Chapter 40

~ Megan

“I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone finding out about it, especially after all these years,” Celene continued, her voice breaking. “Isaiah signed the agreement, and he assured me that he deeply regretted what happened at the bar. I believe him, Megan. He’s not a bad person; he’s just hurting.”

I sat there, grappling with the weight of the revelation. Celene had carried this burden silently, protecting our family’s secret even from me. The complexities of our lives seemed to deepen with each passing day.

“I had to keep this hidden from you, Megs,” Celene confessed, tears streaming down her face. “I knew you had enough on your plate, and I didn’t want to add to your worries. But now, you deserve to know the truth.”

I reached out to hold her hand, a mixture of understanding and empathy in my eyes. “You don’t have to apologize, Celene. We’re in this together, and we’ll face whatever comes our way as a family.”

She managed a weak smile, gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you, Megs. I