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Chapter 7: The letter

My dearest Arielle, the letter began,

I'm writing this to you, knowing that I won't be around to say these words in person.

I'm sorry for leaving you so soon, but I take comfort in knowing that I've lived a full life and that I've been blessed with an incredible daughter like you.

I was grateful to have had the chance to meet your beautiful daughter, my granddaughter Crystal. She's an absolute delight, and I want you to know that I accept her, and I'm grateful she was born.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I read on.

I love you more than words can express, and I'm sorry you couldn't tell me that part of you because you felt I would abandon you.

I apologize for my mistakes in the past. I know I wasn't always there for you, and for that, I'm truly sorry. I regret not being more supportive and understanding, especially how you felt you couldn't tell me about Crystal.

I know that my death may have come as a shock to you, but I want you to know that I've been preparing for this moment for a while now. I've made arrangements with the company, and you are welcome to go back anytime you dimfit.

I'm proud of the strong, resilient woman you've become, and I have no doubt that you'll continue to thrive and make me proud.

I want you to remember that you're not alone. You have Raymond, your aunt, and Crystal to support you. And always remember that I'll be with you in spirit, guiding and watching over you. Stay strong, my dear. Keep your chin up and your heart open. I love you more than words can say. Dad."

As I finished reading the letter, I felt a lump form in my throat. I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. But the emotions were too raw, too fresh. I let the tears fall,

He knew about Crystal, but he was waiting for me to tell him. I should have listened to my aunt and told him earlier. And I couldn't believe my Aunt knew that he found out, and she didn't tell me.

After my tears subsided, I pulled out my phone to call my Aunt.

After the conversation with her, I felt a little bit relieved. My dad spent time with his granddaughter before he died. And he figured out about her after I had accepted to marry Raymond.

That night, I slept thinking of what my dad's reaction was like when he found out. But I was assured that he still loved me.

I woke up the next morning feeling a little bit better. The letter comforted me in some ways, but the pain of losing him was still there.

I had my bath and wore something comfy since it was a weekend. I was going to see Crystal today and I planned on getting myself a car afterward. I have the money now.

I went to the kitchen to prepare something light for myself. Raymond usually made his meal himself, and I really didn't care - not after overhearing the conversation with his dad. As I made pancakes, Raymond came into the kitchen.

"Good morning," he greeted me.

I rolled my eyes since I was backing him. "Good morning," I greeted him.

I am not going to act weak in front again, so he can just stop with the pretense. I felt his presence behind me. What was he doing? My back was very close to his front. My heart missed a beat. His height was towering as he got a mug from the cupboard.

"So, what are you doing today?" he asked, making a cup of coffee.

He's such a good actor.

"Nothing much," I replied. "I'm getting myself a car later."

I had to exclude the part of going to see my daughter.

"I can give you one of my cars," he offered.

"No," I blurted out. "Even though we are married, I won't accept anything from you."

His jaw clenched.

"Then I will accompany you there," he said.

"Huh?" I asked. "Don't you think it would be the news of the town when they see the eligible bachelor billionaire with someone they don't identify as your wife?"

I didn't want to be all over the news. I added, trying to get him off me.

"That's true," he said. "I didn't think of that."

Raymond has always been a private person, but since his father announced him at the retirement party as the new CEO, Raymond has become a public figure, and the ladies gush over him online. And I wouldn't want to be seen with him in a crowded place. I have been lucky ever since that no gossip has been spread about us, and I wanted it to remain that way.

I took my meal to the dining area. I didn't want to converse with him further. I was already getting irritated with the pretense.

After eating, I went back to my room to get ready to leave the house. I booked a cab and got to where the cars are sold. I got a small portable car that fits my budget.

I drove to my Aunt's house after informing her that I was on my way.

As I got there, I already saw Crystal waiting outside. "Mummy!" she squealed as soon as I got out of my car. She ran to meet me, and my heart melted. I missed her so much.

"How are you, my love?" I asked, carrying her as we walked inside.

"I missed you, and I met Grandpa too," she said, her eyes sparkling.

"When will he come back?" she asked, her voice filled with innocence.

My breath ceased. I didn't want to break her young, fragile heart. "He'll see you soon, dear," I replied, trying to sound reassuring.

Tears already threatened to fall from my eyes. My aunt just stood there, sadness in her eyes.

We entered the sitting room. "I got this for you," I said, handing Crystal a bag. She took it to her room with excitement and went to unbox what I got for her. I smiled faintly.

"Do you need anything?" my aunt asked, breaking the silence.

"Nothing, really," I replied. "I see you got a car, but why is it so small?" she asked, lighting the air.

I chuckled. "You know I like portable things," I defended my car. She burst into laughter.

We talked some more. We played some games with Crystal, cooked together, and watched a movie. It was all fun and laughter. And for a second there,I forgot reality.

I felt a sense of joy that I hadn't felt in weeks. Maybe, just maybe, I was starting to heal.

It was already getting late, and I didn't want to leave, despite all Crystal's tears. I had to go. I felt awful, and a year of ending my marriage felt like eternity.

I drove back home pretty late, the cool night air filling my body.

Raymond didn't call me all this while, and I was relieved. Getting to the estate, I was asked some questions because it was pretty late, the estate was for the elite only, and I wasn't a cab driver either.

I got home, and Raymond wasn't around. The gatekeeper said he was out with his friends. I got to my room and collapsed on my bed. Sleep took me almost immediately.

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