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I know that you may have no reason to trust me, and my actions are inexcusable. But I want you to know that I have spent many years wrestling with the pain I’ve caused. It was a series of poor choices that led to my absence from your life. I lost my way, and I lost my chance to be a part of your life in goodness and truth.
His words weigh heavily on my heart. It’s a strange sensation, reading an apology I never thought I’d receive. I begin to feel fury, not having any thoughts of pacification. What makes him feel as if he can reach me? What makes him think I would forgive him?
I write to you now, not to seek forgiveness, for I am not worthy of that, but to share something important with you. As you read this, I have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. My time is short, and I have little left to give except my sincere apologies and one final revelation.
My father’s words take on an even greater sense of urgency as I read about his terminal diagnosis. It’s as though he’s trying to make amends before time slips away.
You may be surprised to learn that I was once involved in business ventures that have become incredibly lucrative. I’ve built a substantial fortune, something that I once dreamed of but could never bring myself to share with you. It is my greatest regret, one of many.
I never could have imagined that my father’s message would take such an unexpected turn. He had hidden wealth, wealth that I had no knowledge of.
Upon my passing, a great percentage of my fortune will be left to you. It is a small token of my remorse, and I hope it can provide you with the means to live the life you deserve.
The news leaves me reeling. My iced heart begins to thaw. I find it difficult to grasp the extent of his wealth or the fact that it will soon be mine. It’s a strange and conflicting mix of emotions—gratitude, anger, disbelief, and regret, all swirling inside me.
I do not ask for your forgiveness, for I know I do not deserve it. But I hope that you will find it in your heart to accept this inheritance as a symbol of my regret and my love for you, my son. Life is really too short. Live it well, making profitable decisions. I’d boldly tell you not to be in any way close to what I was like. If you receive this, it’s possible I might be gone.
Tears blur my vision as I read those final lines. It’s a surreal moment, a bittersweet mixture of closure and the rekindling of emotions I thought were long buried.
My father’s email, delivered from his deathbed, marks the end of a chapter in my life and the beginning of another. The weight of his message settles deep within me, an enduring reminder of the complexities of family, forgiveness, and the unexpected turns in life.
I sit there, stunned, realizing that my life is about to change dramatically. An unexpected inheritance from the father I thought I had lost forever. This newfound wealth, tinged with sorrow and regret, is both a blessing and a burden.
I take a deep breath and go through a document attached to the mail. It’s an e-copy of the will. I’m stunned.
I quickly step out of the house and order a ride. My car had been damaged beyond sight during the quake. Within fifteen to twenty minutes, I arrive at Amber’s house. My footsteps echo on the pavement as I walk to the front door. I ring the doorbell and wait, a sense of anticipation building within me. The news I carry is both unexpected and life-changing, and I can’t help but feel a mixture of emotions as I prepare to share it with Amber. Not to mention, I have no idea if he is still alive.
The door opens, and she greets me with a warm smile and a hug. “Hey. . .”
I smile back at her. She takes a good look into my eyes.
“Hey Derrick, is something on your mind, are you ok babe?”
I take a deep breath, unable to contain my excitement and fear. “You won’t believe what has happened, Amber.”
Her brow furrows in curiosity. “What is it? Tell me.”
“Let’s at least go inside,” I say to her. She shifts to the side of the doorway, giving me way to come in. I step into the little, quaint living room. It’s not necessarily furnished, just a large fusion, a center table, and a few art portraits beautify the space.
I sit on the couch and Amber sits beside me. “So, what going on?” she asks.
I decide to tease her a bit, just to see if she can guess. “Go on, take a guess.”
Amber thinks for a moment, her eyes narrowing with concentration. “I have no idea. You have that look like you won the lottery or something.”
I chuckle, her guess nowhere near the mark. “No, not the lottery. Something even more unexpected. My father, the one I haven’t heard from in over fifteen years, sent me an email.”
Amber’s eyes widen in surprise. “Your father? After all these years? What did he say?”
I begin to explain, recounting the contents of the email, the heartfelt apology, and the revelation of a fortune he intends to leave me. The more I talk, the wider Amber’s eyes become her expression a mix of disbelief and astonishment.
“He’s really sorry, Amber. And there’s this fortune he’s leaving to me. It’s unbelievable, I can't help but wonder if he is still alive.”
And then, Amber’s reaction is nothing short of a scream, a burst of pure joy and excitement. Her happiness is contagious, and I can’t help but share in her enthusiasm.
“Amber, I can’t believe it either,” I tell her as her laughter fills the room.
She quiets down, a warm smile on her face. “Derrick, this is amazing news. I’m so happy for you.”
