The Forbidden Third Floor: How an Elderly Woman’s Secret Changed My Life Forever

Meeting the Family

During dinner, I was introduced to Richard, Lucas’s father—a man with kind eyes who appeared older than his actual age.

“Lucas has mentioned you,” he remarked warmly.

“Has he?” I responded, glancing toward Lucas who was merely pushing broccoli around his plate.

“He observes more than he speaks,” Richard explained with a gentle smile.

I also met Oliver, Richard’s adult son who was “just visiting temporarily.”

That evening, as I settled into my assigned room, I couldn’t shake the persistent feeling that this household harbored secrets somehow connected to the forbidden third floor.

A Startling Discovery

While organizing Lucas’s room one afternoon, I discovered an old, dusty photo album hidden at the back of his closet. The leather cover showed signs of age and neglect, as if it had been intentionally forgotten.

My curiosity proved irresistible, and I carefully opened it, examining the photographs inside.

The images captured joyful moments: a younger Richard with his arm around a beautiful woman who appeared to be his first wife, alongside a small, grinning Oliver.

My lips curved into a nostalgic smile, but as I turned to the next page, my heart suddenly stopped.

This is… my mother!

What could she possibly be doing in these family photographs?

I recalled her mentioning once that she had worked as a nanny for a wealthy family, but she had never shared any specific details about the experience.

Why did she leave? Why keep this connection secret from me?

I stared at the photograph, completely transfixed by this unexpected connection.

Overheard Conversations

That evening, I wandered through the hallways of the Harrison residence, lost in thought. As I passed the living room, intense voices caught my attention. I slowed my pace, careful to remain silent.

“Your mother continues bringing up Kristy and her child,” Veronica complained sharply, her tone filled with irritation. “I’m tired of hearing these stories repeatedly. How much longer will you allow her to continue with these claims? Kristy was a real person, wasn’t she?”

Richard’s response sounded weary. “She’s elderly, Veronica. She’s confused half the time. Kristy was simply Oliver’s nanny. My mother is confusing memories with events that never actually occurred.”

I froze completely, gripping the banister for support. Kristy—that was my mother’s name. They were discussing her.

My breath caught as realization dawned. The grandmother knew something significant about my mother’s connection to this family.

Is she trying to reveal something important to them?

I needed answers immediately. And I knew exactly where to begin my search: the forbidden third floor.

Breaking the Rules

The following evening, I waited for my opportunity. Richard and Veronica departed for a charity function, while Oliver remained absorbed in reading in the study. After tucking Lucas into bed and leaving the baby monitor on his nightstand, I quietly made my way to the third floor.

My heart pounded intensely as I reached the locked door to the grandmother’s room. Earlier, I had noticed a small, unmarked key on the kitchen keyring. After retrieving it from downstairs, I returned and inserted it into the lock. It turned with a soft click.

The room was dimly lit by a single lamp on a small table. The gentle scent of lavender permeated the air. An ornate rug lay beneath a chair where the elderly woman sat beside the window, holding a photograph in her trembling hands. She didn’t acknowledge my presence until I stepped fully inside.

When her gaze finally found me, her eyes immediately filled with tears.

“You must be Sarah. You resemble Kristy so much.”

“You… you knew my mother?” I stammered, moving closer.

The Truth Revealed

She nodded slowly, gesturing for me to sit in the chair across from her.

“I’ve been anticipating this moment,” she admitted, holding the photograph tightly. “Your mother worked here many years ago. She was initially Oliver’s nanny, but she became much more than that. She meant everything to Richard.”

“What exactly do you mean?” I asked hesitantly.

Her voice lowered to a whisper, but remained filled with emotion.

“Your mother and Richard fell deeply in love. They maintained their relationship in absolute secrecy. Richard was already married, and my husband—your grandfather—insisted they maintain appearances to protect the family reputation. When Kristy discovered her pregnancy with you, she chose to leave. She didn’t want to destroy their family. We’ve exchanged letters for years, which is why I have your photographs.”

The room seemed to spin around me as I struggled to process her words.

“Is Richard… my father?”

Tears streamed down her weathered face as she nodded confirmation.

“Yes, my dear. You are indeed his daughter. I’ve tried repeatedly to tell him, but he dismisses me as a confused elderly woman.”

Her voice cracked with emotion. “And Veronica, his new wife… She’s deliberately kept me isolated, attempting to silence me.”

I found myself speechless under the weight of this revelation. She reached for my hand gently.

“I arranged for that invitation in your mail. You possess your mother’s spirit. And I want you to rightfully become part of our family. Eventually.”

“No one will believe me,” I replied quietly. “They’ll assume I’m here to claim something or create problems.”

Continue reading on next page…