In it, Mark confessed he knew Ava wasn’t his biological daughter—Mom had an affair. Despite that, he still raised her, but felt she and Mom only saw him as a paycheck. Me, on the other hand—though not his by blood—he said I was the only one who respected him, who made him feel like a real father. He admitted he noticed everything I did, even if he never said it, and he wanted my inheritance to fund my dream of veterinary school.
When I told Mom and Ava the truth, the house exploded in accusations. Ava was shattered to learn she wasn’t his daughter, Mom was furious, and both demanded I share the money. But I refused. For once, I had proof that I mattered—that my quiet loyalty had meant something.
