The days after Ethan left Olivia at Aunt Linda's house were long and heavy. Despite his work keeping him busy, the mansion felt eerily quiet without her presence. Ethan missed her more than he expected—the laughter, the warmth, and the small moments of joy she brought into every day. His heart ached every time he passed her favorite spots in their home.
Olivia, too, felt the emptiness. Even though Aunt Linda was there, and they were growing closer by the day, her thoughts often drifted back to Ethan. The distance between them was hard to bear, but they made up for it by staying in constant contact. Olivia called Ethan at least five times a day, especially whenever she felt the baby kick. And every time, Ethan was there, taking video calls, sharing smiles, and not missing a single moment, even from afar.
One evening, after another emotional call where Olivia excitedly showed him their baby's latest movements, Aunt Linda sat down beside her. Olivia noticed her aunt had a serious look in her eyes.
"Olivia," Linda began, her voice gentle but firm, "I've been thinking... Maybe it's time we tell Pops the truth. He deserves to know."
Olivia's heart skipped a beat at the mention of revealing the truth to Grandpa Henry—whom Ethan fondly called Pops. He had been a guiding figure in both their lives, and Olivia adored him. But the thought of revealing such a significant truth, one that could change everything, filled her with anxiety.
"Do you think it's the right time?" Olivia asked, unsure.
Linda squeezed her hand gently. "He's been through so much, and I know how much family means to him. I think it's better he hears it from us rather than finding out another way."
After thinking it over, Olivia called Ethan to discuss the idea. Though he was hesitant, Ethan understood the importance of Pops knowing. "Alright, Liv," he agreed after a pause. "But let's make sure we do it at Aunt Linda's house, away from prying eyes. We need to keep this quiet—especially from Martha."
Olivia relayed the plan to Aunt Linda, who immediately made arrangements for Henry to visit her place in the coming days.
When the day finally came, Olivia's heart raced. Henry, the man who had always been there for her and Ethan, arrived at Linda's house with his warm, familiar smile. Unbeknownst to him, a life-altering revelation awaited. After a light lunch, Ethan joined through a video call, and Linda sat down with her father and Olivia to share the truth.
Linda took a deep breath before she spoke. "Dad, there's something we need to tell you... something I've kept hidden for years."
Henry—whom Ethan lovingly called Pops—looked at his daughter with concern. "What is it, Linda? You can tell me anything."
Linda glanced at Olivia, then back at her father. "You remember the baby I had in college, the one the doctors said was born dead?"
Henry's face darkened with pain as he nodded. "Of course I remember, sweetheart. That was one of the hardest things for you... and for all of us."
Linda's voice trembled slightly as she continued, "Well, they lied to me, Dad. My baby didn't die. She was taken... and left at an orphanage."
Henry's confusion deepened, his eyes searching hers for clarity. "What do you mean?"
Linda swallowed hard, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "That baby... my daughter... is Olivia."
Henry's eyes shot to Olivia, wide with disbelief. "Olivia?" he repeated in shock, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, Pops," Ethan's voice came through the video call. "We ran a DNA test. Olivia is Aunt Linda's daughter."
The room fell silent as Henry processed the revelation. Slowly, tears welled up in his eyes as he looked at Olivia with a new kind of recognition. "My granddaughter... all this time, you've been my granddaughter?"
Olivia, fighting back tears, nodded. Henry's hands shook as he pulled both Linda and Olivia into a tight embrace, his emotions spilling over. "I can't believe it... After all these years."
Linda's tears fell freely as she clung to her father. "Dad, I'm sorry I didn't know... I'm sorry I couldn't tell you sooner."
Henry pulled back slightly, his voice soft but full of emotion. "I always wanted a granddaughter... and now I have you."
He kissed Olivia's forehead, just as he had done countless times before, but this time it felt different—like everything had fallen into place.
After the initial wave of emotions, Henry sat back, wiping his eyes. He looked at Ethan through the phone screen. "Ethan, son, there's something else here, isn't there? This can't be all of it."
Ethan nodded, his face serious. "We also found out who left Olivia at the orphanage. It was Martha."
Henry's face darkened at the mention of Martha's name. "Martha? That woman... I always had my suspicions about her. But why? Why would she do such a thing?"
Ethan's voice came through clearly. "We believe she did it to keep Olivia hidden, so she could get her hands on the family inheritance. She knew Olivia's true identity all along."
Henry's expression shifted to one of fury. He clenched his fists, his voice low and dangerous. "That woman... I'll make sure she pays for this."
He stood up abruptly, pacing the room before turning back to Linda and Olivia. "We need to act fast. Martha can't find out we know the truth."
Ethan's voice echoed Henry's determination. "Pops, we're already looking into it, but we need to be careful. Don't let Martha suspect anything until we know exactly what she's after."
Henry nodded, already making plans in his mind. "Ethan, I want you to come here with a lawyer. We're going to rewrite the will, and Martha will be cut out completely."
Linda and Olivia watched as Henry's resolve strengthened. He would do whatever it took to protect his family.
As Henry left to make preparations, he turned back to his daughter and granddaughter, his eyes full of love. "I've waited my whole life to have a granddaughter. Now that I do, I'm not letting anyone take that away from me."
Ethan, still on the phone, agreed with a quiet nod. "We'll make sure Martha never gets her way, Pops."
And as Henry left, the realization settled over the room: the truth was out, but the fight was only beginning