After 18? “
My wife abandoned me with blind twins – 18 years later she came back with a request
Lauren smiled, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Because I want to find my daughters. I want to give them the life they deserve. “
She took out a folded document and placed it on top of the envelope. “But there is a condition. “
The room suddenly felt smaller, as if the walls were closing.
“What condition? “Emma asks, her voice trembling slightly.
Lauren’s smile widened. “It’s simple, my darling. You can have all that… dresses, money, everything. But you have to choose ME or your father. “
The words hung in the air like poison.
“ME or your father. “
“You have to publicly acknowledge that he let you down”, she added. That he kept you in poverty while I worked to build a better future. That you choose to come live with me because I can REALLY provide for you. “
My hands clenched into fists at my sides. “You’re crazy. “
“Really? “She turned to me, looking triumphant. “I’m giving them an opportunity. What did you give them? A cramped apartment and a few sewing classes? Please! “
Emma held out the document, her fingers brushing against it uncertainly. “Dad, what does that say? “
“You must acknowledge publicly
that he let you down. “
I took it from him, my hands shaking as I read the typed words aloud. It was a contract… stating that Emma and Clara would report me as an inadequate father and credit Lauren for their success and well-being.
“She wants you to give up on me”, I said softly, my voice breaking. “In exchange for money. “
Clara’s face turned pale. “It’s unhealthy. “
“It’s business”, Lauren corrected. “And it’s a limited time offer. Make up your mind now. “
Emma stood up slowly, her hand finding the silver envelope. She picked it up, feeling its weight. “That’s a lot of money”, she said softly.
My heart split. “Emma… “
She wants you to give up on me
“Let me finish, Dad. “She turned towards where Lauren was standing. “It’s a lot of money. Probably more than we’ve ever had in one go. “
Lauren’s smile became smug.
“But you know what’s funny? “Emma continues, her voice gaining strength. “We never needed it. We had everything that really matters. “
Clara got up too, moving to stand next to her sister. “We had a father who stayed. Who taught us. Who loved us when we were hard to love.”
“Who made sure we never felt broken”, Emma adds.
