Chapter One: The Photograph
Silence settled over the ballroom.
No one spoke.
No one moved.
The little girl's tiny hand reached toward the maid while tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Mommy..."
The word echoed beneath the crystal chandeliers.
The elegant woman in the black gown stiffened.
"Emily," she said carefully, forcing a smile. "You're confused."
The maid slowly stood, one hand still holding the faded photograph.
"I'm not here to take her away," she said quietly.
"I'm here because the truth finally found us."
Guests exchanged uncertain glances.
The chairman of the charity stepped forward.
"Perhaps everyone should remain calm."
But Emily had already broken free from the woman's grasp again.
She wrapped both arms around the maid.
"I remember your song," she whispered.
The maid closed her eyes.
Every night for four years she had wondered whether her daughter would remember the lullaby she used to sing before they were separated.
Apparently...
She had.
The photograph trembled in her hand.
It showed a younger version of herself sitting in a hospital bed, holding a newborn wrapped in a pink blanket.
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The tiny silver bracelet on the baby's wrist matched the bracelet Emily still wore tonight.
The room grew even quieter.
