Chapter 9 - THE FAMILY THAT REMAINED
Richard returned home three months after the funeral that never happened.
The mansion looked different to him. The flowers had been removed. The coffin had been taken as evidence. The study had been searched and cleaned. Every lock had been changed.
But the greatest change was the people around the table.
Lydia came to dinner on a Sunday evening.
She arrived carrying a small cake from the bakery where she worked before becoming a nurse. Victoria greeted her at the door. Daniel introduced her to the staff, though Elena had already prepared a place for her.
Richard stood when Lydia entered.
“I'm glad you came.”
“I wasn't sure I would.”
“You don't have to come again if you don't want to.”
Lydia looked around the dining room.
“I think I'd like to try.”
They ate slowly. Conversation was awkward at first. Victoria asked about Lydia’s work. Daniel talked about the old family business. Richard listened more than he spoke.
After dinner, Lydia asked to see the garden.
Richard walked beside her.
“Your mother liked the roses,” he said. “She used to say they were stubborn flowers.”
Lydia smiled.
“My adoptive mother loved roses too.”
“Then perhaps you inherited that.”
They stopped near the old stone bench.
Richard handed her a small velvet box.
Inside was a silver bracelet with a tiny engraved name.
LYDIA.
“I had it made after you were born,” he said. “I kept it because I thought one day I would find you.”
Lydia touched the bracelet.
“Why didn't you send it?”
“I believed you were dead. Then I believed you were better off without us. Both beliefs were wrong.”
She closed the box.
“I can't give you eighteen years back.”
“I know.”
“But I can try to know you now.”
Richard nodded, unable to speak.
Across the garden, Daniel watched them.
Victoria stood beside him.
“Do you think we can be a family after all this?”
Daniel looked toward Lydia.
“I think we can become one. It won't happen because of a name or an inheritance. It will happen if we keep showing up.”
Elena joined them carrying tea.
“Your father would like everyone inside before the rain,” she said.
Daniel smiled.
“He always did hate getting wet.”
They returned to the house together.
Later that night, Richard called Elena into his study.
“I want to change the foundation,” he said.
She looked worried. “Sir?”
“I want the family scholarship program placed under an independent board. No relative should be able to use it as a weapon again.”
Elena nodded.
“And I want you to lead the staff advisory committee. You know what people in this house need better than any of us.”
Elena looked startled.
“I'm only the housekeeper.”
Richard shook his head.
“You are the person who saved my life when the people closest to me tried to take it.”
May you like
For the first time, Elena did not lower her eyes.
“Then I'll do my best.”
