Chapter 5 A Lead from the Past

"Mom, where do we even begin... with the search?"

Nadine drew a long breath. "There was an old nurse at the hospital where I gave birth. She disappeared after that night."

"Maybe we can go back to that hospital," Steffy suggested.

"I don't have the courage yet. But if you're with me... I'll try."

Steffy nodded firmly. "We'll go tomorrow morning."

For the first time that day, Nadine smiled. It wasn't a perfect smile, but it was enough-a small light to guide them out of the darkness.

The next morning.

The sun had barely risen when two cars pulled out of the Willson residence garage. Steffy and Nadine sat side by side in the same car, dressed simply.

Hendry stood at the doorway, watching them leave with a face full of hope.

"We'll find the answers, Dad," Steffy called out before the car drove off.

She was still staying at the villa, but had come to pick Nadine up.

"Bring the truth home... and come back with peace in your hearts," Hendry replied.

The car moved forward slowly, leaving the grand house behind-for now.

Inside the car, Nadine held Steffy's hand. "No matter what we find there, I still want you in my life."

Steffy turned to her with a small smile. "I'm not going anywhere, Mom. I just want to make sure... no other girl grows up not knowing who she really is."

"What about David? Has he contacted you?" Nadine asked, curious. Since yesterday, Steffy had been focused only on uncovering the truth about her identity.

Not once had she spoken about the pain of being betrayed by her own sister.

Steffy turned, paused for a moment, then shook her head.

"No," she answered flatly. "And I'm not waiting for him either."

Nadine was surprised, but chose to stay silent. She knew that at a time like this, Steffy didn't need sympathy-only someone who could be present without asking too many questions.

"I'm hurt, Mom," Steffy continued softly, but her voice remained steady. "But that pain also made me realize... I refuse to hold on to David anymore. He belongs to a chapter I need to close."

Nadine nodded gently. "You're strong, Stef."

Steffy gave a faint smile. "I don't feel strong. But I know I can't tie myself to a past that betrayed me. The only thing I can do now is move forward."

At last, the car arrived at the hospital-the very place where their mystery had begun. The building still stood tall, though it now looked more modern with fresh paint and updated signage.

Steffy and Nadine stepped out, walking side by side through the hospital corridors. Every step carried emotional weight for Nadine-memories of that chaotic night of childbirth and a loss she had silently carried for decades.

They approached the administration desk, asking about old records and the whereabouts of Nurse Martha. But as expected, the hospital only had limited information. Martha was recorded as having resigned a few days after Steffy's birth, with no further details.

"Do you still have her last contact information?" Steffy asked.

The young receptionist shook her head. "I'm sorry, we don't keep contact details for staff who have been inactive for so long."

"This is going to be difficult..." Nadine murmured, sounding defeated.

"We still have to try, Mom."

They continued searching, walking around the hospital, hoping Nadine might recognize someone from the past.

But as Steffy turned into one of the corridors, her steps suddenly halted.

A man was walking from the opposite direction, dressed in a long white doctor's coat. His eyes were focused on the file in his hands, unaware of Steffy standing right in front of him.

Steffy recognized him instantly. The sharp jawline, the tall frame-everything matched the man whose car she had hit a few days ago.

"Daniel?" she called out, almost in disbelief.

The man looked up, surprised to see her.

"Oh... you?"

Steffy let out a small laugh, though her face still showed disbelief. "We meet again. The world is really small, huh?"

Daniel-who turned out to be not just an SUV owner, but also a doctor-smiled faintly. "Very small, apparently. Are you feeling better?"

Steffy nodded. "Yes, much better now. I'm sorry about the other day... why haven't you sent me the repair bill for your car?"

Daniel raised a hand, gently refusing. "No need to worry about it. It wasn't serious damage, and you weren't well. Besides... I'm a doctor. I'd rather treat people than chase repair payments."

Steffy paused. His words were light, but warm. They made her feel... appreciated.

"Still, I feel bad," Steffy said. "At least let me transfer the cost. Or treat you to coffee?"

Daniel chuckled softly. "Alright. Then I'll choose coffee. But not now-I still have patients waiting."

Steffy smiled. "Another time, then."

Daniel looked at her for a moment, his gaze observant yet gentle. "You seem much calmer today."

"I'm looking for something in this hospital. And maybe... finding the answer is making me feel a little better."

Daniel nodded slowly, as if he understood. "If you need help around here, maybe I can assist. What are you looking for?"

"Oh, I almost forgot-this is my mother, Nadine Willson," Steffy said. "We're looking for a nurse who assisted during my birth. Nurse Martha. Have you ever heard of her?"

Even though the chances were small, Steffy still tried.

"Nurse Martha? Wait a moment..." Daniel pulled out his phone from his coat pocket. "Is this the woman you mean?"