PART 2 — The Secret Olivia Never Told Him
Ethan stood motionless.
His eyes remained fixed on Lily.
Something deep inside him felt strangely familiar.
But that couldn't be possible.
Four years ago, he and Olivia had separated after a bitter misunderstanding.
His father had accused Olivia of marrying into the family for money.
His mother had refused to defend her.
And Ethan—
Broken and angry—
Had chosen to leave.
He thought Olivia hated him.
He thought she wanted nothing to do with him.
What he never knew...
Was that Olivia discovered she was pregnant two weeks after he disappeared.
She had searched for him.
Called him.
Written letters.
But Ethan had vanished overseas after his father arranged everything.
Every letter she sent had disappeared.
Intercepted.
Hidden.
Destroyed.
By one man.
Richard Ashcroft.
Ethan's father.
And Richard had taken that secret to his grave.
Olivia never wanted Lily to grow up hating her father.
Every night she would tell the little girl:
"Your daddy loved you before he even met you."
But she never imagined he would actually come back.
Ethan finally spoke.
"How old is she?"
Olivia's fingers trembled.
"Lily..."
Victoria slowly stepped forward.
"She's four."
Ethan's eyes narrowed.
Four.
Exactly four years.
His heartbeat grew louder.
"No..."
His voice became shaky.
"No, that's impossible."
Olivia lowered her eyes.
Tears gathered but never fell.
"Ethan..."
But before she could continue, Lily suddenly stood up and walked toward him.
The room froze.
Marcus looked concerned.
Victoria held her breath.
The little girl hugged her teddy bear and stopped in front of the stranger.
Then she smiled.
And asked the question no one was prepared to answer.
"Are you my daddy?"
Ethan's world stopped.
Olivia covered her mouth.
Victoria burst into tears.
And for the first time in years—
Ethan Ashcroft looked afraid.
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Because deep inside...
He already knew the answer.
