Chapter 1: The Secret Behind Anna's Tears
The silence inside the ballroom felt unbearable.
Julian stared at his daughter.
Then at Anna.
Then at the tears streaming down the waitress's face.
Something wasn't right.
Vivian stepped forward quickly, forcing a nervous smile.
"Sophie is emotional," she said. "It's been a difficult year."
But Sophie immediately shook her head.
"No."
She looked directly at her father.
"Daddy, Anna knew Mommy."
The room froze.
Julian's eyes widened.
"What?"
Anna lowered her head.
"Please, Sophie..."
But the little girl refused to stop.
"I heard Grandma talking."
Julian's pulse quickened.
"Sophie, what did you hear?"
The child swallowed.
"Grandma said Mommy trusted Anna more than anyone."
A murmur spread across the ballroom.
Julian turned toward Anna.
For years he had believed Anna was simply a waitress hired by the hotel.
Nothing more.
Yet the look on her face suggested otherwise.
Finally Anna spoke.
"I never wanted you to find out like this."
Julian felt his stomach tighten.
"What are you talking about?"
Anna reached into her apron pocket.
Slowly.
Carefully.
She pulled out an old silver locket.
The moment Julian saw it, the color drained from his face.
It belonged to his late wife.
The locket she had been wearing the day she died.
"How do you have that?" he whispered.
Anna's eyes filled with tears.
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"Because she gave it to me."
Across the room, Vivian suddenly looked terrified.
