The room became quieter.
Chloe felt one of her sisters stiffen beside her.
Elena smiled sadly.
“I wish things had been different.”
Chloe’s father lowered his eyes.
Elena continued.
“For years, I wanted a relationship with my daughters.”
Chloe stopped breathing.
“But sometimes one parent makes that impossible.”
The room went completely still.
Her father looked up.
Elena looked toward him.
“I tried.”
One of Chloe’s sisters whispered:
“No.”
Elena’s voice became emotional.
“I sent messages.”
Chloe stared at her.
“I asked to visit.”
Her father said nothing.
“But I was kept away.”
Julian was watching Elena closely now.
She continued:
“I lost fifteen years with my daughters because their father made sure there was no room for me.”
That was when Chloe stood.
Not quickly.
Not angrily.
She simply rose.
“Mom.”
Elena turned toward her.
Chloe smiled.
“You should sit down.”
“Sweetheart, I think people deserve the truth.”
