“I’m sorry, Claire, but… I CAN’T TAKE HER HOME.”
Chapter 1: The Unthinkable Refusal
I thought I had misheard him. “What?” My voice shook, barely a whisper against the sterile hum of Willowcrest Medical Center. “Ethan, she’s your daughter. What are you talking about?” He looked at Vanessa, his face etched with a turmoil I’d never witnessed, then back at me, his eyes pleading for understanding.
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“I’m sorry.” His face tightened, lines creasing around his mouth. “But I have to give up the baby. I’m not taking her home.” And before either of us could fully process the shock, he gently, almost reverently, placed the newborn back into my arms.
Vanessa stared at him, tears streaming down her face, a silent accusation in her gaze. “WHY?” Her voice cracked, fragile with disbelief. “Why can’t we take our daughter home?” Ethan exhaled, his chest heaving, his face flushing crimson. Then, he did the unthinkable. He pointed, a trembling finger directed at the tiny, perfect back of his daughter. “Look at HER BACK.”
