Dear Isabel,

The moment your mother, Elena told me that she was carrying you inside of her, I got worried. Not because you we're coming, but I was worried because I might not make a good father. I was excited the moment I knew you we're coming, but I never figured if I would make a good father. For that past nine months of my life, I was full of bursting expressions. All I could think of is you, how you would grow up, how much I would be meaning to you and how much Elena would mean to you. No one knew about you except me, Elena and your Uncle Jeremy. Do you still remember the times when you were younger and you would often ask me why you still call him Uncle Jeremy even though he is not your uncle by blood? The reason is because until Elena found out that she was adopted, she has always loved Jeremy and treated him like a little brother. When Elena's parents died, she too over for then to take care of Jeremy, aside from their Aunt Jenna of course. So I also wanted you to treat Jeremy like he is your true uncle, because that's how much Elena cares for him.

I never told you this before, but your mother always kept a journal. I didn't want to tell you yet because you might want to know what it contains. But I guess now is the perfect time for you to know. Still remember that there was a room in the basement that is always locked and I've never opened? That's where it is. Push the first brick on the right side of the keyhole and the key will be revealed.

You always asked me when you were six, the story of how you were born. I never told you because I didn't think you could handle it yet. But now I guess it's time for you to know. Elena didn't feel well three days before you were born, maybe that's the reason she passed away four days after you were born. Anyway, I lied to you, all these years. You weren't me and Elena's only was someone else after you. Her name is Emma. She was two minutes younger than you. Yes, Isabel, you had a twin sister. But we figured we couldn't take care of two children at a time so we gave Emma to the adoption center. We decided to keep you because you were our first child. Jeremy promised to keep it as a secret until I tell you the truth. Just, please Isabel, whatever you do, don't go looking for Emma. We have no track of her, we don't even know if she is still here in the States. But I want to spend time with you, I don't want anyone else. Not that I don't love Emma, but you are the one we chose to keep and it was for a reason, a very important reason.

When I first saw you come into this world, that was the happiest moment of my life. I felt as if the whole world's happiness all drained into me. I wanted to shout for joy, I wanted to tell the world "This is my daughter!". I never thought that I could ever be happier in my life. From that time on, I was changed. Before you were born, all I did was feed on humans and erase their memory so they wouldn't know that I was a vampire. I would randomly kill humans and not care the slightest bit. But when you came, I felt something. I wanted to change, I wanted to start fresh, I wanted to be a better person. So I did. Did you remember three years ago, when I told you I had to leave for three years because of my job, you got angry with me? You said all I cared about was my job and that I didn't care about you more? I just wanted to tell you, that I lied too. I wasn't supposed to stay for three years, I was supposed to stay for seven years. But then, I thought of you, so I only told you that I would be gone for three years. I quit my job, Isabel. Haven't you noticed why I don't go to the office anymore? I quit my job so I can spend more time with you. I'm sorry if I haven't been the best dad much, but I was really thinking of you in everything that I do.

The reason why you're suffering now, the reason why maybe you aren't part vampire anymore, is because of me, Isabel. Years back, when me and Elena were still in love, Katherine tried to kill Elena to get revenge on me. But then I begged her not to. So she didn't but of course she needed something in return. So she asked who I wanted to be killed in the future who I would love dearly. At that time, I thought it was impossible for a vampire to have a kid, everyone did. So I said "My first child." and she agreed and said that after she attempts to make my first child suffer a lot, even if my first child doesn't die, she would leave me in peace. So that means that you can still survive this. Fight for it. I'm really sorry Isabel, this is all my fault. I love you and you know that. I didn't intend to let you suffer this way, I'm really sorry.

I hope you understand.

I love you, Isabel. You can do this, I'll do whatever it takes.

Love,

Dad

Damon folded the letter, placed it in an envelope and locked it in his drawer to make sure Isabel wouldn't accidentally read it unless he gives it to her.