“No,” I wrote back. “We just need to discuss some family things.”
I put the phone down and looked at Mireya’s contact name. I wanted to tell her everything, but I couldn’t do it yet. I needed her to trust me without knowing the full plan.
Riven
Trust me. Please.
I sent the message and watched for her reply.
Mireya
I trust you.
Those three words made my chest ache. She trusted me even after everything that had happened. She trusted me even though this investigation could ruin her. I promised myself I would not let her down.
I gathered my things and headed home. Emma was waiting for me with pasta and garlic bread on the table.
“Okay, tell me everything.” She dropped into her chair and pulled her plate closer. “What’s the important family thing?”
I took a deep breath. “I'm claiming the inheritance. I'm taking over Dad’s estate and the hospitals.”
Her fork stopped in mid-air. “What made you change your mind?”
“I’ve been avoiding it for too long. I need to deal with his legacy instead of pretending it doesn't exist. Someone I care about is in trouble, and I have the power to help her, but only if I stop being afraid of the past.”
Emma set down her fork and looked at me. “You’re doing this for Mireya.”
“I'm doing this for all of us. I should’ve done it months ago.”
She nodded slowly, like she was piecing something together in real time. “You’re scared,” she said quietly, not as an accusation but as a fact. “But you’re doing it anyway.”
A slow, knowing smile spread across her face. “You love her, don't you?”
I couldn't deny the truth anymore. “Yes,” I said quietly. “I love her.”
Emma didn’t smile right away this time. She just looked at me for a second, like she was measuring the weight of those words, then gave a small nod—approval, but also understanding of what it would cost.
“It’s about time you admitted that to yourself.”
We finished our dinner and talked about what claiming the estate would mean for our lives. For the first time in a long time, I didn't run from the conversation.
Later that night, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling. In two days, I would walk into that lawyer’s office and change everything. My pulse wouldn't settle, but the idea of losing Mireya cut deeper than any fear. I would face my father’s ghost and become the person I needed to be.
Because she was worth the risk. We were worth the risk.
My phone buzzed one last time before I fell asleep.
Mireya
Whatever you're planning, please be careful.
Riven
Always. Get some sleep. We will figure this out.
Mireya
Together?
