Chapter 11
Adrian came to dinner a week later.
I did not want him there.
He was Vanessa’s real husband.
That made him feel connected to all the bad things.
But Dad said Adrian had risked himself to bring the original record.
So I agreed.
Only because Clara made lasagna.
Adrian arrived with flowers.
Not roses.
Yellow tulips.
“For the house,” he said, handing them to Clara. “Not for forgiveness.”
I liked that.
At dinner, he told us his story.
Vanessa married him when he owned a small medical billing company.
She said she loved him.
Then she moved money.
Sold assets.
Opened loans in his name.
When he found out, she vanished.
He tried to report it, but she had already painted him as unstable.
“She is very good at becoming the victim first,” Adrian said.
Dad stared at his plate.
“Yes.”
Adrian looked at me.
“I am sorry I did not find her sooner.”
I did not know what to say.
Clara said, “You found her in time.”
He nodded, but his eyes were sad.
Then he took a document from his bag.
“I brought something else.”
Dad stiffened.
“What?”
“Eric contacted me months ago. He offered money if I signed a false annulment statement after the wedding.”
Dad’s face hardened.
“Why didn’t you tell police earlier?”
“I did. Today. I wanted you to have a copy.”
He slid the document across the table.
I saw Eric’s signature.
My stomach hurt.
“How many lies are there?”
No one answered.
That was an answer.
Later, Adrian stood to leave.
I followed him to the door.
“Did you love her?” I asked.
He looked surprised.
Then he answered honestly.
“I loved who she pretended to be.”
“That’s what Dad said.”
“She is good at pretending.”
I looked down.
“Am I supposed to feel sorry for you?”
He smiled sadly.
“No. You are nine. You are supposed to feel safe.”
After he left, I told Dad I liked him a little.
Dad nodded.
May you like
“Me too.”
Then he added, “Unfortunately.”
