Chapter 4: The Truth That Was Stolen
“Emily…” his voice cracked as he dropped to his knees beside her.
Her eyes fluttered open slowly.
For a moment, confusion filled them.
Then recognition.
Tears welled instantly.
“You…” she whispered.
“I thought you were dead,” he said, his voice breaking completely.
She tried to sit up, but he gently held her.
“They lied,” she said weakly. “Your business rivals… they kidnapped me. They said you’d never stop searching unless I disappeared completely.”
His fists clenched.
“They took everything… left me with nothing. I escaped, but I couldn’t come back. I had Lily… I had to protect her.”
He looked at the child standing quietly by the door.
Their child.
His daughter.
Years stolen. A life erased.
May you like
But not gone.
Not anymore.
