The news of my father’s passing hit me with a strange mix of emotions. I felt a deep-seated sadness for the loss of the man who was once my hero, but also a sense of relief that I was finally free from the toxic grasp of Vivien and her children. Yet, there was something else—a flicker of curiosity, sparked by the nurse’s cryptic words: “There are things you need to know.”

I arrived in my hometown a day before the funeral, greeted by an air of tension that seemed to hang over the house like a storm cloud. Vivien’s eyes were red, though I suspected it was more from anger than genuine grief. She didn’t spare me a glance, busy orchestrating the event as if it were one of her lavish parties rather than my father’s farewell.

The funeral was a blur of muted condolences and half-hearted sympathies from people I barely remembered. Vivien played the role of the grieving widow with aplomb, her crocodile tears fooling everyone but me. I stayed on the outskirts, knowing my presence was merely tolerated.

After the service, I approached the lawyer, Mr. Green, a pragmatic man with sharp eyes who reminded me of an owl. The will reading was set for the following week, he informed us, and it was to be a private affair for family only. Vivien shot me a triumphant look, clearly relishing the moment she thought she’d banish me from yet another part of my father’s life.

The day of the will reading arrived with a grim anticipation. I stood outside the lawyer’s office, my resolve fortified by those words from my mother’s diary. When Vivien blocked my way with a saccharine smile, declaring, “This meeting is only for heirs,” I refused to take the bait. Instead, I handed Mr. Green the document I had been holding onto since the call from the nurse.

As Mr. Green scanned the paper, a frown etched itself on his face. “This changes things,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Vivien’s smile faltered, replaced by a look of confusion and, soon enough, panic. “What’s going on?” she demanded, her voice shrill with fear.

I remained silent, allowing Mr. Green to explain. “This document is a legal amendment to Mr. Carter’s will. It seems he had a change of heart shortly before his passing.”

The color drained from Vivien’s face as the lawyer continued, “Lucian is to inherit a significant portion of the estate, including the controlling shares in the company.”

Vivien sputtered, searching for words that wouldn’t come. Elias and Khloe looked as though their world had been shattered. For the first time in years, I felt a sense of justice, not for the inheritance itself, but for the validation of my worth in my father’s eyes.

I realized then that the nurse’s words had been a gift of sorts. My father had known Vivien’s true nature, and he wanted to make things right in the end. In that moment, I felt a sense of peace, finally understanding that my father’s love had never truly wavered. With this new beginning, I could finally close the chapter on a painful past and start anew, carrying with me the lessons learned and the love that had always been mine.