Chapter 2 - The Ring That Didn't Fit the StoryMae's hands trembled as she held Nora close.
"She turned three in March," she whispered.
The room fell silent.
Nolan's mind began counting backward without permission.
Three years.
Three months.
The dates collided with memories he had buried beneath endless board meetings and business deals.
The charity gala in Boston.
The storm.
The hotel.
The morning he woke beside Mae after both of them had spent hours talking instead of pretending.
His engagement to Celeste had not yet happened.
Neither had the lies.
He looked at Mae again.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Tears filled her eyes.
"I tried."
Celeste stiffened.
Mae swallowed.
"I came to your office four years ago."
Nolan frowned.
"I never saw you."
"I know."
She looked toward Celeste.
"I never made it past the reception desk."
Celeste crossed her arms.
"This is ridiculous."
Mae ignored her.
"I found out I was pregnant six weeks after that night. I panicked. I didn't know what to do. I asked for five minutes with you."
She reached into her purse and removed an old envelope, its edges worn from years of being carried.
"I wrote everything."
Nolan carefully opened it.
Inside was a handwritten letter.
Nolan,
I don't expect anything from you. I only believe you deserve to know that you're going to be a father...
His hands shook.
The letter continued.
I don't want your money. I don't want your name. I only want you to have the choice my own father never had.
At the bottom was a company mailroom stamp.
Received.
Four years earlier.
Nolan slowly lifted his eyes.
"I never got this."
Mae nodded.
"I know."
She looked at Celeste again.
"The receptionist told me Ms. Wainwright had instructed staff never to forward personal letters from employees."
For the first time, color drained from Celeste's face.
"That's a lie."
Nolan's voice was calm.
"Is it?"
Celeste forced a laugh.
"She's trying to trap you."
Before anyone could speak again, the elderly butler, Henry, quietly entered the room.
"Mr. Ashford..."
He looked uncomfortable.
"I believe I should say something."
Nolan nodded.
Henry drew a slow breath.
"Four years ago... Miss Mae came here several times."
Celeste's eyes widened.
"Henry..."
"I was instructed by Miss Wainwright that Mr. Ashford was unavailable."
Henry lowered his head.
"She told us to return every letter and never allow Miss Mae into the house."
"You stayed silent?" Nolan asked quietly.
Henry closed his eyes.
"I believed I was protecting your engagement."
Nolan folded the letter carefully.
"No."
May you like
His voice became colder than anyone in the room had ever heard.
"You protected a lie."
