On the day I gave birth, I learned that Isabelle was also in labor in the same hospital. She had been given ter injections to induce labor.
A sense of dread washed over me. It intensified when I learned we had both given birth to daughters.
My premonition proved correct. That night, she dragged her aching body to the nursery and switched our
babies.
“Everything you have now, Aurora, you stole from me,” she whispered to the empty air. “So, my daughter will take back what is rightfully mine.”
I was so agitated I nearly suffered a postpartum hemorrhage. Damian squeezed my hand, his voice calm. and reassuring. “Don’t worry. I’ll switch them back.”
I let out a shaky breath and drifted off to sleep, holding my true daughter in my arms.
Damian had arranged for me to stay at the best postnatal retreat in the country. On the day of my discharge, my family was there, their arms full of bags. As we reached the entrance, we saw Isabelle’s mother–in–law dragging her through the checkout process.
“This stupid hospital is full of alarmists. So the baby was premature. Just feed her a few extra eggs,” she grumbled. “And you want to go to a postnatal retreat? That’s for rich people! Look at you, you couldn’t even produce a son, and you have the nerve to ask for such things?”
Isabelle stared blankly ahead, ignoring the wailing infant in her arms. Leo was absorbed in a game on his
phone.
Suddenly, Isabelle looked up and met my eyes, a sinister smile spreading across her face. “Aurora,” she said.
“Your karma has arrived.”
I scoffed, “We’ll see whose karma has arrived.”
My brother pulled the car around, and Damian gently lifted me inside. I looked at my own daughter, peaceful- ly blowing bubbles in my mother’s arms, and felt a profound sense of peace.
10
6/9
02.46
02.46
Chapter 2
I spent a month in a three–million–dollar retreat and emerged looking just as I had before my pregnancy. My daughter was plump and rosy, happily sucking on her fingers in her swaddle. My parents drove me home. personally, while Damian took over all childcare duties. She was the center of our universe.
Our little treasure, Anabelle, grew up happy and healthy.
When she started elementary school, she came home one day and told me about a pitiful little girl in her
class.
“Mommy, does Charity’s mommy not love her? She always has to wear other people’s old clothes, and no one ever picks her up from school.”
Charity. The name immediately suggested a family that favored boys. To broaden my daughter’s perspective,
Lintentionally enrolled her in a public school. A child from such a family was not surprising.
nad always been a compassionate child, always wanting to donate her allowance to children in ed. I supported her kind heart.
“Well, if Annie wants to help her, you should. Mommy will always have your back.”
The next day, she came home and announced that they were best friends.
I never met this Charity until my daughter was fifteen and brought her friend home for the first time.
Anabelle led Charity into the garden to greet me. I recognized her instantly. The girl was the spitting image of
Isabelle.
Charity looked at me with timid eyes, though her gaze kept flicking to the lavish surroundings. “Hello, Mrs.
Sterling.”
I nodded, watching the two girls walk away together.
That evening, Anabelle wanted Charity to stay for dinner, but the girl refused, her face filled with terror. “I have to go home and cook. If I’m late, my mom will kill me.”
Just then, there was a loud banging at the door. “Charity! Get out here!”
Charity flinched, her legs giving out from under her.
I hadn’t seen Isabelle in so long, I almost didn’t recognize her. Her hair was a matted mess, her clothes were cheap and worn, and her body was bloated.
She stormed in, grabbed Charity by the hair, and started dragging her toward the door. “You little brat, look at
the time! Do you want us all to starve?”
Anabelle, unable to bear it, stepped forward. “Ma’am, it was my fault. I asked Charity to stay. Please don’t
blame her.”
Isabelle froze at the sound of her voice, slowly turning her head. “You’re… Anabelle? You’ve grown up so much. You’re so beautiful.” Her tone then turned venomous. “Unlike this useless thing, disturbing your perfect
6/9
02-46
C
