My throat tightened.
“What Cole left for you… is your right,” he continued gently. “I could never take that away from you. You are my family… my sister. I won’t break the promise I made to Cole.”
Tears slipped down my cheeks.
Somehow, in the middle of losing everything… I had gained something too.
A brother.
A family.
I looked at Liam, still trying to absorb the truth of it.
“Thank you,” I said softly, the words carrying far more than gratitude.
He gave me a small, reassuring smile. “You’re not alone anymore, Jiya.”
After we left the office, I promised Liam we would be in touch and hugged him before he got in the car and drove off.
I watched him disappear into traffic before walking back to my own car, the world moving outside as if nothing had changed.
But everything had.
I sat in the car, reached into my bag, and pulled out the envelope.
My fingers traced the words written on it.
To My Love, Jiya.
My vision blurred as I opened it, unfolding the letter inside.
And then I read.
Sweetheart,
I know you will be surprised to receive this letter. Yes, it is real! I still remember the first time I laid eyes on you. I was peeking through my window when you had just moved into your house. I was yourneighbour, but you didn’t know until later. Then I saw you at the restaurant with Lucas. The sadness in your eyes, but the brave front you put up for your son, is the memory of you that I will never forget.
You are a beautiful woman and an amazing person. Your kind heart is what made me fall truly and deeply in love with you. You were definitely an angel sent from above. You saved me and showered me with love. You were always there for me. Thank you for everything you have done for me.
Jiya, because of you, I no longer felt alone; because of you, I looked forward to waking up each day, just to look at your face; because of you, my family was complete again. Thank you for bringing me so much joy and happiness in my life with your smile, with your love, and with your children.
I love you. I know that it will be hard for you, and I’m sorry for that, but I want you to be happy. I want you to keep yourself open and positive. I want you to fall in love again. You are stronger than you realize, and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.
Know that I am always with you, not physically, but I am watching over you, Lucas, and Emma.
Love, Cole
By the time I reached the end, I could no longer see the words clearly.
My tears had soaked the paper.
But even through the blur… I could still feel him.
In every word.
In every line.
In every piece of love he had left behind for me.
