CHAPTER 8: THE TRUTH
I went to see my father.
The man who had raised me.
The man who had lied to me.
"Sophie," he said. "I know you've been talking to Eleanor."
"I know the truth."
"What truth?"
"That you're not my father."
He stared at me.
"Who told you?"
"It doesn't matter. Is it true?"
He was quiet for a long moment.
"Yes. It's true."
I felt the tears coming.
"Why did you lie to me?"
"Because I had to. Because Charles would have killed you if he knew you were looking for the truth."
"What truth?"
"The truth about your real father."
"Who is my real father?"
He looked at me.
"Charles Blackwell."
I stared at him.
"Charles Blackwell is my father?"
"Yes. Your mother was his wife. His first wife. He killed her because she was going to leave him."
I felt like the world was spinning.
"Then that means—"
"Madison is your half-sister. And Ethan is your half-brother's fiancé."
I sat down heavily.
I didn't know what to say.
I didn't know what to think.
I didn't know anything anymore.
"I'm sorry, Sophie. I should have told you sooner. But I was trying to protect you."
I looked at him.
"Protect me from what?"
"From Charles. From the truth. From everything."
I stood up.
"I need to be alone."
I walked out.
May you like
And I didn't look back.
END OF CHAPTER 8
