The heavy wooden hockey stick struck Grace across the shoulder before she could pull four-year-old Lily out of the way.

Part 2 ⬇️

The word hit me like a physical blow.

I couldn't move.

I couldn't speak.

I just stood there staring at this tiny girl — four years old, tear-streaked, trembling — looking at me like I was the only safe thing left in the room.

Grace finally raised her eyes to mine.

They were filled with something I hadn't expected.

Not fear.

Not anger.

Guilt.

"Nathan," she whispered.

"I'm sorry.

I never wanted you to find out like this."

"Find out what?" My voice came out barely recognizable.

"Grace — what is she talking about?"

Victoria stepped forward, her composure snapping back into place like a mask.

"Don't listen to her.

She's lying.

She's been lying to you for years — both of them have."

"Both of them?" I turned slowly.

"What do you mean, both of them?"

Victoria's jaw tightened.

Something flickered behind her eyes — not guilt.

Calculation.

"Ask her," Victoria said quietly, nodding toward Grace.

"Ask her where she was five years ago.

Ask her what she signed."

Grace flinched like she'd been str*ck.

I looked down at Lily.

She had buried her face against Grace's shoulder, but her small fist was clutching something — a folded piece of paper, crumpled and worn at the edges, like it had been carried for a very long time.

"Lily, sweetheart," I said softly, crouching down.

"What's that in your hand?"

She looked up at me.

Then she held it out.

My name was on the outside.

Written in handwriting I didn't recognize.

---

What's inside that letter — and who wrote it?

The truth Nathan finds next will change everything.