“I was always curious why my mother hated her neighbor, but when he died, I found out the real reason.”

Going back to the house where I grew up was never part of my plans — except to pick up my mother and take her with me. But when I arrived, a mix of nostalgia and tension took over me. The house was just as I remembered: worn-out edges, a somewhat unkempt garden, but the smell of old wood and lavender was still the same.

My mother, Susan, had always been a tough woman. Our relationship was never easy, which is why I would go years without visiting her. But lately, over the phone, she sounded tired. She struggled to talk about simple tasks like cleaning or going to the grocery store. I realized she could no longer live alone. Curiously, she only agreed to move after the death of Jeremy, her neighbor — a man she had always shown an inexplicable hatred for.

I remembered it well: ever since I was little, my mother forbade me from playing near Jeremy’s house. “Stay away from him!” she’d say. But he was always kind to me. One day, he even gave me a teddy bear — Mr. Peebles — which I hid in my closet because she was furious when she found out.

When I arrived that morning, my mother was still packing upstairs and, as always, refused help. I went to organize the downstairs. While going through the old shelves, I saw a photo of our family — me, my mother, and my father. Something caught my eye: I didn’t look like him. My green eyes contrasted with their brown ones. Strange… but it was a detail I had never questioned.

Tired of waiting, I went out for a walk, and my eyes were immediately drawn to Jeremy’s house. It was empty, abandoned. Curiosity got the better of me, and when I tried the handle, the door gave way with a creak. I stepped inside.

The silence was heavy. I walked past dust-covered furniture until I reached his bedroom. On a table, I saw a box. Written on it in elegant handwriting: “For Lisa.” My heart stopped for a moment. I opened it.

Inside were letters, photographs, and a diary. I picked up one of the photos: it was me, as a child, in Jeremy’s arms, smiling. On the back, a date and the inscription: “My angel.” I went straight to the diary. In the first few pages, I discovered a truth I had never imagined: Jeremy was my real father.

The letters told a story of forbidden love. My mother and Jeremy had fallen in love while she was still married. When she became pregnant, she feared the scandal and chose to keep it a secret, forcing Jeremy to stay away. He, however, never stopped watching me from afar, loving me in silence. The teddy bear he gave me was his only attempt to get close.

I returned home stunned, holding the box. I found my mother in the living room and, without saying a word, placed everything in front of her. Her face turned pale. She sat down in silence, staring at the photos and the words in the diary like ghosts from the past.

“You knew?” I asked, my voice trembling.

She nodded slowly. “I did what I thought was best. I wanted to protect you from the shame… from the chaos.”

“But you kept the truth from me. You kept him from me.”

She didn’t answer. She just lowered her eyes, as if she finally understood the weight of the decision she had carried alone for so long.

That night, we left. I took my mother with me, as I had planned. But I also took the box, the diary… and a new identity. Jeremy’s daughter. The man who was hated unjustly and who, even from afar, never stopped loving me.

Investments (Stocks, Cryptocurrencies, Funds)
Investing is the best way to make your money work for you, boosting your wealth over time. Among the most popular options are stocks, cryptocurrencies, and investment funds.

Stocks represent small ownership stakes in companies listed on the stock exchange and generate returns through price appreciation and dividend payments. Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, are digital currencies based on blockchain technology, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, known for their high volatility and potential for returns — but also for elevated risks.

Investment funds pool resources from various investors to allocate in different assets, such as fixed income, stocks, real estate, or a combination of them. They are a suitable option for those who want to diversify and delegate money management to professionals.

Before investing, it is crucial to understand your risk profile, financial goals, and time horizon. Additionally, studying the market and pursuing continuous financial education are essential steps toward making informed decisions.