Chapter 1 - “DANIEL… DON’T LET VANESSA SEE WHAT’S INSIDE,” A WEAK VOICE WHISPERED FROM BEHIND THE SEALED LOCK.
My eight-year-old daughter, Lily, was pounding on the heavy oak door in the middle of our engagement party.
Tears streamed down her face as she screamed that her mother was trapped inside.
My fiancé, Vanessa, lunged forward and grabbed Lily’s wrist.
""""Get away from that door!"""" Vanessa snapped.
Lily pulled free, pointing a trembling finger at Vanessa while the entire room went silent.
""""You hid her so you could marry my dad!"""" Lily sobbed.
Vanessa forced a tight laugh and looked around at the guests.
""""Your mother left years ago, sweetie,"""" she said smoothly.
I stepped out from the crowd, my heart pounding in my chest.
""""What is going on?"""" I demanded.
Vanessa quickly blocked my path, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness.
""""She’s just upset,"""" Vanessa lied. """"She’s making things up.""""
Suddenly, three slow, heavy knocks echoed from behind the sealed door.
The whole ballroom froze.
Vanessa’s hand slipped panic-stricken into her purse.
Lily grabbed an old brass key from behind a nearby painting and shoved it into my shaking palm.
""""Daddy, please,"""" she begged.
I stepped toward the heavy oak door as Vanessa lunged to stop me.
I slid the key into the lock, and the loud click shattered the silence.
As my fingers gripped the cold brass handle, a weak, muffled whisper came from the darkness inside.
""""Daniel… don’t let Vanessa see what’s inside.""""
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My blood ran cold.
Vanessa went dead pale.
