EMMA
"This can't be real," I whispered, scanning the first one. Then the second. Then another. Each one tightened the knot in my stomach. Letters of betrayal.
I had always known my father wasn't a good man to me, at least. But a traitor?
I never imagined he'd stoop that low but the letters in my hands proved me wrong.
"Emma…" Stefan's voice came gently from beside me, grounding me in the storm of disbelief.
I forced my eyes up to his, but my throat tightened. "This is…" The words stuck like glue.
Stefan gave a slow nod. "I know. It's a lot to absorb."
I handed him the letters, my fingers reluctant to let go. "Just, don't say anything yet. Please. Let me figure this out."
"You have my word," he replied solemnly, and gave my hand a soft pat. Stefan folded the damning pages and tucked them carefully inside his coat.
