THE MILLIONAIRE WAS PARALYZED WHEN HE SAW THE NURSE'S PENDANT, IDENTICAL TO HIS MISSING DAUGHTER'S..

when he was rescued by a nurse the millionaire was paralyzed upon seeing her pendant the same one his daughter wore when she disappeared many years ago Jacob mallister gripped the steering wheel of his luxury sedan his knuckles turning white as he sped down the deserted Road Charleston's roads were familiar to him but tonight the storm had turned them into a treacherous maze Sheets of Rain pounded the windshield making it almost impossible to see more than a few feet ahead the wipers struggled to keep up creating a rhythmic Screech that echoed through the car his mind

however wasn't on the road it was on Emily his daughter had been missing for 20 years but not a day went by that he didn't think of her every piece of evidence every possible lead he'd followed them all but they all led to dead ends it had consumed him drained the life out of him leaving behind a man who could no longer enjoy his success what was the point of his Fortune if he couldn't save his own daughter suddenly the car skitted Jacob's heart leaped into his throat as the tires lost traction on the Slick

pavement he gripped the wheel tighter desperately trying to regain control but it was too late the car veered off the road smashing through the guard rail and tumbling down a steep embankment the impact was brutal his head slammed against the window and everything went black when Jacob came to you the rain P was still pouring pain radiated through his body every breath a struggle he could hear the soft pitter patter of rain on the crumpled metal of his car and the distant Rumble of Thunder dazed he tried to move but found himself trapped pinned by

the wreckage his vision blurred but then through the fog he saw her a figure moving toward him in the rain backlit by a pair of headlights for a moment his heart stopped was this it was he hallucinating the figure knelt beside him hey stay with me you're going to be okay a woman's voice called out she sounded calm reassuring Jacob blinked trying to focus his mind slowly catching up with reality this wasn't Emily it was a stranger I'm Mia she said placing her hand on his I'm a nurse help is on the way Jacob felt

her touch gentle but firm as she worked to assess his injuries he could barely move but he felt the steady rhythm of her breathing the warmth of her presence as the rain continued to pour Mia leaned closer her face now visible in the dim light and that's when he saw it the necklace his breath caught in his throat it was impossible but there it was hanging from her neck a simple silver chain with a small ik heart-shaped pendant he recognized it immediately he'd given that same pendant to Emily on her 10th birthday his mind raced

the storm outside suddenly Fading Into the background where where did you get that necklace his voice was weak barely a whisper but he had to ask Mia looked down at the pendant touching it lightly with her fingertips oh this I've had it for as long as I can remember I was adopted and this is the only thing I have from my birth family jaob 's World spun adopted the pendant could it be no he couldn't allow himself to believe it he'd been down this road before only to end up heartbroken time and time again but

something about this moment felt different something about Mia felt different where where are you from he asked his voice growing a little stronger despite the pain I was found AB near a hospital in Savannah H Georgia Mia said shrugging as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world no one knew who I was so I ended up in foster care and was later adopted by a family there Jacob's mind raced even faster Savannah Emily had disappeared near Savannah the pieces of the puzzle were starting to fit together but it was too soon he

couldn't jump to conclusions he'd been wrong before he needed proof before he could ask more questions the sound of sirens filled the air Mia looked up the ambulance is here she said relief washing over her face you're going to be okay Jacob wasn't so sure his body might survive but his heart was now caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty and hope as the paramedics pulled him from the wreckage he couldn't tear his eyes away from Mia the pendant around her neck sparkled in the light of the ambulance a beacon of both pain and possibility could

this be the break he'd been waiting for Jacob lay in the hospital bed his body stiff and bruised from the crash the sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air but his mind wasn't on his injuries it was on Mia that necklace the pendant that he had given to Emily all those years ago haunted him flashing in his mind like a beacon of both hope and fear could it be her could Mia be Emily his daughter lost for so many years he had to be careful though he' chased so many dead ends clinging to every scrap

of Hope only to have it slip through his fingers but this this felt different he couldn't ignore the coincidence a knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts his business associate Paul stepped into the room his face etched with concern Jacob man you're lucky to be alive Paul said pulling a chair up beside the bed how are you feeling Jacob managed a weak smile I've been better he replied his voice rough the crash was bad but there's something else Paul raised an eyebrow waiting for him to continue the nurse who found me Mia she

was wearing a necklace the same pendant I gave Emily before she disappeared Jacob said his voice faltering she told me she was adopted and found abandoned near Savannah I can't help but think what if it's her what if she's Emily Paul leaned back in his chair letting out a slow breath Jacob I know how much you want to find her but you've got to be careful we've been down this road before you can't jump to conclusions I know Jacob said rubbing his temples in frustration but there's something about this Paul the pendant Savannah it's too

much to be a coincidence Paul looked at Jacob for a long moment then nodded okay let's not rule anything out what's your plan Jacob had already been thinking about that I need to know for sure I'll get a DNA test quietly I don't want to raise her hopes or mine until I know the truth Paul nodded the gears turning in his mind I can get in touch with someone who can arrange that discreetly but it'll take a few days that's fine Jacob said the sooner the better as Paul left the room Jacob's thoughts returned to

Mia he didn't know what to make of her she seemed kind selfless it wasn't just the necklace it was something in the way she carried herself something familiar as if part of Emily was still there hiding beneath the surface but he had to be sure he had been wrong before and the Heartbreak had nearly destroyed him a soft knock interrupted his thoughts again this time it was MIA herself standing hesitantly in the doorway she offered a small Smile as she stepped into the room I just wanted to check in on you Mia said the doctor

said you're stable which is good Jacob sat up slightly wincing at the pain in his side I'm fine thanks to you you saved my life Mia blushed waving it off I was just in the right place at the right time as she moved closer Jacob's eyes flicked down to the pendant again it glinted in the soft Hospital light a constant reminder of everything he' lost and everything he might yet find listen Jacob began his voice careful that necklace you're wearing I used to know someone who had one just like it Mia's hand instinctively went to

the pendant her fingers curling around it yeah I've had this since I was a baby it's the the only thing I have from before I was adopted why Jacob hesitated he couldn't tell her the truth not yet it just reminded me of someone I lost a long time ago that's all Mia nodded though her curiosity was clearly peaked she looked at him for a long moment as if she could sense there was more he wasn't saying but instead of pressing further she simply smiled well I'm glad I could help if you need anything just let

me know she turned to leave but Jacob's voice stopped her at the door Mia do you know anything about your birth parents he asked his heart pounding in his chest Mia shook her head a trace of sadness in her eyes no I've thought about looking for them but I guess I was always afraid of what I might find maybe they didn't want me Jak 's chest tightened she had no idea how wrong she was if Mia really was Emily he had never stopped wanting her never stopped searching sometimes the past isn't what we think it

is Jacob said quietly sometimes it's worth looking into Mia offered him a soft smile maybe one day as she left the room Jacob's resolve hardened he would find out the truth no no matter the cost and if Mia was really Emily he would never let her slip away again Jacob lay awake in the hospital bed his mind a Whirlpool of thoughts he couldn't escape he glanced at the clock 3 andm The Quiet hum of the hospital was a stark contrast to the storm of emotions raging inside him Mia had just left his room hours ago

her words still echoing in his head she didn't know who her birth par s were she had lived her whole life believing she had been unwanted but what if she had been wanted desperately by him Jacob turned the thought over and over in his mind unable to shake it he knew the risks of getting his hopes up he had been crushed too many times before but this felt different the pendant Savannah her age it all lined up too perfectly he needed answers and he needed them soon his phone buzzed the bedside table cutting through his

thoughts it was Paul I've set up a meeting with a private investigator Paul said without Preamble she's discreet experienced she'll be at your office tomorrow afternoon Jacob exhaled slowly thanks Paul I'm not sure what I'm hoping to find but I can't shake this feeling just be prepared Jacob Paul warned whatever the outcome it's going to bring up a lot of Old Wounds I know Jacob said his voice barely above a whisper but if there's even a chance Mia is Emily I have to follow it the next day Jacob left the hospital early insisting on being

discharged despite the doctor's protests he couldn't stand to lie in bed any longer waiting for answers his body achd with every step but his determination to get to the bottom of Mia's past pushed him through the pain by midafternoon Jacob was back in his office office a cold sterile environment that felt so far removed from the turmoil inside him the private investigator Alice Turner was waiting for him she was sharp with piercing blue eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor she got straight to the point you've told me some Basics over the phone Alice said taking out

her notepad Mia Whitman adopted found abandoned near a hospital in Savannah you think she could be your daughter Jacob nodded his jaw tightening yes my daughter Emily disappeared when she was 10 I've been searching for her ever since there are just too many coincidences with Mia Alice scribbled notes her expression unreadable coincidences are common in my line of work but I'll dig into this I'll start with her adoption records and see what we can uncover Jacob hesitated before speaking again there's something else I'm worried that someone in my family my Sister Margaret might have been

involved in Emily's disappearance Alice's eyebrows shot up but she remained professional that's a big accusation I know Jacob admitted his voice low but there are things from the past that don't add up Margaret and I we've had our issues she was always jealous of me of the attention I got from our parents and she hated how close I was to Emily I need to know if she had anything to do with with what happened Alice closed her notebook and stood up I'll look into everything adoption records your sister anything that could give us a lead

but be prepared for whatever comes next this could dig up a lot of things you're not ready for Jacob nodded grimly he had lived in the shadow of Emily's disappearance for 20 years he was ready for anything that came his way now as Alice left his office Jacob leaned back in his chair staring at the ceiling his heart pounded in his chest the weight of what he was doing pressing down on him he had spent two decades trying to put the pieces of Emily's disappearance together only to be left with more questions than answers and

now with Mia in the picture everything felt like it was both falling apart and coming together all at once that evening Jacob returned to the hospital to visit Mia he brought a bouquet of flowers as a thank you though it felt like such a small gesture for someone who had possibly just saved his life and more Mia was sitting up in her bed when he arrived a book in her hands she looked surprised but smiled when she saw him I wasn't expecting you Mia said setting the book aside Jacob placed the flowers on her bedside

table I wanted to thank you properly for what you did Mia waved it off with a smile it's part of the job no need to thank me I've been thinking a lot Jacob said carefully choosing his words you told me you were adopted do you ever wonder about your birth parents Mia's expression softened but a hint of sadness lingered in her eyes sometimes but I've made peace with not knowing My adoptive family was good to me and I'm grateful for them whoever my birth parents were they had their reasons for letting me go Jacob's heart

clenched she had no idea what she'd been through and if she was Emily she had been taken from him not abandoned I just think it's important to know where you come from Jacob said his voice quiet but firm Mia looked at him curiously sensing there was more to his words maybe one day I'll look into it Jacob nodded his resolve hardening he couldn't tell her the truth yet not until he knew for sure but soon he would have answers one way or another Jacob woke up the next morning with a heavy sense of anticipation Weighing

on him he had spoken to Alice late the previous night and she had informed him that the DNA test was being arranged it would take a few days for the results to come back but just knowing that the wheels were in motion made him feel Restless he spent the morning pacing around his house trying to distract himself by catching up on work but nothing could pull his mind away from the thought of Mia and Emily he knew he had to keep calm but it was impossible not to feel a surge of Hope every time he

pictured Mia's face there was something about her something familiar in her eyes her mannerisms that made him feel a connection but it could all be a coincidence he had to remind himself of that constantly the next time Jacob visited Mia in the hospital he found her sitting by the window the early afternoon sun casting a Golden Glow on her hair she was staring out at the skyline lost in thought her fingers absently playing with the pendant around her neck hey Jacob said softly as he entered the room careful not to startle her Mia turned to

face him smiling hey yourself I wasn't sure you'd come by today Jacob walked over to the chair beside her bed and sat down trying to mask the anxiety that had been gnawing at him since the moment he woke up I wanted to check on you see how you're doing Mia Shrugged a casual smile on her lips I'm fine the doctor say I'll be out of here soon there was a brief silence between them the kind that felt full of unsaid things Jacob didn't know how to approach the subject on his mind without giving too much

away he knew it was too soon that he needed to wait for the DNA results before opening up the floodgates of questions but Mia beat him to it so why do I get the feeling that every time you come in here you have something on your mind you're not saying Mia asked her eyes locking onto his there was curiosity there but also a certain calmness as if she had been waiting for him to speak up Jacob's throat tightened she wasn't wrong he had been holding back and it was growing harder with every visit but this

was too delicate he had to choose his words carefully you're right he admitted letting out a small sigh there's something I've been meaning to ask you but I didn't want to overstep Mia tilted her head curiosity peaked go on Jacob took a deep breath steadying himself the pendant it's the same as one I gave to someone very important to me a long time ago that's why I reacted the the way I did when I saw it Mia's hand instinctively went to the necklace her fingers brushing the delicate chain I didn't know that it's always been

with me but I've never known where it came from just that it's from before I was adopted Jacob nodded I I lost someone years ago my daughter and this necklace was one of the last things I gave her before she disappeared Mia's eyes softened and she looked at him with an understanding that caught Jacob off guard I'm sorry Jacob that must have been incredibly hard it was Jacob said quietly and seeing that pendant on you it brought up a lot of memories a lot of feelings Mia hesitated for a moment before speaking again do you

think there's a chance she didn't finish the question but Jacob knew what she was asking I don't know Jacob replied honestly I've been trying not to jump to conclusions I've been down this road before and I've been wrong before but I can't ignore the possibility Mia looked down at the pendant again her brow furrowed I've always wondered about my birth parents I've thought about looking for them but I never had anything to go on just this necklace Jacob's heart clenched at her words if she really was Emily she had spent her whole life not kn

knowing the truth that she hadn't been abandoned but taken I've arranged for a DNA test Jacob said gently I didn't want to tell you until I was sure but it's already in the works it'll tell us whether or not well whether or not you're my daughter Mia looked at him her eyes wide with surprise and a hint of disbelief a DNA test you really think I could be Jacob nodded slowly there's a chance and I need to know for sure but I don't want to get your hopes up I don't want to get my hopes

up either we just need to wait for the results Mia sat back in her bed her expression a mix of shock and contemplation I don't even know how to feel about this she admitted I've lived my whole life not knowing who I am and now all of a sudden Jacob reached out and gently took her hand whatever happens we'll face it together one step at a time Mia nodded squeezing his hand lightly okay one step at a time the next few days dragged on painfully slow for Jacob every minute felt like an hour as he

waited for the results of the DNA test his mind was a battlefield of conflicting emotions hope fear and the everpresent doubt that had haunted him for two decades he tried to stay busy focusing on work but it was no use his thoughts always circled back to Mia was she Emily had he really found his daughter after all these years on the third day Alice the private investigator called him her voice was calm and professional as always but there was a hint of curiosity I've started looking into Mia's past Alice said it wasn't easy adoption records

are often sealed and it takes some digging to get the details but I've managed to find a few things Jacob leaned forward in his office chair his heart pounding in his chest what did you find well as you know Mia was found abandoned near a hospital in Savannah when she was just a baby Alice explained there was no identifying information left with her no birth certificate no notes nothing she was taken in by the hospital staff and eventually placed in foster care after a few years she was adopted by a couple who lived in the

area they were good people by all accounts no red flags job's stomach tightened so no leads on who her birth parents might have been Alice hesitated for a moment not exactly there was something unusual in the hospital records though when Mia was found she was wearing that pendant the one you told me about the hospital staff noted it in the report but there's no record of any attempts to trace where the the pendant came from it's as if it was overlooked or dismissed as unimportant Jacob clenched his fists that pendant was the key he was

sure of it what about anything else any Witnesses anyone who might have seen something nothing Alice replied it's like she appeared out of nowhere no one ever came forward to claim her and no one reported a missing child matching her description in the area at the time it's a dead end Jacob leaned back feeling the weight of her words pressed down on him what about Margaret did you find anything that connects her to this Alice's tone shifted slightly I haven't found anything concrete yet but there are a few things that don't sit right with me

Margaret was in Savannah around the time Mia was found she had business dealings in the area according to public records it could be a coincidence but it's worth looking into Jacob's heart sank he had always suspected his sister but hearing that she was in Savannah during that time felt like a punch to the gut could she really have been involved could she have taken Emily and abandoned her I'll keep digging Alice said but I want to caution you Jacob if Margaret was involved proving it won't be easy she's covered her tracks well over the years

Jacob nodded even though Alice couldn't see him I understand just keep me updated after hanging up the phone Jacob sat in silence for a long time his thoughts racing he didn't know what to believe if Mia really was Emily and if Margaret had anything to do with her disappearance it would tear the family apart but Jacob needed to know the truth he had lived in the dark for too long later that evening Jacob visited Mia at her apartment she had been discharged from the hospital a day earlier and though she still had a few lingering

aches from the accident she seemed to be doing much better her small modest apartment was cozy a stark contrast to Jacob's sprawling Mansion he couldn't help but wonder how different Mia's life might have been if she had grown up as his daughter hey Mia greeted him with a warm Smile as she opened the door come on in Jacob stepped inside taking in the homey atmosphere photos of Mia and her adoptive family lined the walls smiling faces from birthdays vacations and graduations it was clear that she had been loved and cared for even if she had

never known her real parents I was just making some tea Mia said gesturing toward the kitchen want some sure Jacob replied following her into the kitchen as they sat down with their tea Mia looked at him with a curious expression so you said you had a private investigator looking into my past Jacob nodded yes I know it's a lot but I wanted to make sure we weren't missing anything I didn't want to leave any stone unturned Mia's expression softened I appreciate that I've always wondered you know about where I came from but I never really

had the courage to dig too deep I guess I was afraid of what I might find Jacob's chest tightened at her words she had no idea just how close they were to the truth I understand Jacob said quietly but sometimes the truth is worth finding no matter how hard it is Mia nodded looking down at her tea yeah maybe you're right Jacob hesitated then spoke carefully Alice my investigator found out a little more about your past there wasn't much but she confirmed that the pendant you've always had was noted in the hospital records it was

with you when they found you Mia's eyes flickered with recognition the pendant it's the only thing I've ever had from before I was adopted it's like a piece of me Jacob looked at her his heart heavy he couldn't tell her everything yet but he knew they were getting closer to the answers they both needed the days that followed were a blur for Jacob his mind was consumed by the question that had haunted him for decades was MIA really his daughter Emily each passing moment without an answer felt like a lifetime he threw himself into work

to distract from the waiting but nothing could keep the gnawing anxiety at Bay every time his phone buzzed his heart raced hoping it was the call with the DNA test results on the fourth morning as Jacob sat at his desk staring blankly at a report he couldn't focus on the call finally came he grabbed the phone his hands shaking slightly it's Alice came The Familiar voice on the other end I've got the results Jacob's heart skipped a beat he swallowed hard trying to steady his breath and there was a brief pause on the line and

Jacob's mind raced with all the possible outcomes then Alice spoke her voice calm but firm Jacob the DNA test confirms it Mia is Emily she's your daughter Jacob sat back in his chair the weight of her words crashing over him like a tidal wave for a moment the world seemed to stand still MIA Emily his daughter the little girl he had lost so many years ago was alive the necklace the adoption the coincidences they weren't coincidences after all he felt an overwhelming surge of emotion relief Joy disbelief all mixing together in a storm inside him

but with it came the realization that this was only the beginning the journey to reunite with Emily wouldn't be simple she didn't know the truth yet and there was still the matter of Margaret Jacob Alice's voice brought him back to the present are you there yes Jacob said his voice thick with emotion I I don't know what to say I know this is a lot to process Alice said gently but there's more I've been digging into Margaret's background like you asked and there are things that don't add up Jacob's relief quickly gave way to a

cold sinking feeling in his gut what do you mean I looked into Margaret's travel records from 20 years ago around the time of Emily's disappearance she was in Savana on multiple occasions at first it seemed like routine business trips but some of the records were odd there were gaps unexplained expenses it doesn't prove anything outright but it raises red flags Jacob felt a chill run down his spine he had suspected for years that Margaret had something to do with Emily's disappearance but hearing it laid out like this made it feel all too real Jacob Alice

continued her voice firm I think there's a strong chance Margaret was involved in what happened to Emily I'm not sure to what extent yet but it's clear that that she was in the area around the time Emily vanished Jacob clenched his fists The Familiar anger and betrayal bubbling up inside him he had trusted Margaret she had been his sister his family how could she have done this how could she have taken his daughter and let him suffer for all these years I need proof Jacob said his voice hardening I need to confront her but I

can't do it without evidence I'll keep digging Alice promised but be careful Jacob this is going to be messy Jacob hung up the phone and sat in silence his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions he had found his daughter but now he had to face the dark truth about his sister he wasn't sure how he would handle it but one thing was clear he couldn't let Margaret get away with it later that evening Jacob sat in his car outside Mia's apartment Gathering the courage to go inside how could he tell her the truth how could he

explain that she had been living a life built on lies that she wasn't just Mia Whitman but Emily mallister his daughter his hand tightened around the steering wheel as he stared at the Warm Glow of the lights in her window he had waited 20 years for this moment but now that it was here he didn't know how to begin finally he took a deep breath and got out of the car he couldn't wait any longer Mia opened the door with her usual smile but it faded when she saw the look on Jacob's face Jacob what's

wrong he stepped inside the weight of the truth heavy on his shoulders he couldn't keep it from her any longer she deserved to know Mia we need to talk Jacob said his voice low she led him to the small living room concern etched on her face you're scaring me what is it Jacob sat down his hands trembling slightly as he tried to find the right words I've been doing some digging into your past into who you are and I have the results of the DNA test Mia's eyes widened her breath catching in her throat and

Jacob's voice broke as he spoke Mia you're my daughter you're Emily for a moment there was only silence Mia stared at him her eyes wide with shock her mind struggling to comprehend what he had just said then slowly she shook her head no that's not possible she whispered her voice trembling that can't be true Mia sat Frozen on the couch her face pale her mind struggling to catch up with the bombshell Jacob had just dropped on her the words echoed in her head you're my daughter you're Emily it didn't make sense her entire her life

she had known herself as Mia Whitman the girl who had been adopted and raised in Savannah how could everything she had believed be a lie Jacob sat across from her his heart aching as he watched the shock wash over her face he knew this was a lot to take in and he didn't blame her for the disbelief but he had waited 20 years for this moment and now that it was here he couldn't let it slip away she needed to understand the truth no matter how painful it was Mia Jacob said softly leaning forward I

know it's hard to believe but the DNA test proves it you're my daughter Emily I've been searching for you ever since you disappeared 20 years ago Mia shook her head her voice barely a whisper but I don't remember anything I don't remember being Emily how could I not know Jacob swallowed the lump in his throat you were only 10 years old when you were taken it's possible that over time you buried those memories or maybe you were too young to hold on to them but I've never stopped looking for you not for a single day

tears welled up in Mia's eyes as the weight of Jacob's words began to sink in she had always wondered about her birth parents had always felt the emptiness of not knowing where she came from but she had never expected anything like this why didn't you say anything before Mia asked her voice trembling why did you wait Jacob sighed running a hand through his hair I didn't want to get your hopes up I didn't want to get my hopes up I followed so many false leads over the years and every time I've been crushed I couldn't

bear to put you through that if I was wrong but I had to know for sure that's why I had the DNA test done Mia sat back her mind spinning everything she thought she knew about about her life her identity had just been turned upside down she didn't know how to feel anger confusion grief all of it mixed into a storm of emotions she couldn't begin to sort out Jacob watched her his heart heavy he wanted to reach out to comfort her but he knew this was a moment she had to process on her own

he had spent 20 years grieving the loss of his daughter but for Mia the Revelation that she was Emily was like having the ground RI out from under her I understand if this is overwhelming Jacob said gently you don't have to make sense of it all right now but there's more you need to know Mia looked up at him her eyes full of questions what else Jacob hesitated this was the part he had dreaded the most the part that would shatter not just Mia's understanding of herself but also her perception of his family I believe

that my sister Margaret was involved in your disappearance Jacob said his voice tight she was in Savannah around the time you went missing and there are things I've uncovered that point to her being responsible for taking you Mia's eyes widened in disbelief your sister why would she do something like that Jacob clenched his fists The Familiar anger bubbling up inside him Margaret has always resented me she hated that I was the favorite in our family that I got more attention more more opportunities and she was jealous of how close I was to you I think

I think she wanted to hurt me and taking you away was the ultimate way to do that Mia stared at him stunned the idea that someone could Harbor so much hatred that they would take a child away from their family it was incomprehensible she tried to wrap her mind around it but it felt too big too dark she let you think I was dead for all these years ear Mia asked her voice breaking Jacob's throat tightened I don't know what she was thinking I don't know if she ever intended to tell me the truth but

I'm going to confront her I need to know why she did it and I need her to face the consequences Mia wiped the tears from her eyes her emotions a whirlwind of shock and anger I can't believe this I've lived my whole life not knowing who I really am and it's because of her Jacob nodded his jaw clenched yes but we're going to get answers Mia I promise you Mia's mind was racing the revelations coming too fast for her to fully process she didn't know how to feel grateful that she had found her father or

Furious that she had been robbed of her past by someone so close to him but one thing was clear she needed to know the truth no matter how painful it was what do we do now Mia asked her voice steadying as she wiped her eyes again Jacob stood up his resolve hardening now we confront Margaret and we get the truth out of her Jacob stood outside Margaret sprawling estate his heart pounding in his chest he hadn't been here in years he distanced himself from his sister long ago not fully understanding why he felt so uneasy

around her now the PE were falling into place the woman he had once trusted his own flesh and blood might have been the one responsible for taking away the most important person in his life as he approached the front door Jacob's mind raced with all the things he wanted to say the questions he needed to ask but he knew this confrontation wouldn't be easy Margaret was manipulative calculating she would deny everything if she could he needed to stay calm focused and most importantly he needed to be ready for whatever came next the door swung open

before he could knock and there stood Margaret her sharp features and perfectly styled hair making her look every bit the poised and Polished woman she had always been but there was a flicker of something in her eyes surprise maybe even a hint of guilt Jacob she said her voice smooth but guarded this is a surprise I wasn't expecting you Jacob stepped inside his expression hard we need to talk Margaret raised an eyebrow but didn't resist as he entered her home of course what's this about Jacob turned to face her his anger barely contained it's about

Emily Margaret froze for a split second just long enough for Jacob to notice the tension in her posture she quickly recovered her face neutral what about Emily you know exactly what I'm talking about Jacob said his voice low and steady I've spent the last 20 years searching for her grieving her loss and now I know the truth Mia is Emily she's alive for the briefest moment Jacob saw the flicker of recognition in Margaret's eyes it was all he needed to confirm his suspicions but she didn't give in easily Mia the nurse from your accident Margaret

feigned confusion her lips curling into a dismissive smile Jacob that's ridiculous Emily's been gone for years you've been Chasing Ghosts Jacob's fists clenched at his sides the DNA test proves it Margaret she's Emily and I know you had something to do with her disappearance the mask of calmness on Margaret's face wavered but she quickly regained control that's absurd she said her voice growing colder you've always had a wild imagination Jacob but this is too much even for you Jacob took a step closer his voice filled with the weight of two decades of pain and anger

don't lie to me Margaret I know you were in Savannah around the time Emily disappeared I've seen the records you've kept this secret for years and now it's time to tell the truth Margaret's eyes flashed with something dark fear perhaps or maybe anger she took a deep breath and crossed her arms her gaze hardening you want the truth fine for a moment Jacob's heart stopped he hadn't expected her to give in so easily but as Margaret spoke her voice was laced with bitterness yes I was in Savannah she admitted I was there on business and

yes I saw Emily but it wasn't some Grand conspiracy Jacob she ran off like she always did headstrong just like you I tried to bring her back but she didn't want to come she blamed you for everything your constant work your obsession with control Jacob felt like he had been punched in the gut the idea that Emily had run away that she had blamed him was more painful than he could have imagined but Margaret's words didn't ring true there was something off in her story something she wasn't saying so you just let her go Jacob

demanded you didn't call me you didn't think I deserve to know where my daughter was Margaret Shrugged her expression icy what was I supposed to do you were impossible to reach and by the time I tried to find her again she was gone Jacob stared at her his anger boiling over you expect me to believe that that you just lost her that you didn't have anything to do with her being abandoned near a hospital wearing the necklace I gave her Margaret's composure cracked and for the first time Jacob saw the fear in her eyes she

opened her mouth to speak but the words wouldn't come the silence stretched between them heavy with all the things left unsa finally Margaret spoke her voice barely above a whisper I didn't mean for it to go this far Jacob's heart clenched what did you do Margaret tears welled up in her eyes and for the first time Jacob saw the guilt she had been hiding for years I thought I thought if I took her away you'd finally understand you'd finally see how much damage you'd done how your obsession with your work had destroyed everything I didn't

think she'd disappear like that I didn't know Jacob couldn't believe what he was hearing his sister the woman he had grown up with had taken his daughter in some Twisted attempt to teach him a lesson the pain the anger it was all too much you destroyed my life Jacob said his voice shaking with rage you let me believe my daughter was gone and for what to prove a point Margaret looked down unable to meet his gaze I never meant for it to go this far Jacob I'm sorry but Jacob wasn't sure he could ever forgive

her Jacob couldn't move he stood there staring at Margaret unable to comprehend the depth of her betrayal the air in the room felt thick like it was pressing down on him suffocating him with the weight of the truth his own sister had stolen his daughter and let him suffer for two decades all because of some Twisted resentment Margaret wiped at her eyes but the guilt was clear on her face Jacob I'm sorry I didn't mean for this to happen I didn't mean to hurt you like this Jacob's hands trembled his rage bubbling up to the

surface you didn't mean to hurt me Margaret you destroyed me you took Emily away you let me think she was gone forever Margaret looked down avoiding his gaze I was angry I wanted you to feel what I had felt for years ignored neglected I wanted you to see what it was like to lose something important you took a child Jacob shouted his voice breaking you didn't just hurt me you ruined her life too do you even understand what you did Margaret flinched at his words but didn't respond Jacob paced the room unable to stand still

as the anger coursed through him every second of those Lost Years flooded back the sleepless nights the empty holidays the constant ache in his chest every time he thought about Emily and all along Margaret had known she had known and she had done nothing How Could You Jacob's voice was quieter now but still thick with pain how could you live with yourself Margaret finally looked up at him her face pale and drawn I thought I could fix it after a while I didn't know how to make it right so I buried it I tried to

move on Jacob shook his head in disbelief move on you let me grieve for years you let Emily grow up without knowing who she really was without her family how how can you ever make that right Margaret opened her mouth to respond but the words seemed to die on her lips there was no excuse no explanation that could justify what she had done you can't fix this Jacob said his Voice final there's nothing you can say that will undo the damage Margaret's eyes filled with tears again but Jacob couldn't find it in himself to feel

any sympathy for her she had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed lost and now there was only one thing left to do I'm going to tell Mia the truth Jacob said his voice steady she deserves to know everything Margaret's eyes widened in panic no Jacob please she deserves to know what you did Jacob cut her off his tone Resolute she deserves to know who took her life away from her Margaret stepped forward desperation in her voice I'll lose everything I'll lose you I'll lose her please Jacob don't do this jacob looked at her

feeling the full weight of her plea but his decision was made Margaret had already lost him the moment she took Emily away and as for Mia she would never forgive Margaret for what she had done nor should she you've already lost us Jacob said quietly you lost us the day you decided to take her without another word Jacob turned and walked out of the room leaving Margaret standing alone her tear stre face Frozen in shock he didn't look back there was nothing left for him here when Jacob returned to Mia's apartment later that evening his

heart was Heavy with the weight of the truth he had found his daughter after all these years but it had come at a cost he hadn't anticipated telling her about Margaret was going to be the hardest thing he'd ever done what but she needed to know she deserved to know who had stolen her past Mia greeted him at the door her expression filled with concern as soon as she saw his face Jacob what happened he stepped inside his movement slow and deliberate there's something I need to tell you they sat down on the couch and

Jacob took a deep breath preparing himself for the conversation that was about to unfold he looked into Mia's eyes the same eyes that had once belonged to a little girl he had lost and now after 20 years found again it's about Margaret Jacob began his voice heavy with emotion she's the reason you disappeared Mia's eyes widened in shock her breath catching in her throat what what are you talking about Jacob clenched his fists fighting to keep his voice steady Margaret took you 20 years ago she took you away from me she abandoned you near that

hospital in Savannah Mia stared at him her face a mask of disbelief no no that can't be true it is Jacob said his voice breaking she did it because she wanted to hurt me she was angry jealous and in her Twisted mind taking you away was the way to get back at me Mia's hand flew to her mouth her eyes filling with tears I can't believe this I can't believe someone would do that Jacob reached out taking her hand in his I'm so sorry Mia I'm sorry that this happened to you but I'm here now

and I'm not going to let her hurt you ever again Mia's tears fell freely as the weight of Jacob's words settled over her she had spent her whole life wondering who she really was and now that she finally knew the truth it was more painful than she could have ever imagined Mia sat in silence for what felt like an eternity her mind racing to make sense of everything Jacob had just told her the shock of the Revelation Margaret's betrayal her role in Mia's disappearance hit her like a tital wave she couldn't process it she couldn't

wrap her mind around the fact that someone so close to Jacob someone who was supposed to be family had stolen her entire life away from her Jacob watched her carefully unsure of what to say unsure of how to comfort her her he had spent 20 years grieving the loss of his daughter but for Mia the loss was just beginning she had lived her life without knowing who she truly was and now in a single conversation everything had changed it wasn't just the Revelation that she was Emily it was the knowledge that Margaret the woman Jacob

had trusted had orchestrated her disappearance Mia finally spoke her voice barely above a whisper I don't I don't know what to feel how could she do that to me how could she do that to you Jacob squeezed her hand his own heart aching at the sight of her pain I don't know I wish I had an answer for you Mia I've been asking myself the same question since I found out but Margaret she's always been jealous I never thought she could do something like this but she did Mia looked up at Jacob her eyes filled

with tears she let me think I was abandoned she let me believe that no one wanted me Jacob's chest tightened and he pulled Mia into a gentle Embrace I wanted you Mia I never stopped looking for you I never gave up Mia clung to him her tears soaking into his shirt the weight of everything she had lost her childhood her sense of belonging her family pressed down on her she had spent her entire life feeling like something was missing and now she knew why she had been taken from the people who loved her all because

of a woman's Twisted Vendetta as Mia's sobs subsided she pulled back and wiped her eyes what happens now what are we going to do Jacob sighed his jaw tightening Margaret has to face the consequences of what she's done she can't just walk away from this Mia nodded but there was a hint of uncertainty in her eyes do you think she'll ever admit to what she did or will she keep lying Jacob's face darkened I don't know but it doesn't matter we have the proof the DNA test proves who you are and we have enough evidence

to show that Margaret was in Savannah when you disappeared whether she admits it or not she's going to have to answer for what she did Mia sat quietly her hands was trembling as she tried to process the enormity of it all the idea of confronting Margaret of facing the woman who had taken her life away filled her with a mix of fear and anger but she knew it was something she had to do she couldn't move forward until she had faced the truth headon I want to be there Mia said suddenly her voice firm when

you confront her I want to hear what she has to say Jacob hesitated unsure if if that was the best idea he didn't want to put Mia through more pain but he understood her need for closure Are You Sure Mia nodded her eyes hardening with determination I'm sure I need to hear it from her I need to know why Jacob took a deep breath and nodded all right we'll do it together the next day Jacob arranged for a meeting with Margaret he didn't tell her what it was about only that it was urgent and that

she needed to come to his office Margaret agreed though her voice over the phone carried a note of hesitation she must have known on some level that her lies were starting to unravel when Margaret arrived she walked into the office with her usual air of confidence but that confidence faltered the moment she saw Mia sitting beside Jacob her eyes flicked nervously between the two of them and she quickly masked her unease with a tight smile Jake Mia Margaret greeted them her voice strained what's this about Jacob didn't waste any time he stood up and faced

his sister his expression cold and Resolute it's about what you did it's about Emily Margaret's face went pale Jacob I don't know what you're talking about don't lie to me Jacob interrupted his voice sharp we know everything Mia is Emily the DNA test conf confirmed it and we know you were the one who took her Margaret's mouth opened but no words came out the room was filled with an oppressive silence as the weight of Jacob's accusation hung in the air Mia stared at Margaret waiting for her to speak waiting for her to confess but instead

Margaret's expression hardened her lips pressing into a thin line I was trying to protect her Margaret said finally her voice low I was trying to protect her from you Jacob's eyes flashed with anger protect her you abandoned her Margaret you left her to grow up without her family without knowing who she was Margaret's eyes filled with tears but there was no remorse in her voice you were destroying her Jacob you were obsessed with your work with control she needed to get away from you Mia stood up her voice trembling with rage you didn't protect me

you stole my life Margaret looked at Mia her face contorted with a mix of guilt and Defiance I was trying to save you no Mia said her voice cold you were trying to punish him and you ruined both our lives in the process the room fell silent after Mia's words her voice still hanging in the air like a storm that had passed but left destruction in its wake Margaret stood there Frozen her hands clenched tightly at her sides for a moment it seemed like she might fight fight back deny everything twist the truth as she

always had but as she looked into Mia's eyes Emily's eyes something in her broke I never meant for this to happen Margaret whispered her voice shaking I thought I thought I was doing the right thing Jacob stared at her his heart heavy with both anger and sorrow he had known Margaret all his life but this woman standing in front of him so consumed by bitterness and regret was a stranger to him now you didn't do the right thing Margaret Jacob said quietly his voice full of restrained pain you took everything from us you destroyed our

family and for what to punish me Margaret wiped at her eyes but the tears kept falling I didn't know what to do I was so angry so jealous you had everything Jacob the success the attention the love from our parents and I had nothing Jacob shook his head his voice thick with disbelief so you took the one thing that mattered most to me you took my daughter you let her grow up thinking she wasn't wanted that she was abandoned Margaret flinched at his words but she didn't deny it instead she turned to Mia her eyes

pleading Emily Mia I know I hurt you I know I can never make up for what I did but I swear I thought I was helping you I thought you'd be better off without him Mia's expression was unreadable as she stood there arms crossed listening to Margaret's desperate explanation you didn't care about me Mia said her voice steady but cold you cared about hurting Jacob that's all this ever was Margaret opened her mouth to protest but the words died in her throat deep down she knew Mia was right she had told herself for years that

she was doing the right thing but in the end it had always been about her own jealousy her own need to lash out I'm sorry Margaret whispered her voice barely audible I'm so sorry Jacob let out a slow deep breath his emotions swirling inside him like a storm he couldn't control for years he had imagined what it would be like to confront the person responsible for taking Emily from him but now that the moment had come he didn't feel the satisfaction he had expected there was no victory in this only the hollow aching realization that

the damage was done and nothing could undo it your apology doesn't change anything Jacob said his voice tired you can't fix what you've broken Margaret lowered her head silent her guilt weighing heavily on her shoulders Mia took a step forward her eyes locked on Margaret I don't forgive you she said quietly but with conviction what you did to me to us it's unforgivable Margaret looked up at Mia her eyes filled with despair but she didn't argue she knew there was no forgiveness for what she had done Mia's gaze softened slightly and she spoke again her

voice calmer but I don't need your apology I don't need anything from you you've taken enough from me already Jacob watched as his daughter his daughter stood strong refusing to let Margaret's actions define her any longer he felt a surge of Pride mixed with sadness for all the years they had lost but here she was standing in front of him choosing to move forward we're done here Jacob said finally his voice steady there's nothing more to say Marg it looked like she might protest but instead she nodded defeated she turned and walked out of the

room her footsteps heavy with the weight of her guilt Jacob didn't watch her leave he didn't need to as far as he was concerned Margaret was no longer a part of their lives when the door closed behind her the room was filled with a heavy silence Jacob and Mia stood there neither of them speaking for a moment both trying to process the confrontation that had just unfolded finally Mia let out a long breath and turned to Jacob what happens now Jacob looked at her his heart full of Love And Regret Now we move forward we

rebuild together Mia smiled though there was still sadness in her eyes it's going to take time I know Jacob said stepping closer and placing a hand on her shoulder but we have time now we have each other Mia nodded and for the first time in a long time Jacob felt a sense of Peace settle over him the past would always be there with all its scars and pain but they didn't have to let it Define their future they had found each other again and that was enough as they stood together in the quiet room the

weight of everything that had happened began to lift if only slightly there was still healing to be done still pieces to pick up but they would do it together the long painful journey of the last 20 years was finally over and now they could start again