Chapter 2: The Key With the Red Mark
My hands were shaking as I pulled it free.
It was a small envelope, stitched carefully into the lining.
My name was written on the front in Thomas's handwriting.
Vivienne shot up from her chair.
"What is that?
What did he put in there?"
The lawyer held up one hand.
"Please sit down, Ms.
Vivienne."
She didn't sit.
She stepped forward.
"That coat is falling apart.
She probably didn't even buy it herself.
Dad felt sorry for her, that's all this is."
Nobody spoke.
Nobody moved.
I opened the envelope.
Inside was a single folded note — and behind it, a key.
I recognized the key immediately.
It was old, brass, with a small red mark on the handle.
Thomas had kept it in his desk drawer for as long as I could remember.
I'd asked him about it once, years ago.
He'd just smiled and said, "You'll know when it's time."
My throat tightened.
Vivienne's voice dropped to something colder.
"Where did that key come from?
That's from his office.
That belongs to me."
The lawyer cleared his throat and looked at her steadily.
"Actually, Ms.
Vivienne…
according to the instructions Thomas left with this office, that key belongs to whoever wore the coat."
The color drained from her face completely.
I looked down at the note in my hand.
One line.
Thomas's handwriting.
Words I wasn't ready for.
---
May you like
What Thomas wrote in that note changed everything Ellie thought she knew.
Click the link below to read the full story — the truth is bigger than anyone in that room expected.
