CHAPTER 6: The Family That Remains
Nathan stayed at my apartment for three weeks.
He slept on the couch. Ate my food. Cried at odd hours.
But slowly, something changed.
He started talking.
About how our mother had always favored him.
About how she had filled his head with lies about me.
About how he had believed her because it was easier than thinking for himself.
"I thought you were the enemy," he admitted one night. "I thought you wanted to take everything from me. But you were just... trying to live your life."
I sat beside him.
"Why didn't you ever ask me?"
He looked down.
"Because I was afraid. Afraid I would find out the truth. Afraid Mom was wrong. Afraid I had wasted years being angry at the wrong person."
He looked up at me.
"I'm sorry, Samantha. For everything."
I took his hand.
"I know you are."
It wasn't forgiveness.
Not yet.
But it was a start.
Grandfather called a family meeting.
Nathan and I sat in his new living room. The attorney was there. My father was there, looking smaller than I had ever seen him.
And Grandfather sat in his chair.
"Caroline will be in prison for at least three years," he announced. "Perhaps longer. Her attorney is trying to negotiate a plea deal, but the evidence is overwhelming."
My father nodded weakly.
"I've already filed for divorce," he whispered.
No one looked surprised.
Grandfather turned to Nathan and me.
"Which leaves the question of the penthouse."
I opened my mouth to speak, but Nathan interrupted.
"Give it to Samantha."
I stared at him.
"What?"
He looked at me. For the first time in years, there was no resentment in his eyes.
"I don't want it. I never wanted it. I just wanted Mom to be proud of me. And I was willing to destroy my own sister to get that."
He turned to Grandfather.
"Grandfather chose Samantha because she earned it. She works hard. She's loyal. And she actually loves this family. I just... wanted to be loved."
Grandfather nodded slowly.
May you like
"That's the most honest thing you've ever said, Nathan."
