In the ward, Ste’s voice wavered as she finished speaking.


    Facing Be’s stunned eyes, she mumbled an incoherent apology.


    “I’m sorry…”


    Ste’s gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet Be’s eyes.


    “I asked Matthew to help me find my biological parents.


    His investigation led him to you.


    ”


    Fearful that Be might not believe her, Steunched into a detailed recount of the events, exining how the misunderstanding about Be not being her mother had urred.


    She suddenly remembered the DNA test report in her bag.


    With shaky hands, she pulled it out.


    “You can look at our DNA test report.


    It was done by Cordell himself.


    There should be no mistake.


    ”


    Her hands trembled as she handed the report to Be.


    “If you don’t believe me, we can do it again.


    ”


    Ste’s nerves were frayed; she couldn’t recall thest time she felt this anxious.


    Be took the report and read it in silence, her thoughts swirling.


    The dream she’d had resurfaced, filling her mind with confusion.


    If the child in her dream was Ste, and Ste was indeed her daughter, then who was Kori?


    Where did she fit into this puzzle?


    Be’s face grew darker, her expression unreadable.


    Ste, noting Be’s silence, felt her initial hope ebb away, reced by a creeping chill in her heart.


    From the start, Ste had been eager to find her mother, nearly forgetting that Be might not wee this revtion.


    The sudden revtion of a daughter could indeed upend Be’s life.


    As the silence stretched on, Ste’s heart sank further.


    She began to grasp that the mother she had yearned for might not be ready to ept her.


    But she could understand.


    Be had no memory of her past.


    How could she ept a stranger iming to be her daughter?


    Despite her dreams of a joyous reunion, Ste didn’t want to impose on Be.


    Forcing a smile, Ste said softly, “It’s okay.


    I know this is a lot to take in.


    I respect your feelings.


    Just knowing you’re alive is enough for me.


    I never expected more.


    ”Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    She bit her lip, fighting to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.


    She couldn’t cry in front of Be, not now.


    Be, snapping back to reality, felt her heart break at the sight of Ste’s forced smile.


    “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Be said softly.


    After a moment’s hesitation, she continued, “I’ve liked you since the first time I saw you.


    I would be thrilled if you were indeed my biological daughter, but you must understand, that my memories of the past are nk.


    ”


    Ste’s eyes widened in surprise.


    So, Be’s silence was due to shock, not rejection?


    “I understand,” Ste said gently.


    “I know this is overwhelming.


    It doesn’t matter.


    We have time.


    And you’re undergoing treatment; your memories wille back.


    ”


    Be looked into Ste’s bright, hopeful eyes, feeling a confusing swirl of emotions.


    There was something indescribable stirring in her heart.


    Just then, the door swung open and Kristian walked in, his demeanor casual despite the charged atmosphere.


    He approached Be with a relieved smile.


    “You’re finally awake.


    ”


    Be turned to him, guilt evident in her eyes.


    “Sorry to make you worry.


    ”


    Kristian shook his head.


    “Don’t apologize.


    When I found out about the ident, I was terrified.


    It’s all my fault.


    If I hadn’t gone to buy those chocte bars, this wouldn’t have happened.


    ”


    Be shook her head.


    “It’s not your fault.


    I asked you to go…”


    Kristian let out a relieved sigh and said gently, “As long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters.


    ”


    His eyes fell on the document in Be’s hand.


    “What’s that?”


    He took a closer look, his expression shifting to surprise.


    “Is this a DNA test report? Whose is it?”