I Went Into the Forest With My Father. Suddenly, He Grabbed My Hand and Said, ‘Finally, We’re Alone. Come Here, Let Me Kiss You. I’ve Wanted to Do This for So Long.’ I Pulled Away in Terror. But My Father Stepped Closer, Took Me by the Shoulders, and Whispered, ‘Don’t Be Afraid, Sweetheart. Your Mother Will Never Know What Happened Between Us.’ I Started Trembling. And When He Said, ‘I’ve Been Waiting 19 Years for This Moment,’

She sat beside me.

“I was Catherine’s best friend.”

I stared at her in astonishment.

“You knew each other?”

“We grew up together. Before you were born, Catherine asked me that if anything ever happened to her, I would make sure you were never left alone.”

My mother began crying.

“When she passed away, you were only a few days old. I visited the hospital every day to help care for you.”

My father took her hand.

“At first, Margaret was simply helping me. Over time, we grew closer. Two years later, we got married.”

I asked through my tears:

“So you’re not my real mother?”

Margaret’s expression changed.

She answered softly: