A Ghost From the Past
Fifteen years ago, Nathaniel and Vivienne had suffered what he believed was an unimaginable tragedy — the death of their infant daughter. He remembered clutching her pink blanket, sobbing uncontrollably. Vivienne had said the hospital staff made a mistake. That it was “too late.”
But now, standing before him, was this girl with his daughter’s eyes… and that same quiet strength his first wife once had.
“How old are you?” he asked again, barely holding it together.
“Fifteen. Almost sixteen.”
Vivienne’s fork scraped her plate — the sound harsh, sharp, final.
Nathaniel stood abruptly. “We need to talk. Now.”
Aurora blinked. “Sir, I’m working—”
“I’ll cover your shift,” Nathaniel said, waving over the manager.
Vivienne grabbed his wrist. “You’re being absurd.”
But his voice was steel. “Five minutes. Please.”
