It was never about me. You left because you wanted to, not because of who I was. And now?
I don’t care anymore.”
Tom looked stunned. For the first time, he had nothing to say.
Gary cleared his throat. “You asked about the inheritance.
You’ll get your share. But Ava and Diane will remain my focus.”
Tom scoffed. “So you really are playing favorites.”
“No,” I said, standing tall.
“We’re rewarding love and loyalty. Two things you’ve forgotten.”
He didn’t argue. He just sat there, silent, looking at Ava like he was seeing her for the first time.
Mia walked over and placed a hand on Ava’s shoulder.
“You don’t need his approval,” she whispered.
“I know,” Ava said. “But it still felt good to say that.”
Tom left soon after with no dramatic goodbye. He just slipped out the door with the test results still clutched in his hand.
Later that night, Gary called Ava to his side.
“You were so brave,” he said.
“I just said what needed to be said.”
He smiled weakly.
“You’re going to change the world someday.”
She hugged him gently, resting her head on his shoulder. “As long as I make you proud.”
“You already have,” he whispered. “A thousand times over.”
Source: amomama
