Chapter One-Hundred and Twenty-Nine

Lauren's POV

I sat across from Shirley’s father, the realization of the truth sinking into me but refusing to settle. My mind was still reeling from the revelation, the connection that I had never imagined possible. Shirley and Katarina were sisters. How had I missed that? How had Damien missed it? Or had he known all along?

Most importantly, why had Shirley hid it from me this whole time?

He looked older than I remembered, though it had been years since I’d seen him. There was a weariness in his eyes, a heaviness that suggested he had been carrying secrets for far too long. And now, it seemed, he was ready to let it all go and reveal it all.

“Tell me everything,” I repeated, my words sounding more like a plea than a demand.

He nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. “I will. But understand, Lauren, this is not a story with a happy ending. Whatever you find out right now, how you choose to take action about it is up to you.”

I didn’t need to be