The results were crushing: 99% paternity match. Patrick had kept a devastating secret. Determined to find the child’s mother, Nancy searched Patrick’s belongings and followed a trail to an unfamiliar address.
At the door, Amanda greeted her, surprised. Nancy, fighting back tears, said, “I came to return the child. I can’t live with this reminder of Patrick’s betrayal.”
Amanda softened and revealed that the baby’s mother, Emma—once Nancy’s close friend—had died of heartbreak after Patrick’s death. Nancy remembered her past: years ago, out of jealousy, she had plotted to break up Patrick and Emma, driving Emma away. Now, Patrick had reconnected with Emma, leaving Nancy to face the consequences.
In a moment of clarity, Nancy decided to raise the child, Catherine, as her own—a way to make amends for the past.
Years later, Nancy shared the truth with Catherine, now sixteen. Expecting anger, she was met with understanding. Catherine embraced her and said, “You’re the only mom I’ve ever known. Nothing will change that.”
Nancy held her daughter tightly, finally finding peace. In Catherine’s forgiveness, she felt the weight of her past lift, believing Patrick and Emma might have forgiven her too.