I chose my career. I abandoned you both. His voice cracked. And I have hated myself every single day since. Tiana stepped back, shaking her head.
You're lying. Your My father isn't. Mama said, "Your mama was protecting you from the truth." Christopher's tears fell freely. That I was a coward. That I left you with nothing.
That I promised to send money and never did. Why? Tiana's voice was so small. Why would you leave? Because I was 24 and scared and selfish.
Because I thought my music career was more important than being your father. He looked at Diane. more important than the woman I loved. Diane made a sound like she'd been punched. Tiana's tears started. You're telling me this now after I just after the biggest moment of my life, you show up and tell me you left us because I couldn't stay silent anymore.
When Victoria tried to disqualify you, I had to protect you. It's 11 years too late, but I had to do something. You were the one who stopped them. Christopher nodded. You don't get to be a hero.
Tiana's voice broke. You don't get to swoop in and act like you saved me. My mama saved me. She's the one who raised me, who worked herself sick for me. You were nothing.
You are nothing. You're right. Christopher pulled out his phone, showed the wire transfer. $52,000 to Diane Turner. Medical payment status paid in full. Your mother's surgery is covered.
I called the hospital 2 hours ago, they confirmed. She's scheduled for tomorrow morning, 7 a.m. Diane gasped, hand over her mouth. I can't give you back 11 years, Christopher said. But I can give you your mother's life.
Tiana looked at the phone screen, at the number, at her mama's face. Back at Christopher. Mama's surgery is paid for. Every penny. You don't need the prize money for that anymore.
Use it for your future, for college, for music, for whatever you want. Tiana's small body started shaking. The check fell from her hands. Carol caught her as she collapsed, crying. Diane stood frozen, torn between rage and relief, unable to process.
Christopher stayed kneeling, watching his daughter fall apart, knowing he'd caused this. All of this, 11 years of absence culminating in this moment. "I'm not asking for forgiveness," he said quietly. "I just needed you to know. I'm sorry.
I'm so so sorry. Tiana looked up at him through tears. I don't forgive you. That's fair. Maybe I will someday.
Maybe I won't. That's more than fair. But she wiped her face. Thank you for helping Mama. Christopher nodded, not trusting his voice.