He opened his folder and fixed his gaze on Jason.
“There is a section Lily insisted be read aloud at her funeral.”
Every pair of eyes locked onto him as he unfolded a single sheet of paper, creased and worn as though it had been handled countless times.
“This is a personal statement Lily attached to her will,” he explained. “Written in her own hand, three weeks before her death.”
Jason shifted uneasily. Rachel tightened her grip on his arm.
Mr. Hayes began reading.
“If you are hearing this, I am no longer here. Jason, I know about Rachel. I’ve known far longer than you think.”
A gasp swept through the pews. My mother covered her mouth. Jason froze.
“I tried to forgive you for our baby’s sake. But every lie, every late night, chipped away at me until something inside died long before my body did. That is why I changed my will.”
Mr. Hayes paused briefly, then continued.
“To my husband, Jason Reed, I leave nothing beyond what the law requires. You may keep your personal items and the car in your name. That is all. You have already taken enough from me.” Legal
