Chapter 7: The Plan Hidden Behind The Smile
I stared at Eric.
“What did you just say?””
He looked down at the papers in his hands.
His face had lost all color.
“She wasn’t just interested in the cabin.””
His voice cracked.
“She was looking for a way to control everything.””
Thomas leaned forward.
“Eric, you need to read the entire file before making assumptions.””
But my son was already turning pages.
The more he read, the quieter he became.
I watched every emotion cross his face.
Confusion.
Shock.
Then shame.
“Mom…”
I hated how small his voice sounded.
“What?””
He swallowed.
“Jessica knew about the trust.””
My stomach tightened.
“How?””
“She found some old paperwork when we were cleaning Dad’s office after he died.””
I looked at Thomas.
“Was that possible?””
Thomas nodded slowly.
“She had access to the house after Frank passed.””
I closed my eyes.
That hurt.
Not because Jessica looked through papers.
Because I remembered trusting her.
I remembered making her coffee.
I remembered telling her stories about Frank.
I remembered thinking she was the daughter I never had.
Eric continued.
“She knew the cabin couldn’t be transferred easily.””
“Then why did she think I would sign?””
He looked embarrassed.
“Because she thought I could convince you.””
The words landed heavily.
Not because they surprised me.
Because they confirmed what I already felt.
My own son had been used.
Thomas placed another document on the table.
“This is where things become more serious.””
I looked at him.
“What is that?””
“A financial review.””
Eric frowned.
“What does money have to do with this?””
Thomas looked at him.
“Everything.””
He opened the folder.
“Jessica and her family have been dealing with significant debt.””
Eric shook his head.
“No.””
“Yes.””
“That’s impossible.””
Thomas slid the papers closer.
“Your wife has been discussing using the cabin as collateral.””
Eric stared.
“She told me she wanted to renovate it.””
“She wanted to borrow against it.””
Silence.
I looked at my son.
“How long have you known about the renovations?””
He rubbed his forehead.
“Months.””
“Months?””
“I thought she was trying to improve the place.””
I almost felt sorry for him.
Almost.
Because I knew what it felt like to believe someone’s words.
Frank taught me something years ago.
People reveal themselves through what they do when they think nobody is watching.
Eric stood up suddenly.
“I need to talk to her.””
Thomas shook his head.
“Not yet.””
“Why?””
“Because if she realizes we know everything, she may change her strategy.””
Eric looked angry.
“She lied to me.””
“Yes.””
“And to my mother.””
“Yes.””
“And she tried to take the cabin.””
Thomas nodded.
“But anger will not fix this.””
I watched my son pace the room.
The same way Frank used to pace when solving a problem.
For a moment, I saw the boy he used to be.
The boy who wanted to do the right thing.
“Eric.””
He stopped.
“I need you to answer one question.””
He turned.
“Did you ever plan to make me leave permanently?””
His face broke.
“No.””
The answer came immediately.
“I swear, Mom. No.””
I studied him.
And for the first time in days, I believed him.
But belief wasn’t enough.
“You stood at my door.””
His eyes lowered.
“I know.””
“You watched me leave.””
“I know.””
“You let me think my own son didn’t want me.””
Tears filled his eyes.
“I know.””
The room went quiet.
Then Thomas spoke.
“There is one more thing Frank wanted you both to know.””
I looked at him.
“What?””
He opened a small envelope.
“This was his final letter.””
My hands trembled.
Another letter.
Another piece of my husband’s voice.
Thomas handed it to Eric.
But Eric didn’t open it.
He looked at me.
“Should we read it together?””
I nodded.
Slowly, he opened it.
The first sentence made both of us freeze.
“If you are reading this, then my greatest fear has happened.””
Eric looked at me.
I kept reading.
May you like
The next line was even worse.
“Someone you love has confused having access to your heart with having ownership of your life.””
