Chapter 8 - THE SECOND FAMILY'S FIRST LIE
Sophie Reed appeared at our apartment building on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
Not alone.
Chloe stood beside her.
I saw them through the lobby camera.
For a moment, I considered refusing to come downstairs.
Then Sophie looked directly into the camera.
She was holding a small envelope.
Her face was anxious.
I went down.
Chloe stood near the entrance.
“Eleanor.”
“Why are you here?”
She glanced at Sophie.
“She wanted to give something to Theo.”
I looked at the little girl.
Sophie stepped forward.
“I saw him play piano.”
Her voice was soft.
“He was really good.”
I smiled.
“Thank you.”
She held out the envelope.
“I made him a card.”
I took it.
Inside was a drawing of a piano surrounded by blue stars.
Beneath it, Sophie had written:
You were amazing. I hope we can be friends.
My throat tightened.
“That's very kind.”
Sophie looked down.
“Mom says he's my brother.”
I glanced at Chloe.
Her expression was guarded.
Sophie continued.
“But I think he doesn't like me.”
My heart broke.
“Sweetheart, Theo doesn't know you yet.”
“Is he mad?”
I crouched.
“He's had a confusing week.”
Sophie nodded.
“Me too.”
I looked at her.
“What happened?”
She hesitated.
Then whispered, “Daddy said you were his sister.”
I froze.
Chloe went pale.
“Sophie—”
The little girl looked at me.
“He said you were Aunt Eleanor.”
I stared.
Julian had told his daughter that I was his sister.
Not his wife.
Not Theo's mother.
His sister.
The lie was so grotesque that I couldn't immediately speak.
Sophie continued.
“But then somebody at the party said you were his wife.”
Her eyes filled.
“I don't understand.”
I looked at Chloe.
She was crying silently.
For the first time, I saw that Julian's deception had trapped more than one family.
I turned back to Sophie.
“Sometimes grown-ups tell stories that aren't true because they're afraid of difficult conversations.”
She sniffled.
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No.”
I said it firmly.
“You did nothing wrong.”
Sophie looked relieved.
I stood.
“I'll give Theo your card.”
Chloe nodded.
“Thank you.”
I looked at her.
“Sophie deserves honesty.”
Chloe wiped her cheeks.
“I know.”
May you like
I held her gaze.
“Then start giving it to her.”
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