Daniel Reynolds stood beside his wife, Claire, holding a spotless baby dressed in white. Lily’s heart lurched. Then she saw the housekeeper approaching—a woman in a black uniform with a tight bun.
She recognized her instantly.
It was the woman from the landfill.
Her name tag read: MARIA.
Lily stormed inside.
The room went silent. Muddy shoes on white carpet. She shouted, “How can you celebrate after leaving a baby in the trash?”
Guards moved toward her. In desperation, Lily pulled the silver chain from her pocket and threw it. It landed at Claire’s feet.
Claire picked it up. Read the name. Her baby’s neck was bare.
“That necklace was on the baby she threw away!” Lily cried, pointing at Maria.
Maria snapped. “He’s my son!” she screamed. “I switched them. I wanted this life.”
The truth spilled out. The party collapsed into horror.
When it was over, Maria was taken away. Claire held her real child, sobbing thanks to Lily. Daniel turned to her, eyes full of something new.
“What do you want?” he asked.
Lily swallowed. “I don’t want money. I just… don’t want to be alone.”
Claire knelt and took her hands. “You won’t be.”