_Chapter 20: Shattered Truth_
Rachel's voice trembled. "Mia's death... it wasn't an accident."
Axel's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
Rachel's face crumpled. "Victor... he was driving that night."
Axel's world imploded.
Victor's eyes dropped, his shoulders sagging. "I'm sorry, Axel."
Axel's anger erupted. "You killed my sister!"
Emily's arms wrapped around Axel, holding him back.
Rachel's tears flowed. "We were arguing, Victor and I. He was drunk... and Mia..."
Axel's mind reeled. His family's lies, his father's deceit.
Victor's voice cracked. "I've spent years in prison, punishing myself."
Axel's fury boiled. "You think that's enough?"
The room fell silent, the weight of the truth crushing them.
Axel's family was shattered, the fragments irreparable.
Emily's gentle voice broke the silence. "Axel, I'm here."
Axel's gaze locked onto Emily, his anchor in the chaos.
With Emily by his side, Axel faced the devastating truth.
His family's secrets had destroyed them.
But Axel vowed to rebuild, to rise from the ashes