Chapter 8

I enjoyed a period of peace in my life.

Then one day, Claudia came to visit. She looked worn, sitting in a wheelchair, her hand gripping mine tightly as she spoke, anger and sorrow all over her face. "My dear, it's our Harrington family that failed you. I went away to recover, thinking Liam would take care of you and Millie.

"I never imagined he'd be so heartless. If only I'd pushed him to marry you back when you were pregnant... none of this would've happened."

Tears filled her eyes, and I felt the familiar warmth of her kindness. She had always been there for me.

"There's no future for me and Liam. It's over for good," I said.

Claudia dabbed at her tears, her voice turning firm. "Liam doesn't deserve you. From now on, you're my granddaughter, and that's final."

She pressed a bank card into my hand. "This was supposed to be your wedding gift. Life took a different turn, but take it now and build something new."

I looked down, overcome with gratitude.

We talked for hours, and j