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♡ A
Liam Hawthorne summoned my parents to the estate again.
The spark of hope that had briefly lit in me faded. They wouldn’t admit to anything either.
When my parents saw Nina Dawson tied up, their faces were filled with
concern.
“Mr. Hawthorne, did Sarah upset you? Couples argue sometimes. I’ll have her apologize,” my father pleaded anxiously…
When they’d married me off to Liam, they had all but said that if I ended up dead, it’d be worth it as long as it helped him release his anger. They’d never hold him accountable.
Yet now, seeing Nina tied up, they were beside themselves with worry.
Their reaction made Liam pause, suspicion flickering in his eyes. “Your daughter’s been replaced, and you didn’t notice a thing?”
For a brief moment, panic flashed in their eyes, but they quickly responded in unison, “You’re overthinking it, Mr. Hawthorne. We’d never mistake our own daughter.”
Of course. This was their beloved child. How could they ever confuse her with me?
Even Liam couldn’t have imagined that by now, I was likely reduced to nothing but pulp.
Liam studied them closely for a moment
Liam studied them closely for a moment before he said, “I’m going to need you two to do a paternity test with this woman.”
That suggestion played right into their hands, and they smiled confidently.
“That’s a great idea! No amount of words can compare to a DNA report.”
A doctor stepped forward and took hair samples from all three of them.
By the time the results came back, it was nearly dawn. As expected, they confirmed Nina was biologically their daughter.
Liam frowned deeply at the report.
Nina, tears in her eyes, stepped forward and linked her arm with his. “Liam, I’m Sarah. Is someone trying to plant doubts in your mind?”
Liam gripped her chin, scrutinizing her face.
I had to admit, the cosmetic surgeons the Dawson family hired did an impressive job. Even with my spirit hovering inches away from her, I couldn’t find any differences between us.
Liam didn’t find any clues either, but he removed the amulet necklace from around her neck.
Then, with a furrowed brow, he left the room and headed for his study.
My parents, too nervous to linger, quietly advised Nina to be careful before making their exit.
