When The Wind Stops, True Feelings Remain - Chapter 9

Dad lay in the hospital bed, barely conscious. He saw me and reached out a trembling hand, touching my face.

“Sarah…I’m so sorry… I always loved you, but…I couldn’t…protect you…I’m so useless…Forgive me…”

I sobbed, gripping his hand.

“Dad, it’s not your fault. You’re the best dad in the world.”

The door opened. Michael entered, followed by everyone else. Mark, David, Mom, and Jessica.

I glared at them, my body radiating ice.

Mom spoke first. “You’re not dead.”

Jessica smirked.

“See? I told you she was faking. Does she look like she has cancer? Mom, we were right to transfer the shares. I knew she’d come back and try to steal everything.”

Mom nodded in agreement. Mark looked at me, his face lighting up.

“Sarah, really? You don’t have cancer? Thank God! That’s amazing!”

David’s eyes were red–rimmed.

“You scared us, Sarah! You went all out with this act. But I’m glad you’re okay.”

I looked at them, one by one.

“Idiots. ”

“What?”

“I said, you’re all idiots!”

“Mark, you always say you’re not as smart as me. But you’re the most level–headed one in this family. Couldn’t you see Jessica was playing you?”

“From the moment she arrived, she flattered you, praising you constantly. You thought she genuinely admired you? How naive! She just wanted your support, a place in this family!”

“And you, David. The subtle flirting, the casual touches. You actually thought she was interested? Pathetic!”

“You were both pawns in her game! Weapons she used against me!”

“Thank God you never actually got together. That would have been incest.”

They gasped.

“What?!”

“Jessica is Mom’s biological daughter. With another man.”

During my two months alone, I’d hired a private investigator. I needed to know why Jessica got the motherly love I craved.

I needed answers before I died. The truth was devastating.