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« You need to publicly acknowledge that he failed you, » she added. « That he kept you in poverty while I worked to build a better future. That you chose to come live with me because I can REALLY provide for you. »
My hands clenched into fists at my sides. « You’re crazy. »
« Really? » She turned to me, looking triumphant. « I’m offering them an opportunity. What have you given them? A cramped apartment and a few sewing lessons? Please! »
Emma held out the document, her fingers tentatively touching it. « Dad, what does it say? »
« You must publicly acknowledge
that he let you down.
I took it from him, my hands trembling as I read the typed words aloud. It was a contract… stipulating that Emma and Clara would denounce me as an inadequate father and credit Lauren with their success and well-being.
« She wants you to give me up, » I said softly, my voice breaking. « In exchange for money. »
Clara’s face turned pale. « This is unhealthy. »
« It’s business, » Lauren corrected. « And it’s a limited-time offer. Decide now. »
Emma stood up slowly, her hand finding the envelope of money. She picked it up, feeling its weight. « That’s a lot of money, » she said softly.
My heart broke. « Emma… »
She wants you to give me up
« Let me finish, Dad. » She turned toward where Lauren was standing. « That’s a lot of money. Probably more than we’ve ever had in one go. »
Lauren’s smile had become smug.
« But you know what’s funny? » Emma continued, her voice growing stronger. « We never needed it. We had everything that really mattered. »
Clara also stood up, moving to stand next to her sister. « We had a father who stayed. Who taught us. Who loved us when we were difficult to love. »
« Who made sure we never felt broken, » Emma adds.
Lauren’s smile fades.
« That’s a lot of money. »
Probably more than
We’ve never had it all at once.
« We don’t want your money, » Clara said firmly. « We don’t want your dresses. And we don’t want YOU. »
Emma lifted the envelope high, then tore it open and threw the bills into the air. The money flew, cascading down like confetti. The bills drifted and scattered across the floor, landing on Lauren’s expensive shoes.
« You can keep it, » Emma said. « We’re not for sale. »
Lauren’s face twisted in rage. « You ungrateful wretch… Do you have any idea what I’m offering you? Do you even know who I am now? I’m famous! I’ve worked for 18 years to build a career, to make something of my life! »
« For yourself, » I added. « You did it for yourself. »
« And now you want to use them to look like a devoted mother, » Clara finished, her voice sharp. « We are not your accessories. »
« We are not for sale. »
Lauren’s composure completely collapsed.
« You think you’re so noble? » she screamed, rushing at me. « You kept them in poverty! You made them little seamstresses instead of giving them real opportunities! I came back to save them from you! »
“No,” I retorted. “You came back because your career is stalled and you need a redemption story. The blind girls you supposedly sacrificed yourself for? That’s gold for your image.”
Lauren’s face turned white, then red.
« I wanted the world to see that I’m a good mother! » she shouted. « That I worked hard for them all these years! That I stayed out of it because I was building something better! »
« I wanted the world to see that