Chapter 12: The Woman Who Knew My Past

Rachel looked exactly like the woman in my memories.

Older.

Tired.

But alive.

I stood outside the interview room staring through the glass.

My entire body felt numb.

For years, I believed Emily’s story began when she came into my life.

I was wrong.

Her story started before me.

Officer Reed opened the door.

“She’s ready.””

I walked inside.

Rachel looked at me.

And immediately started crying.

“Daniel.””

Hearing my name from her mouth felt impossible.

I sat down slowly.

“How do you know me?””

She wiped her tears.

“Because you saved my daughter.””

I shook my head.

“No.””

“Yes.””

“Then why don’t I remember?””

Her face changed.

“Because Ethan took those memories.””

I looked at her.

“Everyone keeps saying that.””

“Because it’s true.””

She reached into her bag.

She placed an old photograph on the table.

Me.

Rachel.

And baby Emily.

My hands trembled.

“I don’t understand.””

Rachel looked down.

“I was running from Ethan.””

“Why?””

“Because he believed Emily belonged to him.””

“He was her father.””

Rachel nodded.

“Biologically.””

“But?””

“He was dangerous.””

The room became silent.

“He hurt people who tried to leave him.””

I looked at the photo.

“Why did you trust me?””

“Because you were the only person who helped.””

My throat tightened.

“What happened that night?””

Rachel looked at me.

“Ethan found us.””

I waited.

“He tried to take Emily.””

My hands closed into fists.

“What did I do?””

Rachel started crying.

“You fought him.””

I looked confused.

“But I lost.””

“No.””

She shook her head.

“You won.””

“Then why don’t I remember?””

“Because Ethan hit you.””

A cold feeling moved through me.

“And Emily?””

Rachel looked toward the window.

“She saw everything.””

My heart broke.

“That’s why she’s afraid.””

Rachel nodded.

“She remembers.””

I swallowed.

“Why did she call him Uncle Ethan?””

Rachel looked at me sadly.

“Because she knew him before she knew you.””

The words hurt.

But they also explained everything.

Then Rachel said something that made my blood freeze.

“There is one thing you still don’t know.””

“What?””

She leaned forward.

“The person who helped Ethan take Emily…”

She paused.

“Was someone inside your family.””

I stared at her.

“Who?””

Rachel looked directly into my eyes.

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