Uncle James Smiled at Me and Asked About My $1.5 Million House — By the Time Dessert Was Served, My Family Finally Understood Who I Really Was

My father reached out, his hand hovering awkwardly near my shoulder. “Now let’s not make this a thing,” he said quickly. “This is wonderful news. We should tell everyone. Think of how proud we’ll look.”

I stepped back, out of reach.

That was the moment I understood they weren’t apologizing; they were recalculating.

“Don’t worry about announcements,” I said, picking up my clutch. “James, brunch tomorrow? I’m having the back garden redesigned.”

“I’ll be there,” he said with a grin.

I turned to Brooke, whose ring suddenly seemed smaller somehow. “Congratulations,” I said sincerely. “I hope it brings you everything you’re expecting.”

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