Chapter 3 - The PhotographNobody spoke for several seconds.
Ethan picked up the photograph.
His hands were trembling.
“This was taken before Lily was born.”
Claire looked at him.
“Why was your father there?”
“I don't know.”
Hannah quietly answered.
“I do.”
Everyone turned toward her.
Hannah walked to the journal.
She opened it to a marked page.
“Your father knew Lily existed.”
Ethan's face hardened.
“You knew this?”
“Yes.”
“And you still kept her from me?”
“I was protecting her.”
“From me?”
“No.”
Hannah looked toward the front door.
“From Victor.”
Claire folded her arms.
“Then tell us everything.”
Hannah took a breath.
Lily's biological mother was named Emma.
Emma had discovered that Victor was using Daniel's company to move millions of dollars through hidden accounts.
She had copied documents.
Victor discovered what she had done.
Then he threatened her.
When Emma refused to cooperate, Victor threatened her unborn child.
Daniel tried to help her.
But he was too late.
Emma disappeared shortly after Lily was born.
Everyone believed she had died.
Hannah had taken Lily and disappeared with her.
Ethan stared at Hannah.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because Victor had people watching you.”
“I could have protected her.”
Hannah's voice broke.
“You were already being watched.”
Margaret finally spoke.
“Daniel believed hiding Lily was the only way to keep her alive.”
Ethan looked at his mother.
“You knew.”
Margaret nodded.
“I knew.”
“You let me grieve for a child who was alive.”
“I had no choice.”
Ethan laughed bitterly.
“There is always a choice.”
Lily suddenly walked toward the photograph.
She pointed at Emma.
“That is Mommy.”
Hannah knelt.
“Yes.”
Lily looked at Ethan.
“Is that Daddy?”
Ethan could barely breathe.
“Yes.”
Lily stared at him.
“Why didn't you come see me?”
The question broke him.
Ethan knelt in front of her.
“I didn't know you were there.”
Lily frowned.
“Why?”
Ethan looked at Hannah.
Hannah whispered.
“Because someone made sure you never knew.”
A phone rang.
Claire answered.
It was Victor.
His voice was calm.
“You have the journal.”
Claire said nothing.
Victor continued.
“But you don't have the final page.”
Then he hung up.
Ethan looked at the journal.
The final page was missing.
May you like
And suddenly everyone understood.
Victor was still holding the most dangerous secret.
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