Before her death, her mother-in-law shared a horrifying secret that completely shattered her life
*”Alinochka, I need to unburden my soul I feel my end is near. You must know the truth, even if you come to hate me,”* the older woman began, gripping Alinas hand.
Alina froze. Since when had she become *”Alinochka”*? Usually, her mother-in-law called her *”snake in the grass,”* *”witch,”* or some other insult. But now*”Alinochka.”* Perhaps it was true that people changed before death, realizing their mistakes. Maybe that was what had happened to Maria Viktorovna.
Alina worked as a nurse in the hospital where her former mother-in-law had been admitted after a heart attack. Though not a doctor, she understood the whispersher chances of recovery were slim.
She hadnt seen her ex-husband. Maybe he didnt visit, or their paths simply never crossed. They had nothing to say to each other, anyway. Hed hurt her so deeply she never wanted to see him again.
It had all started when she was due to give birth. Her husband hadnt been happy about fatherhood, grumbling that they werent financially stable yet. Alina had promised to find extra work, but it seemed no one wanted the babynot even her mother-in-law, whod given her disapproving looks and muttered about rushing things.
At the hospital, doctors suddenly opted for a C-section, though there had been no prior indication for one. Alina tried calling Maria Viktorovna, who headed the maternity ward, hoping for supportbut she never answered.
After anesthesia, they told her the baby had died in the womb. It was the worst news of her life. A part of her died that day.
Shed wanted to follow her little girlher Katyushainto the grave.
Her marriage crumbled. Her husband blamed *her* for losing the child, while her mother-in-law poured fuel on the flames. The divorce left Alina broken.
Now, Maria Viktorovna lay in the same hospital, abandoned by her son and his new wife.
*”Dont talk nonsense! Youll recover!”* Alina tried to reassure her, but the woman just waved her off.
*”Nothing will be fine You know that. But youre a good woman. I regret not seeing it soonerregret supporting my son when he left you. Alinochka, that C-section wasnt just a medical decision”*
Alinas chest tightened. Shed always suspected something was wrongbut hearing it aloud was unbearable.
*”Your baby didnt die. They switched her with a stillborn Your daughter* ***my*** *granddaughter was given up for adoption to a wealthy family.”*
A ringing filled Alinas ears, nearly stealing her breath. Her legs buckled, and she barely stayed upright. The woman before her wasnt frailshe was a monster.
*”Why?”* The word escaped in a hollow whisper.
*”Andrei didnt want a child. He was building his career, afraid youd demand alimony, distract him He convinced me to make the baby disappear.”*
Maria Viktorovnas voice wavered with regret. *”I wanted him to succeed But now, facing death, I carry this guilt. Can you forgive me?”*
Alina trembled, choking on tears. *”Where where is she?”*
*”The nightstand a notebook The address is inside.”*
Alina snatched the notebook and fled without looking back.
*”Alina, forgive me”*
*”God will,”* she hissed.
The address led her to a mansion where a well-dressed man greeted her.
*”Here for the nanny position?”* he asked.
*”Im here for my daughter.”*
His face paled.
She told him everythingthe deception, the years of grief.
*”I wont give her back,”* he cut in. *”Katya is my life.”*
Katya
Alina sobbed. That was the name shed chosen.
The man, Sergei, listened in silence before inviting her inside. Over tea, he confessedhis wife had been infertile. Theyd adopted Katya as a newborn, adored her. Then, his wife died unexpectedly, leaving him a single father.
*”She keeps asking when Mama will come back from heaven,”* he admitted, voice breaking.
Alinas heart shattered. She saw her daughter through the glassher *mirror image*but didnt dare approach.
*”You mentioned needing a nanny,”* she said, voice firm.
*”Not you. You couldnt restrain yourself.”*
*”I* ***swear*** *I wont disrupt her life. Just let me* ***be*** *near her.”*
Two days later, he agreedunder strict conditions. A contract forbade her from revealing the truth, required therapy, even a DNA test. She signed without hesitation.
For months, she cared for Katya, resisting every urge to call her *”my girl.”*
Then, on Alinas birthday, Katya handed her a tiny giftand whispered:
*”Papa told me the truth Youre my mama, who came down from heaven.”*
Alina gasped, tears streaming. She looked at Sergei, who gave a small smile.
*”But mama and papa should be married, right?”* Katya added, eyes wide. *”Papa wants to marry you! Will you say yes?”*
Laughter burst from Alinathen Sergei, then Katya, all tangled in a tearful embrace.
*”Yes,”* Alina whispered, holding them tight. *”Of course, yes.”*
For the first time, her broken heart felt whole.
