I Locked My Stepson Out of the House… Then I Found a Bag With My Name on It That Made Me Go Completely Still

My name appeared again—this time written in Daniel’s handwriting.

My breath caught in my throat as I opened it.

My dear Anna,

If you’re reading this, it means I didn’t make it long enough to say everything I wanted.

I know things haven’t been easy. And I know Ethan has been… difficult. But I need you to understand something.

That money in the bag—it’s yours. I asked Ethan to keep it safe. I didn’t want you to worry while I was still fighting. I thought I had more time to explain.

There’s enough there to pay off the house and give you a fresh start. You deserve that.

But there’s one more thing.

Ethan isn’t ready yet. He’s angry. Lost. And he may push you away. But he’s not heartless. If he kept this promise, then there’s still good in him.

Don’t give up on him completely.