Chapter 2: The Woman Everyone Believed Was Dead

Daniel walked away from the altar without another word.

Guests whispered as Victoria desperately grabbed his arm.

"Don't do this. Think about everyone watching."

"I am."

He gently pulled free.

"That's exactly why I need the truth."

Outside the chapel, the little boy led Daniel to an old blue sedan parked beneath a large oak tree.

The rear door slowly opened.

A woman stepped out.

Thin.

Pale.

A faint scar crossed one side of her face.

But Daniel recognized her immediately.

"Emily..."

She burst into tears.

"I tried to come back so many times."

She explained everything.

Years earlier, after learning she was pregnant, Victoria—Emily's closest friend—had convinced her to invest in a business opportunity overseas.

Instead, Emily had been trapped by criminals who stole her passport and money. Every letter she wrote to Daniel mysteriously disappeared.

Only after escaping months ago did she discover the horrifying truth.

Victoria had intercepted every message.

She had even forged documents declaring Emily dead.

Why?

Because Victoria had always wanted Daniel.

While Emily struggled to survive abroad, Victoria comforted Daniel through his grief until he eventually fell in love with the only person he believed had stayed beside him.

The little boy smiled nervously.

"My name is Noah."

Daniel looked at him.

"How old are you?"

"I'm four."

Daniel's knees nearly gave out.

He didn't need anyone to explain the rest.