Chapter 2: Some Secrets Are Too Heavy
Selin scrambled to her feet, soaking wet, her mascara streaking down her face.
She looked at the ring sitting at the bottom of that empty bucket and laughed — actually laughed.
"You're choosing a disabled child over your future?
Over me?"
Evren didn't raise his voice.
He knelt down, pulled Ilaria close, and wiped her face with the dry side of his jacket.
"She's not a disabled child," he said quietly.
"She's my daughter."
Selin grabbed her bag from the counter.
"You know what your problem is?
You've been so busy playing hero that you never asked why her mother really left."
Evren went still.
"That's right." Selin's voice dropped.
"Lena didn't disappear, Evren.
She called me.
Three months ago.
She told me things about that little girl that you clearly don't know."
Ilaria had stopped crying.
She was staring at Selin with wide, silent eyes.
Evren stood up slowly.
"What did you just say?"
Selin smiled and picked up her coat.
"Ask your daughter's doctor.
Ask him what Lena found out at the last appointment." She walked toward the door and stopped with her hand on the frame.
"Some secrets are too heavy for a father to carry alone."
The door clicked shut.
Evren looked down at Ilaria.
Her small hand had found his, and she was holding on tight.
May you like
"Daddy," she whispered.
"I don't want to know."
