It was not wrapped in expensive paper. It was an ordinary cardboard storage box, reinforced with tape and covered in small marks from years of being moved from one place to another.
Elena frowned.
“What is that?”
Chloe stood beside it.
“Something Dad kept for us.”
Elena glanced at me, then at the box.
“I don’t understand.”
“You will.”
Chloe turned to the guests.
“Before we continue the celebration, I want to say something. My mother hasn’t been part of our lives for fifteen years. She left when my youngest sister was nine months old. Since then, Dad has raised all six of us.”
A murmur passed through the room.
Elena’s smile stiffened.
“Chloe, darling, this isn’t the time—”
“I agree,” Chloe said calmly. “That’s why I want to keep it short.”
She placed one hand on the box.
“For years, we’ve heard different explanations for why Mom wasn’t around. Some people were told that Dad kept us away from her. Some were told that she tried to contact us and he refused to let her.”
