Chapter 6 - The Name Mark Never Said

The ride home was silent.

Austin sat in the back seat even though the passenger seat was empty.

Mark did not ask him to move.

At the house, Sarah ran into the rain and wrapped Austin in both arms.

He let her.

Lily stood in the doorway, crying.

"I thought you were dead."

Austin blinked at her.

"That's dramatic."

She punched his shoulder lightly, then hugged him.

"Idiot."

"Ow."

"Good."

For half a second, they were just brother and sister again.

Then Lily looked at Mark.

Her face hardened.

"Who is my biological father?"

Sarah turned.

Margaret went pale.

Mark stepped inside and closed the door.

"Not tonight."

"You don't get to say that."

"Lily—"

"Everybody knows things about me except me."

"I was trying to protect you."

"From what? A name?"

Margaret spoke softly.

"Mark. Tell her."

He rounded on his mother.

"You've done enough."

Margaret stood straighter.

"No. Hiding things is what did enough."

Sarah looked between them.

"Mark, if you know, tell her."

He rubbed the back of his neck.

"His name is Jason Cole."

Lily repeated it.

"Jason Cole."

"He and your mother worked together at a restaurant."

"Where is he?"

"I don't know."

Margaret looked away.

Mark noticed.

"Mom?"

She did not answer.

"Mom."

Margaret sat down heavily.

"Melissa wrote to me once. About eight years ago."

Mark stared.

"What?"

"She said Jason had tried to contact her. He wanted to know about Lily."

"And you didn't tell me?"

"You were finally stable. Lily was happy. Melissa had already caused enough pain."

Mark laughed in disbelief.

"So now we're judging people for keeping secrets?"

Margaret's eyes flashed.

"Yes. Starting with me. I was wrong."

That took some air out of him.

Lily stepped forward.

"Do you still have the letter?"

Margaret hesitated.

That hesitation was enough.

"Grandma."

"It's in a box in my attic."

Lily grabbed her phone.

"We're getting it."

"It's almost midnight," Sarah said.

"I don't care."

Mark moved between Lily and the door.

"Nobody is driving anywhere tonight."

Lily stared up at him.

"You were allowed to know the truth when I was seven months old. I've been living inside it for twelve years."

Mark stepped aside.

An hour later, Margaret returned with a dented blue tin box.

Inside were old photographs, tax papers, birthday cards, and one sealed envelope with Lily's name written on the front.

Margaret frowned.

"I didn't write that."

Mark took the envelope.

The handwriting was Melissa's.

May you like

She Tried to Kill a Disabled Woman at a Billionaire’s Pool Party—But One...

She had already lost her leg. Now, they were trying to take her life.At a luxury mansion filled with millionaires, a terrified you...

THEY DECLARED HER DEAD—THEN ORDERED HER CREMATED WHILE SHE WAS STILL ALI...

They were about to burn her alive.Her death certificate had already been signed. Her body was scheduled for immediate cremation. A...

She Pushed a Pregnant Woman in a Wheelchair Into the Pool—Then Her Husba...

She was pregnant. She was in a wheelchair. And the woman standing behind her was smiling.Seconds later, one brutal shove sent her...

On the back, in faded ink, were five words.

GIVE THIS TO LILY SOMEDAY.