Derek spent his life hiding the truth about his mother, Gail, who had been left disfigured with one eye and facial scars after a tragic accident. Ashamed, Derek never introduced her to his friends or girlfriend and made excuses to keep her away from school events. When graduation day arrived and he was named valedictorian, Derek hired an actress to pose as his mother rather than let Gail attend, leaving her heartbroken.

Shortly after, Derek moved away and cut all ties with her. A decade later, he received news of his mother’s passing and unexpectedly inherited her house and savings. At the lawyer’s office, Derek learned the devastating truth: Gail had been scarred protecting him from a vicious dog attack when he was just three years old — a selfless act that had forever changed her life.