Chapter 3: Cindy’s Confession

I opened the door but asked Cindy to remain on the stairs until the officers arrived. She did not argue. When she came into the kitchen, her hands were empty and raised where we could see them.

Daniel looked devastated. “Tell me she’s mistaken.”

Cindy’s eyes filled. “She isn’t.”

She admitted taking my mother’s bank card and ring. At the time, Cindy had been buried under debt after caring for her sick father. She was facing eviction and convinced herself she would borrow the money, replace it, and return the ring.

Instead, fear took over. She quit, changed apartments, and ignored every call.

“That explains desperation,” I said, struggling to keep my voice steady. “It does not excuse stealing from someone who trusted you.”

“I know.”

Cindy said meeting Daniel at the coffee shop had been accidental. She had not connected him to my mother until after the proposal, when he showed her a family photograph.

“I planned to confess tonight,” she said. “Then I walked in and lost my courage.”

Daniel slowly removed the engagement ring from her trembling hand and placed it on the table.

Sirens sounded outside.

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