Page 184 of Perfect Satisfaction

Your husband.

I asked the investigators to keep having him followed, to see if the love you felt for him was returned. That’s when I realized “Liki” was also involved. How could I have ruined not one, but two of my children’s lives when I spent my whole life trying to avoid that very thing?

I needed a plan.

Before I died, I took steps to interfere where I had no right to do so. Thus, we circle back to the codicil. This forced proximity was for you to meet your husband on an even playing field. Where there would be no boundaries.

You were caught between your love and your best friend. And he now knew who you were. Your marriage was so new, the bonds untried. Neither of you had the time to merge your hearts so you understood each other.

But still, you loved.

There’s no easy path back to love. Perhaps I could have paved your way, but would you know your Arek loves you unconditionally and without restrictions? Trust me, I know what it’s like to be both wanted and despised for all the wrong reasons.

I hoped to make you stronger for what was to come by denying you your rightful inheritance. I always knew you would remain close with your brothers. I hope by now, someone will have recognized Brendan and Joshua for who they truly are to you. Is the media so foolish they can’t see the resemblance between my children?

Then, the truth will have set you all free.

If what I read about your Arek was true—and I have little doubt it was—neither your damaged heart nor your incredible intellect would be able to withstand the one thing I am quite certain he holds exclusively for you—unconditional love.

Your Arek is a man of little bull and incredible moral fiber. I also know you, my willful child. I know the man you gave your heart to is not like your father—that he has an abundance of patience and understanding.

Pride and guilt have no place in love, and you, my tender-hearted daughter, carried more than your fair share. Perhaps this was why I was so hard on you because I knew the day would come when you would have to let them go to love.

I never could.

I pray I didn’t boggle it the way I did your childhoods. Who I should have aspired to become was not the software mogul but the father I was in those precious few moments when all of you were mere minutes old. I held each of you close to my heart and whispered my love for you.

I wasn’t a monster. I found love three times—for Brendan, for Joshua, and for you, my Sula. All of you have my ingenuity, my drive, but you, Sula, are the fiercest of us all. You are the she-bear for which you were so aptly named—sacrificing your happiness to protect those you love.

I can’t remember if I ever told you I picked your name because you roared when you came into this world. I just knew you were going to make your mark on it.

You did. You have. I know you will continue to do so.

Now, let me parent you this first and last time. If still a secret, use that clever blog of yours and your husband’s publication to tell the world who your brothers are. Do what you must but make certain the world knows what a royal arse I was about you, Brendan, and Joshua. Tell them to go to hell when they come prying at your door.

Then, be happy, daughter. Don’t live the life you think you should lead. Live the one you are meant to. Know I am in awe of the remarkable woman you’ve become.

And know I’m so very sorry.

One last thing? Stop believing you require forgiveness for sins you never committed. When the time comes, I pray the only sin you need forgiveness for is from an excessive gluttony of love.

That is life’s true wealth.

Your father,

West

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EPILOGUE

December—One Year Later

“Why is it so much easierto get along with Brendan than JB?” I grumble, my lips pressed against Sula’s neck.

“Because you and Brendan believe you have more in common than you and JB. And, understandably, you haven’t quite let go of the fact he’s marrying your best friend.” Sula moans delicately when I hit the sensitive area beneath her ear.

“Hmm. You’re my best friend. You’re my everything.” Her moan made me quickly forget our topic of conversation and begin thinking of somewhere we could be alone when we’re invaded