A Child for a Friend When Lily was nearing the final months of her pregnancy, her younger brother left home and her father turned to drink. From that moment, Lily’s life became a nightmare. Every morning began with Lily airing out the house, sweeping empty bottles from under the table, and waiting for her father to wake up. “Dad, you shouldn’t be drinking. You barely recovered from your stroke.” “I’ll drink if I want. Who can stop me? It dulls the pain.” “What pain?” “The pain of knowing I’m needed by no one. Not even you. I’m a burden to you. I’m a lost cause, Lily. Never should’ve been born, never should’ve married and brought up kids who inherited nothing but weakness and poverty from me. Everything’s been for nothing. Easier to drink.” Already in low spirits, Lily grew angry. “Not everything is for nothing, Dad. People have it worse.” “Worse than this? You grew up motherless. Now you’re going to raise a baby without a father, and both of you will still be poor.” “It’s not all gloom, Dad. Life is unpredictable—everything can change.” Lily sadly recalled how happy she’d been not so long ago, engaged to Ilya. Yes, life had fallen apart, but she had to keep living. That day, her father got drunk again. Lily shouted in frustration: “You drank the money I saved?! How did you find it? You searched through my things?!” “Everything in this house belongs to me,” her father declared, “including the pension you’re hiding from me! My pension.” “And you drank it all? Didn’t think about how we’ll survive?” “Why should I care? I’m a sick man. You’re an adult now—take care of me!” Lily searched every cabinet. “I’m sure there were two packs of pasta and some butter left yesterday. Now there’s nothing! What are we meant to eat tonight?” Lily was stunned. She sat down, covering her face. Little did she know that Auntie Natasha had made a habit of coming round, plying her father with drink and helping herself to bits and pieces from the house. Natasha had slithered quietly into their lives and seemed intent on finishing off their family. That night, Lily cried herself to sleep. She lay in bed, broken and hungry. In the morning, there was a knock. In came Natalia Anatolievna. Dressed in a chic coat and heeled boots. She didn’t take off her shoes—just marched in. “My friend in the utilities office told me you have debts and the electricity will be cut off soon. What’s going on, Lily? Maybe you’ll offer me a cup of tea?” Not waiting for an answer, Natasha started searching the kitchen cupboards and fridge. “I’ll make the tea myself—you’re pregnant, just like my daughter, Sveta… Looks like there’s no sugar or even tea in the house. Not a thing. Right, let’s go shopping.” Lily avoided eye contact. “Aunt Natasha, I’m not making any tea. You should go.” But Natasha wouldn’t be dismissed. “You’ve got problems, I can see that. Remember I once offered you to move in with me? I’m not asking this time—I’m insisting. Come live with me. Your father is drinking, you haven’t got enough food for a growing baby, let alone yourself. You need vitamins and fruit… Pack your things and let’s go.” Lily sat down weakly, her head spinning. Tears spilled over as Natasha hugged her. “Listen, dear, I know how you feel about me. I know you can’t forgive my daughter for stealing your fiancé. But I’m not heartless, and I can’t stand to see you suffer. Like it or not—I’m going to help you.” Everything after felt like a blur: Natasha helped Lily pack, called a taxi, and moved her in. * On the day Lily went into labour, Natasha Anatolievna never left her side. “Listen carefully, Lily. I’ve already told the staff that you want to give up the baby. When you give birth, don’t hold her, don’t feed her. Don’t even look at her.” Groaning with pain, Lily replied: “Aunt Natasha, I don’t care. Anything to stop the pain… I just want this over.” “Remember what I told you—it would be impossible for you to raise this child yourself. I’ve found a respectable couple who would adopt her straight away.” A few hours later, a baby girl was born. “Three kilos three hundred—healthy, all good,” the nurse said, carrying her away without showing her to Lily. But the paediatrician gave Lily a stern look. “What’s going on here? You’ve a healthy, beautiful child and won’t even look at her. Elena Petrovna, bring the baby back and let her nurse.” Lily shook her head, upset. “I don’t want to. I can barely survive—I never wanted to give birth… There are people who need her more—I’ll sign her over for adoption.” “Don’t be ridiculous, at least look at her.” Lily squeezed her eyes shut—but then she felt something warm and soft brush her hand. The nurse laid the baby next to her. The baby whimpered and snuggled in, rooting for her mother. At last, Lily looked at her daughter. A tiny, helpless creature stared up at her, eyes half-closed, reaching out blindly, fists clutching at Lily’s chest. “Well, Mum? Let’s feed your baby,” the paediatrician smiled, brightening as Lily shivered at the sight of her daughter. “She’s such a sweetheart, and she needs you—not adoptive parents.” Lily wept, gathering her daughter in her arms and nodding. For the next two hours, Lily rested with her newborn, unable to take her eyes off her. That was when her maternal instinct awoke. “This is what my life is for—my daughter. It doesn’t matter if Ilya is gone or my father’s drinking… My daughter needs me, and I’ll be there for her.” * Lily woke to Natalia’s voice. Natasha, now in a dressing gown, had come into the ward and was looking at her in bed. “Did you forget our agreement?” she asked quietly. “You promised you’d give up the baby. I already arranged with people who will take her.” “Natasha Anatolievna, I’ve changed my mind. I’m not giving her to anyone.” “But you’ve nowhere to go, no money—you’re basically homeless. Where will you take her?” “Home. I won’t trouble you further—I’ll manage.” Lily saw Natasha’s face twist into an ugly scowl. “Are you mad!? You’ve no money! What will you live on—begging?” Natasha’s shouting woke the baby. Lily got up and went to her. “Don’t touch! I’ll comfort and feed her. We’ll just tell the doctors you’ve no milk,” Natasha insisted. Lily shook her head, firm. “This isn’t your decision. She’s my daughter. I told you—I’ve changed my mind and won’t give her up.” “You can’t! You promised!” Natasha wailed, helpless. “Please leave.” Natasha stormed out. Lily’s roommate, quiet till now, sat up. “Who was that?” “My aunt.” “Awful. Don’t listen to her. You did the right thing kicking her out. I’m Laura. If you need help, just ask—there are kind people in the world.” “I’m Lily.” “Lovely to meet you. And honestly, what a weird woman! Looked as if she meant to snatch your baby right out of the crib.” * Just before discharge, Lily was called out into the corridor. Standing awkwardly was her former friend, Sue, heavily pregnant. “Hi.” Lily sat carefully beside her. Sue fidgeted. “I heard you had the baby.” “Yes. A girl.” Sue glanced away nervously. “Lily, you know Mum found people to adopt your child, right?” “So?” “They’re wonderful people—wealthy, will do anything to have her.” Sue took Lily’s hand. “They’re offering a hundred thousand pounds. Imagine it! You could buy a place to live—maybe even a small flat.” “A hundred thousand, you say?” Lily nodded. “Well, if you care about them so much, give them your own baby.” Sue pouted but didn’t let go. “Wait, Lily! Give the baby to me! I’ll raise her—she’s Ilya’s daughter after all.” “You think you can handle two babies?” “You don’t understand, Lily! My family is falling apart!” Fed up, Lily stood to leave, but Sue grabbed her sleeve, eyes wild. “I need this baby, Lily!” “Let go.” …A couple of hours later, Ilya himself burst into the ward. Lily flinched at the sight of him. “So, you’ve given birth? Can I see her?” “No, you can’t! Your precious Sue will give birth soon—you can look at that one!” “We need to talk, Lily. I haven’t been able to think straight since you gave birth. Look, I want to take our daughter—give her up, and I promise I’ll adopt her immediately.” Lily shook her head. “I’m not like you—I could never walk away from someone who needs me. You’re wasting your time—I’ll never let you have my daughter!” Ilya wouldn’t leave, getting more agitated. “Give me her! You had no right to have my child! I’ll take what’s mine!” “Oh, please. Go get your mother’s permission first, mummy’s boy.” Lily pushed her ex aside, scooped up her baby, and went to the nurses’ station. “Could I ask you not to let anyone else visit me? I don’t want to see anyone—this isn’t a railway station!” Epilogue On discharge day, Lily left the hospital holding her daughter tight. She wasn’t alone—her roommate Laura was leaving too, greeted by her husband and mum. Lily stopped, spotting the Reznikovs’ car. Out stepped Ilya’s mother, Valerie Jacobs, scrutinising Lily with a cold, predatory stare. A shiver ran down Lily’s spine. Her ex-future-mother-in-law looked ready to pounce. Laura noticed Lily’s discomfort and came over. “Who are they, Lily?” “Ilya’s parents.” “The look she’s giving you—honestly, it’s creepy. They’ve all gone for you as if by some plan. You remember my mum’s got a room for you—come on, let’s go.” Lily nodded, uneasy herself. * Living with her new friends, Lily unexpectedly found new love—Laura’s cousin, bachelor Ivan, started courting her. Ivan turned out to be a kind, good man. He married Lily, adopted her daughter, and even helped her father-in-law. As for Sue and Ilya—their marriage collapsed. Turns out, Sue faked her pregnancy with a cushion, deceiving the entire Jacobs family. To protect her daughter, Natasha told the truth about Sue’s early miscarriage—and then proposed a “solution” to her son-in-law: “Ilya, don’t be cross with my daughter. Yes, her pregnancy ended early—but you’re not innocent yourself. You’ve another baby on the way, haven’t you? So why not take Lily’s baby for yourselves? Adopt her—the child’s yours in a sense. And as for your parents, let’s not mention the miscarriage. We’ll pretend Sue’s still pregnant and, when Lily gives birth, take the baby and tell everyone it’s Sue’s.” Ilya quite liked this plan. Everything was set—until Lily “put her foot down,” refusing to leave her newborn at the hospital. Suddenly, Sue and Natasha were backed into a corner. Ilya’s mother, Valerie Jacobs, furious at having been tricked, sent Sue away and insisted her son get divorced. A Child for a Friend

Author Walton MerrittReading 11 minViews 4

A Baby for a Friend

When Lily was waddling through her last months of pregnancy, her younger brother ran off, her dad hit the bottle harder than ever, and since then, Lilys life had descended into something only rivalled by a failed episode of EastEnders.

Her mornings started with flinging open the windows to air out the living room, gathering up cider bottles from beneath the table (Jimmys Red Label, obviously), and waiting for her dad to finally emerge from bed.

Dad, youre not supposed to be drinking. The doctor said after your last attack

Ill have a drink if I fancy. Whos going to stop me? Makes the pain easier.

What pain?

The pain of realising that Im surplus to requirements. Even to you. Im a burden, Lily. I shouldnt have been born, shouldnt have married, shouldnt have had you kids who inherited nowt but my weakness, wet blanket nature, and a pinch of poverty. Regrets, Lily. Its just easier with a pint.

Already hanging onto her sanity by a thread, Lily would snap back.

Its not all regrets, Dad. Folk have it worse.

How much worse? You grew up without your mum. And now youre going to raise a little one without their dad, and keep that fine tradition of living skint.

Its not always going to be this grim, Dad. Things change.

She thought miserably of how, not too long ago, shed looked forward to marrying Adam life had wobbled, but on it went.

That day her father had, predictably, got himself completely plastered. Lily shouted at him, unable to keep her temper anymore.

Did you drink the money Id hidden for emergencies? Howd you find that? You went through all my stuff?!

Everything in this house is mine, he declared, swaying as he spoke. Including the pension. Its my pension youre hiding.

And youve drunk it all? Didnt you wonder how were supposed to survive?

Whys that my problem? Im not well. Youre grown, deal with it.

Lily tore through the cupboards.

I know full well there were two bags of pasta and a tub of butter yesterday. Where the blazes have they gone? What exactly are we having for dinner?!

It was almost comical if it werent so tragic. Lily sat down, face in her hands.

She had no idea that Auntie Connie had taken to coming round when Lily was out, plying her dad with booze and quietly sneaking off with whatever was left in the larder.

Like a silent viper, Connie had slithered in and was doing her best to finish off the family.

That night Lily cried quietly into her pillow, empty and hungry in more ways than one.

In the morning someone knocked, and in swept Ms. Connie Barker herself. Done up in her flashy coat and posh boots, she didnt even bother wiping her feet.

All right, love. My mate at the council told me youre behind on your bills youre about to be cut off for not paying. Whats going on here, Lily? Fancy putting the kettle on?

Without so much as a by-your-leave, Connie headed straight to the kitchen, rooting about in the fridge and the cupboards.

Ill put the kettle on myself, youre about as useful as my daughter Gemma in this state. Oh, you havent even got tea or sugar not a bit of anything, honestly. Shall we nip to Tesco?

Lily kept her eyes down.

Best if you leave, Auntie Connie. I cant offer you tea.

Connie wasnt going to budge.

Look, youve got problems anyone could see that. I said you should move in with me, and this time its an order not a suggestion. No one should bring a baby into a place like this, especially with your dad on the lash and nothing to eat, let alone fruit or veg for you. Grab your things. Youre coming with me.

Lily collapsed on a chair as her head spun, tears trickling down her cheeks. Connie hugged her as if she were some sort of benevolent Victorian matron.

Listen, love, I know youve got your reasons to dislike me. Ill never live down that my Gemma stole your fiancé. But I cant just leave you like this. Whether you like it or not, Ill look after you.

The rest went by in a blur: Connie helped her pack and phoned a cab.

***

The day Lily went into labour, Connie hovered as if waiting for the Queen.

Right, Lily, listen up. Ive told the hospital you want to give up the baby, so when the time comes, dont hold her, dont feed her dont even look. Got it?

Lily gritted her teeth through contractions.

Oh Auntie, do what you like. The pains too much anyway, I just want it over.

Remember, you cant raise this child yourself. Ive got a decent couple lined up, theyll adopt her on the spot.

After what felt like an eternity, Lily delivered a little girl.

Seven pounds and a bit, healthy as you like. Well done.

The nurse bundled the squalling newborn away without so much as letting Lily catch a glimpse.

But the paediatrician, Miss Drummond, was a tough old bird.

Whats this? Healthy baby and you dont want to see her? Diane, bring the baby back, she needs her mum.

Lily shook her head, almost in tears.

I cant. I dont have anything I didnt want this… There are others who need her more. Ill sign her away… someone will adopt her…

Dont talk nonsense. At least look at her.

Lily screwed her eyes shut, but then she felt something feather-light touch her hand.

The nurse tucked her daughter beside her; the baby huffed and burrowed, searching blindly, and Lily at last looked down.

Tiny, helpless, she gazed up at Lily and flailed her hands at her mother.

Well now, love. Have a feed, shall we? Dr. Drummond smiled, brightening as she saw how Lily trembled at that first connection.

She needs you, not strangers, understand?

Lily burst into tears and clutched her daughter close, nodding fiercely.

For the next two hours, she lay beside her baby, hardly daring to blink.

Her mothers instincts had finally arrived late, but unmistakable.

This is it, the point of everything my daughter. Adam can jog on, Dad can rant all he likes shes mine, and thats that.

***

Lily was woken by Connie.

Still in her dressing gown, she hovered by the bed.

Have you forgotten what we agreed? she whispered. You promised to give her up. Ive already arranged everything with the couple. Give her up now.

Ive changed my mind. Im not giving her to anyone, said Lily, quietly resolute.

But youve no money, Lily technically youre homeless! Whats your plan, charity from here to doomsday?

Her daughter began to cry from the cot, and Lily stood to scoop her up.

Dont touch her! Ill make up some formula, say youve got no milk, huffed Connie.

Youre not in charge here. Ive said Ive changed my mind. Shes mine. Im not giving her up!

You CANT! You promised! Connie flapped uselessly.

Please go.

Defeated, Connie left. Lilys neighbouring patient poked her head up.

Who was that?

My aunt.

Dear me. Well, you did right to get rid. Im Emma. If you need help, just ask there are decent people out there.

Im Lily.

Lovely to meet you, Lily. That woman looked like shed have nicked your baby and legged it. Totally barking, if you ask me.

***

Shortly before discharge, someone came to see Lily. She wasnt allowed into the ward, so Lily came out to the corridor. She found her former friend, Gemma, uncomfortably twisting her hands her own stomach protruding like a prize-winning marrow.

Hi.

Lily perched on the edge of the bench.

I hear you had the baby.

Yep. A girl.

Gemmas eyes darted.

Look, Mums found a couple to adopt her, and theyre really lovely people loaded too, theyd do anything for a baby.

So?

Theyre offering twenty thousand pounds. Think about it you could get a little flat or put down a deposit!

Lily raised an eyebrow.

Lovely. Well, if you care that much, sell them your own.

Gemmas lips wobbled but she kept hold of Lilys sleeve.

Wait, Lily, give the baby to me! Ill raise her shes Adams daughter, after all!

You think you can handle two kids?

You dont get it, Lily! My familys falling apart!

Lily lurched to her feet and tried to walk away. Gemmas eyes looked wild as she clung on.

I need this baby, Lily!

Let go.

A couple of hours later, Adam showed up, his face full of guilt and confusion.

So, youve had the baby? Can I see her?

No, you cant. Gemmas about to give birth, go be useful there.

I need to talk. Since you gave birth, I cant think straight. Anyway, I want the baby. You give her up, Ill adopt her right away.

Lily shook her head.

Im not like you. Id never abandon someone who needs me. Youre wasting your time.

Adam stood his ground, muttering that she had no right to keep whats his.

You? Still under mummys thumb! Ask your mothers permission first, why dont you?

She brushed him off, scooped up her daughter and went to the nurses station.

Could you make sure no visitors are let in to see me? Ive had enough. Theyre treating the place like Kings Cross Station.

Epilogue

On the day of discharge, Lily clutched her daughter as she left the hospital.

She wasnt alone; her roommate Emma also left, greeted on the steps by her husband and mother.

Lily hesitated as she saw Adams parents big Volvo parked out front.

Adams mother, Valerie, stared, her gaze steely and sharp as a hawk’s. Lily felt an icy shiver run down her back.

Valeries look could have curdled milk. She looked about ready to pounce.

Emma clocked Lilys expression, slipped an arm round her.

Whos that?

Adams parents.

Theyre watching you like a couple of foxes outside a chicken coop. Something very off here, Lily. Seriously, come stay with me and Mum for a bit. Spare rooms yours we talked about it, remember? Lets go.

Lily nodded, nerves jangling inside her.

***

Staying with her new friends, Lily stumbled unexpectedly into happiness: Emmas cousin, Ian the quintessential old bachelor began courting her.

Ian was the kind of gent you wish for kind, warm, and, more crucially, steady. He married Lily, adopted her daughter, and even made peace with her dad.

As for Gemma and Adam, their marriage crumbled faster than a stale ginger nut.

It turned out Gemma had faked the pregnancy with a fancy prosthetic bump as you do fooling the entire extended clan.

Connie, keen to save face for her daughter, had to come clean: Gemma had miscarried early on. As a compromise, shed suggested to Adam, Why not just take Lilys baby? Well say Gemma gave birth, no onell know solves everyones problems!

Adam thought this was the best plan since sliced bread until Lily promptly torpedoed their scheme by refusing to give up her baby, leaving Gemma and Connie thoroughly at sea.

Adams mum, Valerie, unimpressed by the faux pregnancy and deception, gave Gemma her marching orders and told Adam to get lost too.

Turns out sometimes stubbornness is exactly whats needed especially in England, where a good cup of tea and a daughter to call your own can get you through just about anything.

A Child for a Friend When Lily was nearing the end of her pregnancy, her younger brother left home, her father started drinking again, and her life spiralled into chaos. Every morning, Lily would air out the house, clear away empty bottles from under the table, and wait for her father to wake. “Dad, you know you can’t drink. You barely recovered from your stroke.” “I’ll drink if I want to. Who’s going to stop me? It’s the only way I can cope with the pain.” “What pain, Dad?” “The pain of realising I’m not needed. Not even by you – I’m just a burden to you. I’m a lost cause, Lily. Never should have been born. Never should have married and had kids who only inherited my weakness and poverty. It’s all pointless, love. Easier just to drink.” Already feeling low, Lily grew irritated. “Nothing’s pointless, Dad. Plenty of people have it worse.” “How much worse, love? You grew up without a mother. Your baby will grow up without a father and in poverty.” “Things aren’t always that bleak. Nothing stays the same forever—anything can change in a moment.” With sadness, Lily recalled how not so long ago she’d been happy—preparing to marry Paul. Life had fallen apart, but she knew she had to keep going. That day, her father got drunk again. In frustration, Lily shouted: “Did you spend the emergency money I put aside? How did you find it? Have you been going through my things?!” “Everything in this house is mine,” her father declared, “including the pension you hide from me! My pension.” “And you drank every penny? Did you even wonder how we’ll eat?” “Why should I care? I’m unwell. You’re grown, it’s your job to look after me now!” Lily searched the cupboards. “I remember there were two packs of pasta and some butter left yesterday. They’re gone now! What are we supposed to eat tonight?” She was stunned, slumping into a chair and burying her face in her hands. How could she have known that Auntie Natasha had taken to coming round, keeping her dad company, and robbing the place behind her back? Stealthy as a snake, Natasha had slipped into their lives, doing all she could to tear the family apart. That night Lily cried herself to sleep, lying in bed defeated, hungry and alone. The next morning came a knock at the door – in walked Natasha Ivanova, wearing a trendy coat and heeled boots. She didn’t even bother removing her shoes as she strode in. “Morning. My friend in the council told me you’re in arrears—your power will be cut off soon. What’s going on, Lily? Got any tea?” Without waiting, Natasha went straight to the kitchen and rummaged through the cupboards and fridge. “I’ll make us tea, you’re expecting just like my Sarah… Honestly, you’ve got nothing here. Not a crumb. Let’s go to the shops.” Lily avoided her gaze. “Aunt Natasha, I can’t offer you tea. You should go.” But Natasha wasn’t leaving. “Things are bad, aren’t they? I told you before—come live with me. Actually, I insist this time. You can’t raise a baby here with your father drinking and no food. You need fruit, vitamins―pack up, you’re coming to live with me.” Lily’s head began to spin and tears ran down her cheeks. Natasha hugged her: “Look here, love, I know how you feel about me. I’m no saint—my own daughter stole your fiancé. But I can’t stand to see you suffer. Like it or not, I’ll take care of you.” Everything after that seemed like a dream – Natasha helped her pack, called a taxi, and off Lily went. *** When Lily went into labour, Natasha didn’t leave her side. “Listen carefully, Lily. I’ve already told the staff you want to give up the baby. So when she’s born, don’t hold her, don’t even look. Just turn away.” In pain, Lily could only groan: “Oh, Aunt Natasha, I don’t care—anything to end this agony…” “Remember, you can’t raise this child yourself. I’ve found a lovely family ready to adopt your baby right away.” After a few hours, a healthy baby girl was born. “Three-point-three kilos, everything is fine.” The nurse wrapped the wailing baby and took her away without showing Lily. But the paediatrician fixed her with a stern look: “What’s this? You’ve given birth to a beautiful, healthy girl, and you won’t even look at her? Anna, bring the baby back and place her on her mum’s chest.” Shaking her head, Lily protested: “I don’t want to. I can’t provide for her, I didn’t want this… There are people who need her more than I do, I’ll sign her over for adoption…” “At least look at her—don’t be silly.” Lily squeezed her eyes shut, but then she felt something soft and warm against her hand. The nurse laid the baby next to her; the tiny girl snuffled, rooting and reaching out. Finally, Lily looked at her daughter. The small, helpless child squinted up at her, stretching out tiny hands across Lily’s chest. “There you are, mummy,” the paediatrician smiled. She brightened as she saw Lily tremble with emotion at the sight of her child for the first time. “What a pretty little girl. She needs you, not some strangers, you see?” Crying, Lily cuddled her daughter and nodded. For the next two hours after the birth, Lily lay beside her girl, unable to take her eyes off her. Her mother’s instinct had awakened. “There it is—the meaning of my life. My daughter. Doesn’t matter that Paul’s left, or that Dad’s drinking—I’m needed by my child. And that’s enough.” *** Lily was woken by Natasha’s voice. Natasha Ivanova, wrapped in a dressing gown, entered the room and eyed Lily in bed. “Have you forgotten our agreement?” she whispered. “You promised to give up the baby. I’ve arranged for people to adopt her straight away.” “Aunt Natasha, I’ve changed my mind. I’m not giving her away.” “But you have no money, you’re practically homeless—what will you do with a baby?” “I’ll take her home. I won’t burden you anymore. I’ll manage on my own.” Lily saw Natasha’s face twist in rage. “You’ve lost your mind! You have nothing. What are you going to do, beg on the streets?” Her daughter, sleeping in the cot, awoke at Natasha’s shout. Lily got up and moved towards her. “Don’t! I’ll feed her a bottle and say you’ve no milk,” Natasha declared. Shaking her head, Lily replied: “That’s not for you to decide. She’s my daughter. I said I’ve changed my mind and I won’t give her up!” “You can’t! You promised!” Natasha screeched. “Leave.” Natasha stormed out. Lily’s new roommate, quietly lying in her bed, looked over: “Who was that?” “My aunt.” “Awful. You did right sending her packing. I’m Laura—if you ever need help, I’m here. There’s still good people in the world.” “I’m Lily.” “Nice to meet you, Lil. I could tell that woman wanted to snatch your daughter and run. She was odd.” *** Before discharge, Lily had another visitor waiting outside. Her former friend Sarah stood awkwardly, her own pregnancy now undeniable. “Hey.” Lily sat on the bench. Sarah joined her. “I heard you had the baby.” “Yeah, a girl.” Sarah’s eyes darted. “You know Mum found people to adopt your girl, right?” “And?” “They’re lovely, really rich—offering a million for your baby. You could buy a flat or at least a room in a shared house.” “A million, is it? Well, if you’re so worried, maybe you should sell your own kid to them.” Sarah pouted but grabbed at Lily’s arm. “Wait, Lily. Give the baby to me, please! I’ll raise her—she’s Paul’s daughter, after all.” “Think you can manage two babies?” “You don’t understand, Lily! My family’s falling apart!” Lily stood to leave. Sarah clung to her, looking crazed: “I need that child, Lily!” “Let go.” …A couple of hours later, Paul himself burst into the room. Lily recoiled when she saw him. “You’ve had her? Can I see?” “No! Your precious Sarah’s due soon—go look there!” “I need to talk to you, Lily. Since she was born, I can’t think about anything else. Look, I want my daughter. Sign her over to me and I’ll adopt her myself.” Lily shook her head. “I’m not like you—I’ll never abandon someone who needs me. You’re wasting your time—my daughter is not yours to take.” Paul also refused to leave. “Give me the baby! You had no right to have her without me! It’s my child—I’ll get her!” “You? Mummy’s boy? Why not ask your mother if it’s allowed first?” Lily pushed past her ex, scooped up her daughter, and headed for the nurses’ station. “Could you please not let anyone else visit me? I’m not expecting anyone and I certainly don’t want anyone here—this isn’t a public hall!” Epilogue On her discharge, Lily left the hospital clutching her daughter. She wasn’t alone—her roommate, Laura, was also being released to the warm welcome of her husband and mother. Lily paused as she saw the Johnsons’ car outside. Out stepped Paul’s mother, Valerie Johnson. She scrutinised Lily, craning her neck and narrowing her eyes. Lily shivered. Her would-be mother-in-law looked on with the intensity of a wolf poised to attack. Laura noticed her friend’s expression and came to stand beside her. “Who’s that, Lily?” “Paul’s parents.” “She’s glaring like she’s waiting to pounce. This whole family’s gone for you—something’s wrong. My mum’s got a spare room for you, remember? Come home with us.” Lily nodded, feeling the same creeping anxiety. *** While living with her new friends, Lily unexpectedly found love—Laura’s cousin, Ivan, an old bachelor, began courting her. Ivan proved to be a good man: warm, kind. He married Lily, adopted her daughter, and even helped her father-in-law get back on his feet. As for Sarah and Paul—their marriage collapsed. Turns out Sarah was faking her pregnancy, fooling the entire Johnson clan. Natasha Ivanova, wanting to protect her daughter, confessed to her son-in-law that Sarah had miscarried early on, then suggested a “solution.” “Paul, love, don’t be angry with my daughter. She lost the baby, but your conscience isn’t clean either. Your child with Lily will soon be born. I thought—why not take Lily’s baby and raise her as your own? We don’t need to tell your parents about Sarah’s loss. We’ll all pretend Sarah’s still pregnant. Once Lily gives birth, we’ll take the baby and say it’s Sarah’s.” Paul liked his mother-in-law’s plan. And everything would have worked out—until Lily “kicked up a fuss,” refusing to abandon her newborn in the hospital, leaving her former friend and her mother at a dead end. Paul’s mother, Valerie Johnson, was furious when she found out about the deceit and threw Sarah out, forcing her son to divorce.