Before her death, her mother-in-law revealed a horrifying secret to her daughter-in-law, one that completely shattered her life…
“Alinochka, I must confess… I feel my time is near. You deserve the truth, even if it makes you hate me,” the older woman began, clutching Alinas hand.
Alina froze. Since when had she become “Alinochka”? Normally, her mother-in-law called her “that snake,” “witch,” or some other insult. But nowAlinochka. They say people change before death, realizing their mistakes. Perhaps that was happening to Maria Viktorovna.
Alina worked as a nurse in the hospital where her former mother-in-law had been admitted after a heart attack. She couldnt assess the severityshe wasnt a doctorbut whispers suggested little hope for recovery. She never saw her ex-husbandmaybe he hadnt visited, or their paths simply didnt cross. There was nothing to say, anyway. He had hurt her so deeply she couldnt bear to look at him.
The pain began when she was due to give birth. Her husband resented the coming fatherhood, grumbling that they werent financially stable yet, and now hed be burdened with a family. Alina promised to find remote work, so she wouldnt be a weight on his shoulders. But the baby seemed unwantedeven her mother-in-law had cast disdainful glances, saying Alina was rushing things.
At the hospital, a C-section was performed, though there had been no prior indications for it. She had tried calling Maria Viktorovna, the head of maternity, hoping shed defend herbut the woman didnt answer. After anesthesia, Alina was told her baby girl had died in the womb. The worst news of her life. That day, a part of her died too. She wanted to follow her baby, whom shed dreamed of naming Katya.
Her marriage crumbled. Her husband blamed her for losing the child, and her mother-in-law fueled the fire. The divorce left Alina the villain.
Now Maria Viktorovna lay in the hospital where Alina worked, needing care. Her son wasnt there. Neither was his new wife. Her family had abandoned her.
“Dont say that! Youll recover!” Alina tried to comfort her, but the woman just waved her off.
“Nothing will be good again You know it But youre a good woman. I regret not seeing it sooner, not standing up for you when my son left you. You should know, Alinochkayour C-section wasnt for no reason…”
Alinas heart clenched. She had suspected something was wrong, but hearing it aloud was unbearable.
“Your child didnt die. She was switched with a stillborn Your daughter, my granddaughter was given to a wealthy family.”
A deafening ring filled Alinas ears. Her legs gave way. She stared at her mother-in-lawnot a frail, dying woman, but a monster.
“Why?” The whisper was hollow, as if from another world.
“Andrei didnt want a child. He was just starting his career, full of ambition. Now hes successful, but a baby wouldve ruined everything. He feared youd demand alimony if he divorced, that youd distract him. He made me arrange itto convince you the baby died. I did it for him But now, facing death, I carry this guilt. Can you forgive me, Alinochka?”
“How could you?” Alinas voice trembled, tears streaming. “Where is she?”
“In the nightstand a notebook address on the first page But nothing can change now. Hes powerful. He wont give her back.”
“Well see about that!” Alina snatched the notebook and stormed out.
“Forgive me,” Maria Viktorovna rasped behind her.
“God will.”
She couldnt stay another second. Her mind pulsed with one thought: find her daughter. Five and a half yearsshe was so big now. Alive.
The journey to the address was a blur. Soon, she stood before a mansions gates, knowing she couldnt just march in and take the child. Worseher daughter might be traumatized. She only wanted to see her.
A man greeted her on the porchhandsome, but cold. Distant laughter made Alinas heart ache.
“Here to apply as a nanny?” he asked.
“Nanny?” She barely glanced at him, straining toward the laughter.
“Sergey?” she whispered. He nodded. “I didnt come for a job. I came for my daughter.”
His face hardened. “I wont give her to you. Katya is my life.”
Katya. Her chosen name.
Alina broke down. “Please, listen” She poured out the storyher husbands betrayal, the lie about her daughters death.
“Come inside.” His voice was clipped.
The house was lavish, worlds beyond Alinas means. Toys and dollhouses filled a playroomKatyas. Over tea, Sergey explained:
“My wife was infertile. We got a calla baby whose mother ‘gave her up.’ We didnt hesitate. When Katya turned three, my wife died. A heart attack. Katya still talks about her, waiting for her to ‘come back from heaven.’ She doesnt know you.”
Alinas heart shattered.
“You mentioned needing a nanny,” she said firmly.
“Not you.” He shook his head. “You couldnt control yourself.”
“I swear I wont take her. Just let me be near her!”
Two days later, he agreedunder strict terms. Shed sign a contract, never reveal her identity, undergo counseling, and take a DNA test. Alina agreed immediately.
The results confirmed the truth. When Sergey introduced her to Katya as her new nanny, it was the happiest day of Alinas life. Soon, he insisted she quit her job and move in.
“Katya adores you.”
Months passed. Sergey softened. He saw Alinas love for Katya, her restraint. His heart warmed toward her.
On Alinas birthday, Sergey and Katya surprised her.
“Papa told me the truth,” Katya whispered, handing her a gift. “Youre my real mommy.”
Alina couldnt breathe. Tears fell as she looked at Sergey, who smiled faintly.
“But mommies and daddies should be married,” Katya continued. “Papa wants to marry you! Will you, Mommy?”
Laughing through tears, Alina hugged her tight. “Yes. Of course.”
Sergey wrapped them both in his arms. For the first time, Alina felt wholeher life finally made sense.
