Chapter 4

There was no jewelry inside. Only a few things: a stack of old bills secured with a rubber band, not a very large amount; a folded, yellowing piece of paper; and... a photo.

I picked up the photo first.

It showed a much younger Helen snuggled closely to a strange man.

The man was handsome, but his gaze was shifty.

Helen smiled brightly, with a look of passionate love I had never seen on her face.

On the back, written in neat handwriting, was a date and a name: "Marcus."

That date was before I was born.

My heart sank.

So, the man in my memories who argued with Helen was likely Marcus.

And me... I might not actually be David's biological daughter.

The realization made me dizzy. I nearly fell off the stool.

Forcing down the nausea, I unfolded the yellowing paper.

The handwriting on it was messy, written like a simple agreement. It read: "Received $30,000 paid by Helen today, as a relocation fee for her daughter, Maya."

The date was May 10, 2018. Exactly three days before I was kidnapped.

A massive wave of absurdity and icy hatred crashed over me, making me shake violently.

I didn't cry. Tears felt so cheap and useless in front of this truth.

I carefully placed the items back exactly where I found them, then quietly went back to my room.

Sitting on the cold bed, I stared out the window.

The sunset painted the sky in brilliant colors, but none of that warmth could reach my heart.

The "home" I had fought so hard to return to was nothing but a mirage.

The maternal love I craved was just an abandonment with a price tag.

What should I do now? Expose her? Give the "agreement" to David? Hand it to the police?

Would David even believe me? Would he stand by me, or would he choose to protect this seemingly perfect family?

Would the police help me? After all, five years had passed. Was the evidence enough?

How would Helen and Chloe spin this against me?

More importantly, what would I get after exposing her?

Legal justice?

David's guilt?

Or the complete collapse of this already broken family?

None of those were what I truly wanted.

I thought of the police officer who rescued me, Officer Carter.

He had given me his contact information, telling me to reach out if I ever needed help.

Perhaps he was the only person I could trust.

I pulled out the old phone Officer Carter had given me and slowly typed out a message:

"Officer Carter, it's Maya. I found some evidence regarding my disappearance years ago. Also, I might need your help... with leaving this house and starting to live on my own."

The moment I hit send, an unprecedented sense of peace washed over me.

I was no longer a victim waiting for salvation. I was taking control of my own destiny.

At dinner, I sat silently at the end of the table as usual.

Helen was smiling, putting food on Chloe's plate. her voice was doting. "Eat more fish, Chloe. It's good for your brain."

David sat at the head of the table, reading his paper.

Chloe seemed to be watching me closely. In a sweet, mock-friendly voice, she spoke slowly so I could read her lips: "Maya, is the food not to your liking? Why aren't you eating? Did... did it remind you of the bad times?"

A malicious gleam flashed in her eyes, like a viper baring its fangs.

Helen immediately frowned at me, her annoyance clear. "If you're going to eat, eat. Don't sit there looking miserable. You're ruining everyone's appetite."

I lowered my head and mechanically poked at the food with my fork, not responding.

Rage and nausea churned in my stomach, but I knew silence was my best armor right now.

I had to wait.

Finally, the phone in my pocket buzzed.

Using the bathroom as an excuse, I locked myself inside and opened the message.

It was a reply from Officer Carter, brief but deeply reassuring: "Got it, Maya.

The evidence is vital. Please keep it safe, or take clear photos and send them to me.

I understand your situation and your wishes. Let's meet tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM. We can talk in detail at the Serenity Cafe on Maple Avenue. It's safe.

I'll confirm the exact spot soon. Stay safe."