Chapter 9 - THE UNOPENED LETTER
The library was quiet, the fire dying down to glowing embers.
I was gathering empty coffee cups when I noticed a small, wooden box resting on Dominic’s leather desk.
It was open.
Inside lay the rusted key to the warehouse and Vincent’s silver locket.
But tucked beneath them was a sealed envelope.
The paper was yellowed with age.
Written on the front, in Vincent’s handwriting, were two words: For Dominic.
I stared at it. Dominic hadn’t mentioned finding a letter.
“I found it tucked inside the back cover of the ledger.”
I jumped, turning around.
Dominic was standing in the doorway, his hands in his pockets.
“I haven’t opened it yet,” he confessed, his voice barely a whisper.
He walked over to the desk, staring at the envelope.
“I spent nine years believing he was a failure. Believing he threw his life away. I don’t know if I can read his last words to me.”
The vulnerability in his eyes broke my heart. The powerful billionaire was gone, leaving only a grieving older brother.
I stepped closer to him. I didn’t think about boundaries or professionalism. I just reached out and took his hand.
“You don’t have to do it alone,” I said softly.
Dominic looked down at our joined hands. His fingers tightened around mine, anchoring himself.
With his free hand, he picked up the letter and broke the seal.
He unfolded the brittle paper.
We read it together in the dim light of the fire.
Dom,
If you are reading this, then Meredith finally made her move. I know she tampered with my car. I know I might not make it through the night. But I have to try to get the evidence to the police.
I’m not writing this to ask for vengeance. I’m writing to ask for a favor.
Find Lily.
Meredith thinks she can erase her, but Walter will protect her. Find them. Bring them home.
I know we fought. I know I disappointed you. But you are the strongest man I know. You were always my protector. Be hers now.
Tell her I loved her. And tell yourself it wasn’t your fault.
Love, Vince.
Dominic let out a fractured, agonizing breath.
He lowered his head, his shoulders shaking as the years of guilt and sorrow finally poured out of him.
I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly as he broke down. He buried his face in my shoulder, his tears soaking into my blouse.
We stood there for a long time, the fire crackling in the hearth, the ghosts of the past finally being laid to rest.
When Dominic finally pulled back, his eyes were red, but the heavy, suffocating shadow that had haunted him for a decade was gone.
He looked at the letter one last time, then carefully placed it inside his suit pocket, right next to his heart.
“He trusted me,” Dominic whispered.
“Because he knew you,” I replied. “And he was right.”
Dominic looked down at me. The space between us suddenly felt very small, charged with something deep and undeniable.
He reached up, his thumb gently brushing a stray tear from my cheek.
“Bridget,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know how to thank you for everything you’ve done. For Walter. For Lily. For me.”
“You already have,” I said, my heart racing.
“No,” he murmured, stepping closer. “I haven’t.”
Before he could say anything else, the library door pushed open.
Lily stood there in her pajamas, clutching a stuffed bear.
“Uncle Dom?” she yawned.
Dominic stepped back, clearing his throat, but a soft smile spread across his face.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Grandpa said it’s time for bed. Will you read me a story?”
Dominic looked at me, a silent promise in his eyes that this conversation wasn’t over.
“I would love nothing more,” Dominic said, walking over and scooping his niece into his arms.
May you like
The family was whole. The truth was known.
But as I walked out to my car that night, I realized Meredith had left one last loose end.
