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She pulled two garment bags from behind her and carefully placed them on our sofa. Then she produced a thick envelope, the kind that makes a heavy sound when it hits a surface.
My chest tightened as I watched her stage this little performance.
« These are designer dresses, » she said, opening a bag to reveal expensive fabric. « The kind of dresses you girls could never afford. And there’s money here too. Enough to change your lives. »
Emma’s hands found Clara’s and they clasped together.
« Why? » I asked, my voice hoarse. « Why now? After 18 years? »
« Why now? »
After 18 years?
Lauren smiled, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. « Because I want to find my daughters again. I want to give them the life they deserve. »
She took out a folded document and placed it on top of the envelope. « But there’s a condition. »
The room suddenly felt smaller, as if the walls were closing in.
« What condition? » Emma asks, her voice trembling slightly.
Lauren’s smile widened. « It’s simple, darling. You can have it all… the dresses, the money, everything. But you have to choose ME or your father. »
The words hung in the air like poison.
« Me or your father. »