Chapter 10 - The Ring
Tyler met me at a diner.
The engagement ring sat in a velvet box between us.
“She said you’re trying to destroy her,” he said.
“I’m trying to stop her from using my identity.”
He showed me messages.
Mom says Aaron will cover the venue.
Don’t worry. He always gives in.
Then one made my stomach tighten.
If Aaron causes trouble, remind him about college.
For years, Dad had told me my parents sacrificed forty thousand dollars for my education.
It was the reason I felt guilty every time I said no.
I called my university bursar.
They pulled the old records.
No parent loan.
No forty thousand.
Every payment came from scholarships, my own student loans, or my checking account.
I sat in silence.
Another family debt I had spent years repaying had never existed.
Then my phone rang.
Greg.
“Aaron, your mother filed a police report.”
“For what?”
“The SUV.”
I stared at Tyler.
“She reported my own car stolen?”
“Apparently.”
I laughed once.
Then Greg added, “Bring the registration. Officers may contact you.”
May you like
My family had spent years using my name when it benefited them.
Now Mom was trying to use the law when I finally used my name for myself.
