“She’s very weak, but the doctors are helping her.”
Emma’s shoulders shook as she tried not to cry.
Then suddenly—
A faint whisper broke the silence.
“Emma…”
The woman’s eyes slowly opened.
“Mom…” Emma’s voice trembled.
Laura turned her head slightly, her movements painfully slow. Her eyes settled on Sarah.
“Don’t… don’t let her go with him.”
A chill ran through Sarah.
“What do you mean?”
Laura struggled to breathe.
“Daniel… isn’t her father.”
The air in the room seemed to freeze.
“What?” Sarah asked.
“He… he took her.”
Dr. Carter looked at Sarah immediately.
“I’m calling the police.”
Emma turned quickly.
“What’s going to happen?”
Sarah knelt beside her.
“We’re going to find out the truth. And you don’t have to go anywhere you don’t want to.”
Emma bit her lip.
“He told me my mom was dead.”
Laura squeezed her daughter’s hand with the little strength she had.
“Never believe anything he tells you.”
Tears filled Emma’s eyes.
“Can we go home now?”
Laura swallowed painfully.
“Soon, sweetheart.”
But Sarah’s mind was racing.
If that man wasn’t Emma’s father… then something much worse was happening.
The Truth Begins to Unfold
When Sarah returned to the hospital lobby, the man—Daniel Hayes—was still waiting with his arms crossed.
“She needs to come with me,” he said impatiently.
Sarah kept her voice calm.
“Her mother is awake. She says you’re not her father.”
Daniel forced a laugh.
“That woman is seriously injured. She doesn’t know what she’s saying.”
Sarah took out her phone and began typing notes.
“Then you won’t mind showing us legal documents proving you’re her father.”
Daniel clicked his tongue.
“I don’t need to prove anything to you. Emma has lived with me for years.”
“For how long?” Sarah asked.
“Three years,” he replied.
Sarah felt a chill.
“And where was her mother during that time?”
“She disappeared.”
Sarah looked him straight in the eyes.
“She didn’t disappear. She’s in this hospital.”
Daniel’s jaw tightened.
“Enough of this. Bring me my daughter.”
“Not until we have answers.”
Just then, two police officers walked into the hospital.
Sarah stepped forward.
“We need to verify this man’s legal relationship to a minor. The child’s mother says he kidnapped her.”
Daniel raised his hands dramatically.
“This is ridiculous. Now you’re accusing me of kidnapping?”
The officer opened a notebook.
“We just need to see your paperwork, sir.”
Daniel sighed.
“Fine. I’ll go home and get it.”
Sarah shook her head.