The box arrived at the hospital soon afterward, holding a trove of receipts, photographs, and a long letter written by Leon, Maris’s younger brother.

Victor opened it in front of Catherine, the doctor, and little Annie, who sat on the floor with a coloring book, unaware of the weight pressing on the room.

Victor began reading the letter aloud, his voice shaking.

“If you are reading this, I am already gone, and I am finally admitting that I faked the DNA test because I knew Annie was always Victor’s daughter.”

Catherine covered her mouth as a sob escaped her.

Victor closed his eyes, overwhelmed by the realization that he had allowed one piece of paper to outweigh the love he felt for his own child.

The letter continued, explaining how Leon had discovered the truth about the accident that had killed Victor’s father years earlier.