CHAPTER 2 The Woman Under the Bed
I pressed my hand over my mouth.
The cold hospital floor sent pain shooting through every muscle in my body, but I didn't dare move.
From beneath the bed, all I could see were shoes.
Linda's polished beige heels.
The doctor's spotless white loafers.
Emily stood beside my newborn's bassinet exactly as I'd taught her whenever she was scared—hands folded together, eyes lowered, pretending everything was normal.
My brave little girl.
"Where is she?" the doctor asked quietly.
Linda sighed dramatically.
"The anesthesia always makes her wander. She'll cooperate once she wakes up."
"What about the paperwork?"
Linda handed over a thick envelope.
"I have power of attorney."
The doctor's voice remained cautious.
"The adoption transfer can't proceed if she objects."
Adoption?
My heart nearly stopped.
Linda answered without hesitation.
"She won't object. She's suffered severe postpartum depression before."
That was a lie.
A complete lie.
"I've already explained everything to Social Services," Linda continued calmly. "My daughter isn't mentally stable enough to raise another child."
I clenched my fists so tightly my nails cut into my palms.
Emily slowly looked toward the floor.
Our eyes met beneath the edge of the mattress.
She shook her head almost invisibly.
Don't come out.
The doctor walked toward the bassinet.
"Healthy baby boy."
Linda smiled.
"He'll have a much better future."
Then she whispered something that froze my blood.
"My son and his wife have been waiting years for this baby."
May you like
My baby.
She intended to steal my son.
