Page 102 of The Addendum

“Ashley. How lovely to see you, dear.”

I barely returned her smile. “Is Richard home?”

“He is. Come inside.”

I stepped in, my anger boiling.

“Would you like coffee?”

“No,” I said between tight lips. “I would like to speak to him.”

“Of course. I think he’s on the phone with Gavin, but I’ll get him. Make yourself comfortable.”

She left, and I looked around. The main floor was a large, open space. There was a massive stone fireplace, whitewashed walls, and wide planks on the floor covered with cozy rugs. Simple furniture and a bright kitchen made it homey and warm. I wandered over to the fireplace, studying the groupings of family photos. My ire burned a little hotter as I looked at the images, Richard so often in the middle of his kids, his arms around them, his smile wide.

Bastard.

The house reeked of love. Pictures, memories, little mementos of the lives my siblings had lived without me.

Richard walked into the room, dressed casually, his smile in place, but I saw the wariness in his eyes.

“Ashley,” he said. “What a great—”

I interrupted him. “Don’t act surprised to see me.”

His smile fell. “You’re upset.”

“How dare you?” I hissed.

“I take it you’re displeased.”

“How did you think I’d react?”

He scrubbed the back of his neck. “Grateful?”

Katy came into the room, glancing between us. “Is there an issue I should know about?”

“There is,” I snapped. “Your husband somehow gained access to my records, paid off my student loans, and deposited money in my bank account.”

Katy looked surprised, her mouth forming a small O.

“It’s a gift.” Richard defended himself. “I paid for all my kids’ educations. Since I wasn’t able to do so on your behalf, I corrected that. I wanted to make your life easier, and I paid off your loan. Since you’d already been making payments, I replaced that amount in your account.” He crossed his arms. “It’s basically the same amount as your brothers and sisters. I wanted to be fair.”

His words echoed in my head. Fair. Brothers and sisters. I wasn’t able to.

As if guessing my thoughts, he shook his head. “I wasn’t able to because I didn’t know about you.”

I wanted to roll my eyes, but I resisted. I was certain the expression on my face said it all.

“Take the money back.”

He shook his head. “No.”

I stepped closer. “I didn’t ask for your money. I don’t want it.”

“As I said, it’s a gift.”

“I refuse.”