ever build is Lily's sense of self-worth.
If the woman you have chosen makes Lily feel like a burden, if she requires Lily to shrink in order to make room for her ego, then she is not the one. Do not let your fear of being alone convince you to sacrifice our daughter’s sanctuary. You promised me. Be the man I know you are. Be her father first.
I love you. I love her. Be brave for both of us.
Grace."
May you like
Lucas traced his thumb over Grace’s signature, a single tear falling onto the thick parchment. He had compromised. He had let a predator into his home because he was tired of being lonely.
He folded the letter and placed it carefully in his breast pocket. He wasn't lonely anymore. He was furious.
