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20 Years of Blindness:The Apartment That Never Was
Part 2: Lies
Time passed slowly. Jessica matured, dividing her life between her mother’s somber, lonely home and her father’s chaotic, unusual apartment — along with Susan’s presence. Their relationship was never discussed. It was as though Susan was a phantom, always nearby yet never recognized.
At the age of 16, Jessica received another shocking revelation.
“We’re moving,” Robert declared during a strained dinner. “Susan and I have purchased a house together.”
Jessica almost choked on her dinner. For the first time, uncertainty ignited within her. Why would her father and Susan invest in a house together if they weren’t…?
However, she suppressed her doubts, just as she stifled the bitter flavor of the deception that threatened to rise in her throat.
The relocation took place, and life continued along its twisted path. Robert and Susan finally confessed they were “dating.” Two years later, they tied the knot and, to paint the ideal family portrait, welcomed a child.
Now 24, Jessica found herself at a bar trying to drown her troubles when it suddenly clicked.
“Wait a minute,” her friend Tom exclaimed, after hearing the story for what felt like the millionth time…