Chapter 2: The Envelope In The Drawer
Three days later, I thought my life was falling apart.
My manager had reduced my hours.
My college applications were still unfinished.
And every time I walked through the house, Caroline watched me like she was waiting for me to fail.
The worst part was pretending everything was normal.
Because my father had no idea.
That Saturday morning, I sat at the dining table surrounded by college brochures, financial aid forms, and handwritten notes.
I was trying to stay focused.
I had promised myself I wouldn’t let anyone take this dream away from me.
Not even her.
“Still playing pretend?””
I looked up.
Caroline stood near the coffee machine, holding her mug.
I ignored the comment.
“I have to finish my application essay.””
She walked closer.
“You really don’t understand, do you?””
I slowly looked up.
“Understand what?””
“That your father and I have discussed this.””
My heart stopped.
“Discussed what?””
“Your future.””
The way she said it made my stomach twist.
“What did Dad say?””
Caroline took a sip of coffee.
“He thinks you’re putting too much pressure on yourself.””
“That’s not true.””
“Oh, really?””
She raised an eyebrow.
“Your father worries you’re chasing something unrealistic.””
I stared at her.
My father had never said that.
Not once.
In fact, he was the person who always told me to aim higher.
“You’re lying.””
The smile faded.
“Excuse me?””
“You’re lying because Dad would never say that.””
For the first time, Caroline looked angry.
“You’ve become very disrespectful.””
“No. I’m just tired of you making decisions about my life.””
She placed her mug down harder than necessary.
“Someone has to be realistic.””
Before I could answer, the front door opened.
A familiar voice echoed through the house.
“Anyone home?””
My heart jumped.
“Dad?””
Daniel walked into the kitchen carrying his suitcase.
He looked exhausted from traveling, but the moment he saw my face, his expression changed.
“What happened?””
“Nothing,” Caroline said quickly.
I looked at her.
Nothing.
That was always her answer.
My father looked between us.
“Emily?””
I opened my mouth.
But before I could speak, Caroline interrupted.
“She’s upset because she didn’t want to help with Lucas.””
Dad frowned.
“Help with Lucas?””
“She had a shift.””
Daniel looked at me.
“You missed work?””
I swallowed.
“Yes.””
“Why?””
I looked at Caroline.
And for the first time, I decided I wasn’t going to protect her secret.
“Because she made me stay home.””
The silence that followed felt heavy.
Daniel slowly turned toward his wife.
“Is that true?””
Caroline smiled nervously.
“She’s exaggerating.””
“I’m not.””
“Emily—”
“No.””
My voice shook, but I continued.
“She told me college wasn’t for everyone.””
My father’s face changed.
“What?””
Caroline immediately laughed.
“That’s not what I meant.””
But Dad wasn’t looking at her anymore.
He was looking at me.
“Did she really say that?””
I nodded.
The disappointment on his face wasn’t directed at me.
It was directed at her.
Then his phone rang.
He glanced down.
“Hold on.””
He answered.
“Hello?””
He listened silently.
Then his expression changed completely.
“What?””
Caroline froze.
“What is it?””
Dad didn’t answer her.
He walked toward the window.
“Yes, this is Daniel Parker.””
A pause.
“No, I haven’t seen the email yet.””
My heart started racing.
Email?
After a few seconds, he smiled.
A real smile.
The kind I hadn’t seen in days.
“Thank you. Thank you so much.””
He ended the call and looked at me.
“Emily.””
I stood up.
“What?””
He walked toward me.
“Why didn’t you tell me you applied for the National Scholars Program?””
I blinked.
“I did.””
Caroline’s face suddenly went pale.
Dad continued.
“They said your application was incredible. They emailed me because they couldn’t reach you.””
I stared at him.
“What are you talking about?””
“They sent the scholarship notification.””
My breathing stopped.
“Scholarship?””
Dad smiled.
“A full ride.””
The room went silent.
Lucas appeared at the hallway entrance, holding his dinosaur again.
“A full ride means she gets to go to college, right?””
“Yes,” Dad said.
Then he looked at Caroline.
And the smile disappeared.
“Unless someone hid the message.””
Caroline shook her head quickly.
“I don’t know anything about that.””
But Lucas suddenly spoke.
“Mom knows.””
Everyone turned.
Caroline’s face changed.
“Lucas.””
The little boy looked scared.
“She put something in the kitchen drawer.””
“What something?”” Dad asked.
Lucas walked slowly toward the counter.
“The envelope.””
My father followed him.
Caroline stepped forward.
“Daniel, don’t.””
That was the first time I heard fear in her voice.
Lucas opened the drawer beside the refrigerator.
And there it was.
A white envelope.
My name was written on the front.
My hands started shaking.
Dad picked it up.
Then he noticed something else.
A second paper was tucked behind the scholarship letter.
His expression changed as he unfolded it.
“What is this?””
Caroline didn’t answer.
Dad looked at the document.
Then he looked at her.
And the color drained from his face.
“Caroline…”
May you like
His voice was barely above a whisper.
“What did you do to my daughter’s future?””
