Bella's eyes widened at Ken's words and when he got out of the plush armchair, he walked to the large windows and looked out at the night sky, the weight of the past settling heavily upon his shoulders.
The amber liquid in his whiskey glass swirled, mirroring the turbulent emotions churning within him. He glanced at Bella, her expression a mixture of concern and quiet understanding, and knew he could no longer keep his secrets buried. He had to tell her everything or else he would just combust from the weight of his emotions.
"You don't just drop a bomb like that on me and act like frigging Heathcliff." Bella exploded. "Tell me what you mean by Lyse could be your daughter, how is this possible."
Ken kept silent for a long moment before he started to speak slowly as if counting his words.
"Maeve," he began, his voice hoarse, "was… she was everything to me. I loved her more than words can ever say."
