A Missing Key 218 Missed Calls One Family Secret novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Maybe my prayers worked. Maybe it was sheer willpower. But Mom’s condition stabilized when every doctor had given up hope.

A month later, she came home.

I moved back into the house-the one that had been built on so much love and so much misunderstanding. I quit everything and stayed by her side.

I learned to make soup. Learned to give massages. Learned to tell jokes when the chemo made her sick.

I spent every moment trying to make up for what I’d done.

One day, Dad called me into his study.

“Your mom’s treatment costs money. And you can’t waste your life.”

He handed me a bank card.

“This is your startup fund. Go do what you’ve always wanted to do. Don’t be afraid to fail. We’ll always be here.”

I didn’t refuse.

I used the money to start my own marketing consultancy.

Dad didn’t micromanage. He just quietly introduced me to every contact he’d built over a lifetime.

On opening day, Garrett and Vanessa showed up.

Vanessa stood in front of me holding a huge fruit basket, eyes red, looking uncomfortable.

“Evie… I’m sorry. I was jealous. Jealous that you were smarter, that Mom and Dad loved you more. So I took cheap shots. That Instagram post-Mom told me to do it, but I… I made it worse on purpose. You can hit me. Yell at me. I deserve it.”

I looked at her-this woman I’d once hated-and she just looked… small.

I stepped forward and hugged her.

“It’s okay, Vanessa. I made mistakes too. I never tried to talk to you guys.”

Miles shuffled over, scratching his head sheepishly.

“Evie, that photo thing-I really am terrible at Photoshop. Mom chased me down the street with a feather duster. I was too scared to tell you…”

I ruffled his hair. “With skills like that, you think you’re getting into Bree’s design firm? Keep practicing, buddy!”

Bree covered her mouth, giggling. Miles threw his arm around her shoulders, puffing out his chest.

10:21

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