Chapter 6 - THE SECRET INSIDE THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE
Fay had never told Rafferty about Josie's father.
Not because she was hiding a scandal.
Because the truth was painful.
Six years earlier, Fay had been engaged to a man named Adrian Vale.
He was charming.
Ambitious.
And connected to wealthy families in New Orleans.
He promised Fay a future.
A house.
A family.
A life where she wouldn't have to count every dollar.
Then Josie was born with significant hearing loss.
Adrian changed.
At first, he blamed doctors.
Then Fay.
Then the child.
He refused to learn sign language.
Refused to attend appointments.
And eventually left.
Fay raised Josie alone.
She worked two jobs.
Saved what she could.
And built a life around her daughter.
When she told Rafferty, he listened quietly.
Then asked:
“Why would Celeste know about Adrian?”
Fay looked down.
“Because they're cousins.”
Rafferty went still.
“What?”
“Adrian Vale is Celeste's cousin.”
His expression hardened.
Fay continued.
“Adrian never wanted his family to know about Josie.”
“Why?”
“Because he was ashamed.”
Rafferty's jaw tightened.
“Of his own daughter?”
Fay nodded.
The anonymous messages suddenly made sense.
Celeste had discovered Fay's connection to her family.
She intended to use it.
Perhaps to humiliate Fay.
Perhaps to pressure Rafferty.
Perhaps both.
Rafferty looked at Fay.
“Does Adrian support Josie?”
She shook her head.
“No.”
“Does he visit?”
“No.”
“Does he know where she lives?”
Fay hesitated.
“I don't know.”
Rafferty took a breath.
“Fay, I want you to understand something.”
She looked up.
“Josie is not a secret anyone should be ashamed of.”
Her eyes filled.
“I know.”
He nodded.
“And neither are you.”
Later, Fay found Josie sitting beside the window.
She held a paper boat.
Fay sat beside her.
Josie signed:
Are you sad?
Fay smiled through tears.
A little.
Josie touched her cheek.
Then signed:
I love you.
Fay hugged her.
That night, Celeste called Adrian.
He answered irritably.
“What?”
She smiled.
“I found your daughter.”
Silence.
Then Adrian whispered:
“Don't.”
May you like
Celeste's smile widened.
“Too late.”
