Chapter 9: The Truth About Daniel’s Birth
Daniel stared at Michael.
“No.””
Michael didn’t look away.
“It’s true.””
The name echoed in his mind.
His entire life suddenly felt like a story someone else wrote.
“Say it again.””
Michael looked at Evelyn.
Then back at Daniel.
“Your birth was the reason everything started.””
Daniel felt dizzy.
“What does that mean?””
His mother stepped forward.
“Daniel…”
“No.””
He shook his head.
“Tell me.””
Evelyn cried.
“I wanted to tell you.””
“Everyone wanted to tell me.””
His voice broke.
“But nobody did.””
Michael spoke gently.
“Your father wasn’t afraid of losing the company.””
Daniel waited.
“He was afraid of losing you.””
That made no sense.
“Why?””
Michael looked at him.
“Because he knew you weren’t his son.””
The world stopped.
Nobody moved.
Daniel looked at Evelyn.
His mother collapsed into tears.
“No.””
He whispered.
“No, that’s not possible.””
Evelyn reached for him.
But he stepped back.
“Mom?””
She couldn’t answer.
And that was the answer.
Daniel felt like he couldn’t breathe.
“Who?””
Michael looked at him.
“Me.””
The silence was unbearable.
Daniel stared at his uncle.
His entire identity shattered.
“No.””
Michael’s eyes filled with tears.
“I didn’t know at first.””
Evelyn covered her face.
“We were young.””
Daniel looked at her.
“You and him?””
She nodded.
“Before I married your father.””
The truth hurt.
Not because of biology.
Because of all the secrets.
All the years.
All the lies.
Robert had raised him.
Loved him.
But he had also controlled everyone around him.
“Did Dad know?””
Evelyn nodded.
“That was why he changed.””
Daniel looked away.
“Changed?””
“He found out when you were three.””
Michael continued.
“He didn’t leave because he hated you.””
Daniel looked confused.
“Then why?””
“Because he became obsessed with proving you were his.””
The pain became complicated.
Robert was not innocent.
But he wasn’t simple either.
“He threatened everyone because he was terrified.””
Michael sighed.
“Fear turned him into someone cruel.””
Daniel sat down.
His wedding day.
His marriage.
His family.
Everything had become a truth he never asked for.
Claire sat beside him.
“I’m sorry.””
Daniel didn’t answer.
For once, he didn’t know what to feel.
Then his phone buzzed.
A message.
From Robert.
Daniel opened it.
I know you hate me right now.
But there is something you need to know.
Your mother never left because of me.
She left because of something I did to protect you.
Daniel stared.
Another message appeared.
Meet me before they take me away.
Alone.
Daniel looked at the others.
Then stood.
“I need answers from him.””
Evelyn grabbed his hand.
“Daniel.””
He looked at her.
“I spent twenty years without the truth.””
His voice softened.
“I can’t spend another minute without it.””
He walked away.
But before he reached the door, Michael spoke.
“Daniel.””
He turned.
Michael looked afraid.
“Your father wasn’t the only person who made a mistake.””
Daniel frowned.
“What do you mean?””
Michael looked at Evelyn.
And Daniel saw it.
The fear.
The same fear everyone had carried.
May you like
Michael whispered:
“There’s one thing your mother never told you.””
