{"id":1051,"date":"2024-11-22T03:17:53","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T03:17:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=1051"},"modified":"2024-11-22T03:17:55","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T03:17:55","slug":"homeless-man-approaches-woman-and-reveals-shes-been-living-a-lie-story-of-the-day-55","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/1051","title":{"rendered":"Homeless Man Approaches Woman and Reveals She\u2019s Been Living a Lie \u2014 Story of the Day 55"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-meta\"'>As a daughter of the Longstaff family, Kate had to be perfect in every way\u2014smart, beautiful, and successful. She grew up believing it was in her blood to be the best. But just before making a decision that would shape her entire future, a homeless man revealed that her whole life had been a lie.\n\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As the first rays of sunlight slipped into her room, Kate\u2019s eyes fluttered open. Her morning began like it did every day\u2014with purpose, precision, and order.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She quickly got out of bed and made it perfectly, smoothing each corner and fluffing each pillow until it looked flawless.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>In her pristine room, every item was in its rightful place, from her books aligned on the shelf to the shoes organized by color and size.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/UkgdKWqsHt-lpSOLQMdkH0E62npq2VQMhK4eN0cmnkI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWI4YjI2YTRhMjAyM2U4ZWM3ZjYwODk5MTE5YTJjMjY0Y2U4OGIwNDFkMWE0ZmMxOTE4YmZmZDJlOWQ3NTFhZi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0NQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5b8b26a4a2023e8ec7f60899119a2c264ce88b041d1a4fc1918bffd2e9d751af.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"2400\"' height='\"1345\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Today, she opted for a tailored navy-blue blazer and skirt with a crisp white blouse.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She pinned back her hair, making sure not a strand was out of place. She looked at herself in the mirror, assessing her reflection critically.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Her parents would approve. Today, of all days, she needed to look her best.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When she entered the kitchen, her parents, Julia and Charles, were already seated, their backs straight and their expressions as calm and composed as ever.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/UT2Snk4Q8a5iLOUm3l4MtML-BeuzeV8V7TncQ9FxYdg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjM0YmViYWE4ZDU4Y2VmZWUwNmViNDg4YjBmYTk1OWExZGFjNjBhYzhmYTZmNzdhZWNlZjk4YmJiYjU1ZDFmNi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b34bebaa8d58cefee06eb488b0fa959a1dac60ac8fa6f77aecef98bbbb55d1f6.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>They were already halfway through their breakfast, everything laid out in precise order\u2014scrambled eggs, toast, fruit, and coffee.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The Longstaff family didn\u2019t do anything halfway. They lived by schedules, routines, and perfection.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As Kate joined them, her mother, Julia, cast a quick glance at her.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cKate, after breakfast, check for stains on your clothes and adjust your makeup,\u201d Julia said smoothly, her eyes barely lifting from her plate. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit\u2026 bold for today.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/o56skTl5WOa8XWPkWtTdw7HgRUgfFeFqBKwNva5oyiM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmZjNjg1YTc1ODc1MmQzMTg5YzcwMmMwOTc1YjA0YjJlNjYxMGI4YTUwNTVhN2U4NzdkMDcyMTIxOTJiODYwZi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/2fc685a758752d3189c702c0975b04b2e6610b8a5055a7e877d07212192b860f.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYes, Mother,\u201d Kate replied, not daring to argue. She picked up her fork, though her stomach was tight with nerves.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Today, she would be meeting with the board of directors.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She could feel the pressure of her family\u2019s expectations weighing on her, as if their gazes were on her every step. Everything she did would reflect on the Longstaff family.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/-6FdL_aEjmFNy0a6GfbSA6WC0QKEkyIysPOMd7IjZAI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjMzMTNiYTY3NWY2ZTZlY2NjYmI1OGJlOTZiNWNiZGZmNGQ5NDZlNjk2ZWUwNTU3ODU2ZjQ1NjY0OGZkYjViZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b3313ba675f6e6ecccbb58be96b5cbdff4d946e696ee0557856f456648fdb5bd.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cKatherine,\u201d her father, Charles, spoke up, his tone controlled and steady.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cToday is not only important for your future but for the entire family. I expect you to make us proud, not to embarrass the Longstaff name in front of the board.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate nodded, her throat tight.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Her parents expected her to be perfect at all times, and for the most part, she\u2019d managed. But today was different.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/P7OxnEpS8RoTJ7Lsmx2elrMvnd9sTa7uigMJe7THN8I\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODZlM2ViYTZhNWZmNzMzNTcxOGQ4OGZjYjgxNjNjM2M0NzdkNDAwYWE4NjdjZWVhMzg0MTU4NjAyMGE0MGYxZS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/86e3eba6a5ff7335718d88fcb8163c3c477d400aa867ceea3841586020a40f1e.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She couldn\u2019t shake the feeling of dread building up in her chest, a feeling she couldn\u2019t ignore.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Charles noticed her hesitation, his eyes narrowing slightly.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIs something wrong, Kate? You\u2019ve barely touched your breakfast,\u201d he commented, his voice cool.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She looked down at her plate, pushing the food around a little.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDad\u2026 I\u2026 I\u2019ve been thinking. Maybe I should reschedule my interview. I don\u2019t feel ready\u2026\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/xaqztfOQS8Y8hkG-j8fwNr3QV3WAWsYPGj22tJjRCqo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDQ3MzQzOTAyZDI3ZjdmMWRlMWJiYmNhNjUyNDIxNjFhZTg0NDRiYzYxZjgyMThiN2YxMDFkMmZlMTU2ZDg3My5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d47343902d27f7f1de1bbbca65242161ae8444bc61f8218b7f101d2fe156d873.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNonsense,\u201d Charles replied firmly, his voice growing colder.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEverything has been planned down to the last detail. You\u2019re an adult now, and it\u2019s time you learn the responsibilities of this family. One day, you\u2019ll run this company. You need to start preparing now.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate felt her heart sink. The path her parents had laid out for her felt like a wall closing in on all sides. She took a shaky breath.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBut\u2026 what if I don\u2019t want to do this?\u201d Her voice was barely above a whisper, and yet, in the silent dining room, it felt loud and bold.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Her father\u2019s hand slammed against the table, making the plates rattle.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/O0dqj8L0FlgiEQORxFsm7zJ54ZR8jHFvpQJOgDhFckI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjMyYTBlNjYyZDZkZmE3N2RjOTFlZDI2ZmI2ZWU4N2IxOTM2ODhkYjQzZGRiY2FiNzAyOTAyMTQzN2YwNmJhNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/232a0e662d6dfa77dc91ed26fb6ee87b193688db43ddbcab7029021437f06ba7.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDon\u2019t start this again,\u201d he snapped, his face stern.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI don\u2019t want to hear it. We\u2019re a family, Kate. You were born into this family, and you will do what\u2019s best for it. If you can\u2019t accept that, you can pack your things and leave.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate flinched at his words, feeling a sting of shame mixed with anger. She wanted so badly to say something, to speak up for herself, but she knew how it would end.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/3ua6_G_SFYSlqkmwlwmUItB6s2DEpb7mRp88OOGWLTs\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTJhMWYzYTE1MjA0ZmMyZmRkNTA4MzUwYjY5MGMyZGU3NmEzMjUzYWYwNTM1ZjdmMTAzZjYxMGVkYzcxMmI2MS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/a2a1f3a15204fc2fdd508350b690c2de76a3253af0535f7f103f610edc712b61.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She\u2019d learned long ago that challenging her parents led nowhere.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Her voice was steady but soft as she replied, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Dad. I won\u2019t mention it again.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate stood outside the towering office building, her heart thumping in her chest. Her fingers were wrapped tightly around her phone, almost as if it was her lifeline, something steady to hold onto.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But today, that confidence just wasn\u2019t there. Instead, she was overwhelmed by a wave of doubt and guilt that wouldn\u2019t go away.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/bfZ_bZh2g5f2PR4c96-mYMFOTFSJ9bjRy4-016rJV04\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGJkMDU4MTQyNzI4NTI5NDQ1ZTJjZjExMWQ0N2JhY2Q1NmViMWIwM2JmOGE2NGM5NmUxYjdiMGFhM2RkZTk1Yi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/dbd058142728529445e2cf111d47bacd56eb1b03bf8a64c96e1b7b0aa3dde95b.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She felt torn between the person her parents wanted her to be and the person she felt she was\u2014someone she wasn\u2019t even sure she understood yet.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Sometimes, she thought she was just going through the motions, living a life for them, not for her.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice, hoarse and filled with disbelief. \u201cRosa? Is that you? My dear Rosa!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate turned to see a man, unkempt and dressed in shabby clothes, standing just a few feet away.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Without warning, he stepped closer and wrapped her in a hug, his rough hands clutching her tightly.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/B5Tp4oROMlUgxvk6-KHn_NnQw9eNJIAEWhkQbn-gLi0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTBhMjlhZWY1Y2MwNjA0YzEzNjg4MWJmODJjYzljZmE1ZDFjOTNiNzdhNzVmNmFjNWI0M2JiMGYxYjkyZGZiYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTQ1NiZoZWlnaHQ9ODE2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/e0a29aef5cc0604c136881bf82cc9cfa5d1c93b77a75f6ac5b43bb0f1b92dfbc.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1456\"' height='\"816\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Stunned, Kate pulled away, staring at the stranger.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWho\u2026 who are you? I\u2019m not Rosa! You must have me mixed up with someone else.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNo, it\u2019s you. I would know you anywhere, Rosa! I would recognize that birthmark on your neck. I remember the first time I saw it.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate\u2019s hand instinctively went to her neck, feeling the familiar mark there. It was small, something she rarely thought about.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/LKrM8g6Ca1VNJ-24OD3z8NxYPNuK4fwkH1mx6pIRCrI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNGUxMDBjMGJjYmQzNDk3Mjk3ODQ3ZDU2ZmRhZTRmZDcxMjgyZDMxMjkzMjM1N2U0MGQ3YjY5MzUzYzBhOTQ1Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/4e100c0bcbd3497297847d56fdae4fd71282d312932357e40d7b69353c0a945c.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But this stranger\u2014a man she had never seen\u2014knew about it. She felt a chill run through her as she demanded, \u201cHow do you know that? Who are you?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The man took a shaky breath, his voice softening.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cRosa, my dear, I know this must sound strange, but\u2026 I\u2019m Eric. I\u2019m your father.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>There was no way this man could be her father. It had to be some kind of mistake.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/74bkyVD7KusjXRWQD2ZK0aI7kZsMceXSyJGitcSLf-k\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjI3NjBjNWE1YzA0OWVlMDViNDIzNjJlZjQyYjUyYWM5ODU0YWEzMWNjZTJlMDVkYmM4ZDY0MjhhYTY5NjZhNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b2760c5a5c049ee05b42362ef42b52ac9854aa31cce2e05dbc8d6428aa6966a5.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThat\u2019s impossible,\u201d she said firmly, shaking her head. \u201cMy parents are Charles and Julia Longstaff. They\u2019ve always been my parents.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>A look of sadness crossed the man\u2019s face.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cCharles and Julia\u2026 they\u2019re thieves, that\u2019s who they are. Your mother Lily and I\u2026 we both worked for them. I was their gardener, and Lily was their cook. If we hadn\u2019t accepted their offer\u2026 none of this would have happened.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/cLb18A-aToKv-_693W8tjHCo5juAOGnweCZWgpMCKvw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTZmNGEzODYxYTVmYzEwNGUyYzVlZTY5ODUzMzk0N2U2MGFhNTcyOGZmZmM2ZWQ1M2U0YTliYmEwNmVlYjg1My5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/96f4a3861a5fc104e2c5ee698533947e60aa5728fffc6ed53e4a9bba06eeb853.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate watched in stunned silence as the man\u2019s voice broke, tears now streaming down his face.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d she asked, her voice barely a whisper. \u201cWhat offer?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Eric looked at her, his eyes pleading.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThey offered us money\u2014money to buy you. It was something like a surrogacy agreement. They knew we were desperate, that we needed the money, and they offered us a way out. We were such fools to believe it would be simple.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/cRhVPMnapTd2qD86VEV56O0P6BKoOmFyqYAQcGyZjp4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vM2ZiOGZjYTcxMmViMDlkY2I1ODNmYjljZTVhYjAyMWU3ZjIxOTBmMjlkNDVmZDk3ZGJiZmY5ODFjMDI1ODNmMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/3fb8fca712eb09dcb583fb9ce5ab021e7f2190f29d45fd97dbbff981c02583f0.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate\u2019s mind raced. \u201cBut\u2026 if that was the plan, why am I here? Why didn\u2019t you keep me?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEverything seemed fine at first,\u201d he explained, his voice thick with regret.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThey took care of Lily during the pregnancy, made sure she had everything she needed. But as her due date got closer, she changed her mind. She didn\u2019t want to give you up anymore. She loved you too much, and so did I. We wanted to be a family.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNo one has the right to take a child from their mother,\u201d Kate said, her voice filled with conviction.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Z8T0T7XedKvsiDpFjnEQr0thYaLhoVBu1i2I_EZwYQU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGRkZTc5YmIwMWM1NDM3ZmNlZTgyYzIyMGE1ZTZmOTg4N2FkNzIzYWU0NmRlZTExZGRlODM3MDY0ZTEwNjNlZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0dde79bb01c5437fcee82c220a5e6f9887ad723ae46dee11dde837064e1063ed.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNo contract can make someone give up their baby.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Eric nodded sadly.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThat\u2019s what we believed too. But during childbirth\u2026 Lily died. And they took you. I tried to see you, to hold onto you, but they pushed me away. They told me I had no right, and then\u2026 they made sure I stayed out of your life.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/nbaWKNLGevzbjWX_wSGZiYbKGgmDw8XjsuPOquk8ORQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWQzOGVmMmNjNTA5NTQ0YjA3ZDU5YzllN2M5NDBlYWExMGIwM2JlZjZkNWI4ODZhZjllMTU3NmQ3MjkxNDdiYi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9d38ef2cc509544b07d59c9e7c940eaa10b03bef6d5b886af9e1576d729147bb.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate\u2019s heart ached as she watched this man\u2014her supposed father\u2014break down before her. She had so many questions, so much confusion.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Could this really be true? Her mind screamed that it couldn\u2019t be, that it was impossible. Yet something in the man\u2019s voice, in the pain she saw in his eyes, felt real.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2026 I don\u2019t know if I believe you, but I want to hear more. Let me\u2026 let me talk to them first.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/jssXIrjMfXXrWCyAXXb89BsZfHTR7nrHyJLDv5qg-g8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmRiOTMyZDVhYzc1NzBjZjgxMjIzNTI0ZmI1MDYxYjIyZTQ0NDU4OWRhN2U4NmY1ZTZhNDNjNjk5MmY4NjMxZi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/2db932d5ac7570cf81223524fb5061b22e444589da7e86f5e6a43c6992f8631f.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>They exchanged phone numbers, and with a promise to call him soon, Kate walked away, her heart and mind in turmoil.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As soon as Kate stepped into the office building, her parents, Charles and Julia, were already striding toward her with stern expressions.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhere have you been?\u201d Charles\u2019s voice was sharp, his eyes narrowing as he checked his watch. \u201cYou\u2019re almost half an hour late!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/olijlOq1J9IcFeHnFpDRjw2S_rIK54Jk-oiDh2zWdd8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODY3MDQ0ODUwZTI1NDMzMDBmYTIwYWUxOGExNjczNTMwMjA3ZWVjMDlmMTc1Mzk5MGI2OTU3ZTM3NTBjYjMwZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTI4JmhlaWdodD0xMjMy.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/867044850e2543300fa20ae18a1673530207eec09f1753990b6957e3750cb30d.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"928\"' height='\"1232\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate steadied herself, the weight of everything she\u2019d learned crashing over her again. \u201cDad, Mom, I need to talk to you\u2026 This is important.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Julia shook her head, waving her hand as if to brush Kate\u2019s words away.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIf this is another one of your whims, Kate, don\u2019t start. You\u2019re going to that interview, and that\u2019s final!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAm I\u2026 am I even your real daughter?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/bFhE_rPxssDYxQED5Ojq39R3VbYI_ITzXWM1ysrGdpg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjcxY2FmZTM1NjA0OWExMjYxMzVjNTBjODQ3Y2U2MmVlMTU5Mjk1NzU2NGU5ZGJkNzUxYTk3ZWRkMjA2NjNhMi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b71cafe356049a126135c50c847ce62ee1592957564e9dbd751a97edd20663a2.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>After a stunned silence, Julia tried to keep her composure.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat are you talking about, dear?\u201d Her voice was controlled, but Kate could see the flicker of fear in her eyes. \u201cOf course, you\u2019re our daughter!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate\u2019s voice grew louder, more insistent.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThen who are Eric and Lily?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/LibRiUFDsQxfZoLGmEQP_eM1q8DTDZDH2dzRcB13FbA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzZmZDlkZWI0ZjIzNmE1YzM2NGE4N2I2ZmQ3OTU2MDEzM2IzZGZkODM4YzkxNDlhZTM1NWYxM2YyYmYxMGMxNi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/76fd9deb4f236a5c364a87b6fd79560133b3dfd838c9149ae355f13f2bf10c16.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>At the mention of those names, Charles\u2019s face hardened.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhere did you hear about them?\u201d he demanded, his tone suddenly colder.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate took a step back. \u201cSo it\u2019s true? They worked for you? And\u2026 and they\u2019re my real parents?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt\u2019s not that simple,\u201d Charles replied, a trace of defensiveness slipping into his voice. \u201cYes, Lily was your biological mother. But we had an agreement.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/kbCwH8blCEX62eYGauhgXD-AJEJJ9OtiBuUFbOZxjws\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjYxY2NjZDdlZGY0ZWM0MzIxMmIxN2VhNWI0ZDQ5YjllN2E0ZWZmOWEwOTZjODNmYmE2ZGE3NzI2NzEyYWVhMS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTQ1NiZoZWlnaHQ9ODE2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/261cccd7edf4ec43212b17ea5b4d49b9e7a4eff9a096c83fba6da7726712aea1.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1456\"' height='\"816\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI know!\u201d Kate shouted. \u201cShe changed her mind. The agreement should\u2019ve been canceled.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Charles\u2019s tone grew dismissive.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAnd you think we should have given you back to that poor man? What kind of life could he have given you?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Kate shook her head, hurt flashing in her eyes.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Z-EoXVhStZUBPE6y4_nPZv8WiXgRghkAT4frbvi1lIQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDc1OGQ1NzIwMWRjMGI0ZmEwZjhhNGQyYzA2Mzk0NzJjYzFkY2ExNzQ2N2EyNDVjNDI3ZTVlZjg5NTM3ZTNiNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d758d57201dc0b4fa0f8a4d2c0639472cc1dca17467a245c427e5ef89537e3b7.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBut he was family. Couldn\u2019t you have helped him instead of\u2026 just taking me?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSo he could ruin you?\u201d Charles replied, his voice rising. \u201cNo. You\u2019re our daughter! Our daughter! We raised you. We gave you a future! And now you want to throw it all away?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI always felt like something was missing, that I didn\u2019t truly belong. And now I know why. I was never meant to be here.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/39T-bTqPYCqw1rmp3x40RbB0oZSxyzX3ECItHuwpO-U\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWMwNDFhMzhjYjU4MDU3OGIwNWQ0ZTYxNGRjYTNlZTcxNTJkOGRlNDUzODBkZGFmYjllZTY2Mjg2MzA4NjUwMS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9OTYwJmhlaWdodD0xMjAw.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/1c041a38cb580578b05d4e614dca3ee7152d8de45380ddafb9ee662863086501.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"960\"' height='\"1200\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Julia reached out, her face softening. \u201cDear, please\u2026\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019m grateful for everything you\u2019ve done for me, and I\u2019ll never forget it,\u201d Kate said, her eyes filling with tears. \u201cBut I have to make my own choices now. Right now, I choose to help Eric, the man who should\u2019ve been my father.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It was time for her to find out who she truly was.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Rebecca loved her son Matthew more than anything in her life and worked day and night to make him happy. But the one toy he asked for, she couldn\u2019t manage to buy in time. However, a sudden meeting with a woman she barely remembered helped her understand what really matters. Read the full story\u00a0here.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone\u2019s life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>info@amomama.com<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>.\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</i></i></i></p><p>As a daughter of the Longstaff family, Kate had to be perfect in every way\u2014smart, beautiful, and successful. She grew up believing it was in her blood to be the best. But just before making a decision that would shape her entire future, a homeless man revealed that her whole life had been a lie. [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1052,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1051","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1051","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1051"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1051\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1053,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1051\/revisions\/1053"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1052"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1051"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1051"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1051"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></div></strong></p></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>