A Confidante and a Coming Storm

My coffee had grown cold as I sat with Chloe, unloading the weight I'd been carrying. The morning light streamed through the café windows, casting a warm glow over our corner table. I'd finally told her about moving to Adrian's estate, but there was still more I needed to share.

"There's something else you don't know," I said, lowering my voice. "About why I really needed the money."

Chloe leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "What is it, Sera?"

I took a deep breath, the admission still painful despite having lived with it for months. "My father is in jail."

"What?" Chloe's eyes widened. "Mr. Beaumont? But he's the most straight-laced guy I know."

"He was desperate." I traced the rim of my coffee cup, avoiding her eyes. "After his business started failing, he took a loan from some shady people. The interest rates were impossible, and when he couldn't pay..."

"Oh, Sera," Chloe reached across the table to squeeze my hand. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"