?Chapter 17:


    Sharon’s words hit Katelyn with the force of a storm. “Our daughter is Lise Cooper.”


    The revtion echoed in Katelyn’s ears, sending shock through her system.


    Her pupils narrowed as her voice shook involuntarily. “What did you just say?” Katelyn gasped, disbelief contorting her features.


    Could it truly be Lise? How was this possible?


    Suddenly, the surreal nature of the situation struck her. She felt like a mere puppet in a farcical y.


    In this twisted scenario, she realized she had inadvertently taken Lise’s lover, Neil, as well as her ce in what she thought was her own family.


    Sharon, watching Katelyn’s color drain, clenched her teeth in frustration.


    “Yes, Lise is my daughter. You’ve unwittingly made her suffer greatly. I’m filled with regret on her behalf.”


    Overwhelmed, Katelyn was speechless, her heartache evident in her tear-filled eyes.


    Sharon’s usations felt like a surreal nightmare to Katelyn.


    As Sharon’s resentment deepened, she red at Katelyn and dered harshly, “You’ve usurped my daughter’s life for years. There will be repercussions.”


    Jeff, witnessing the scene, felt aplex mix of emotions. Who could have imagined such a turn of events?


    Despite the turmoil, watching Katelyn tremble reminded him of the deep bond they had shared over the years, despite the revtions.


    With a sense of urgency, he gently pulled Sharon aside and urged, “Let’s not dwell on this now. We need to find Lise and bring her home.”


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    Sharon dered with resolve, “Yes, we must bring her home and announce to the world that she’s our real daughter. We owe her so much, and I intend to make amends.”


    With a scornful look at Katelyn, she added derisively, “As for you, the imposter, you no longer have any ce in the Bailey family.”


    Katelyn’s heart sank with each word, her fists clenched in a mixture of anger and despair.


    “I understand,” she whispered hoarsely.


    Jeff, gripping Sharon’s arm, quickly led her from the room, urging, “Let’s hurry and get Lise. She’s still in the dark about everything.”


    Despite his frustration with the situation, Jeff remainedposed, aware of Katelyn’s innocence.


    Though neither was at fault, Jeff and Sharon needed someone to me, and Katelyn ended up bearing the brunt of their misced anger.


    Following her husband out, Sharon dered loudly, “We will throw a grand banquet in her honor once she’s home, and the new will be hers.”


    Jeff agreed enthusiastically, “Absolutely, it must be avish celebration.”


    They reveled in the anticipation of reuniting with their daughter, disregarding Katelyn’s feelings.


    Katelyn, overwhelmed by the absurdity of her situation, felt powerless to protest.


    In the whirlwind of betrayal by her husband and the revtion about her parents, Katelyn was emotionally and physically drained.


    Before she could even catch her breath, Sharon reappeared, her look one of disdain.


    “Since you’re divorcing Neil, you should stay away from him. That marriage was never yours to im. It belongs to Lise.”


    Katelyn stared in disbelief, hurt by Sharon’s harsh words and cold demeanor—once her mother, now seemingly her adversary.


    Jeff, standing by, added sternly, “You’re cruel, Katelyn. All of this rightfully belongs to Lise. We must do right by her.”


    Katelyn slumped against the bed, her voice filled with grief. “What about all the years we spent as a family?”


    It had only been less than thirty minutes since her world had turned upside down.


    Since the revealing phone call, Jeff and Sharon’s demeanor toward Katelyn had shifted dramatically. The bond they had nurtured over decades seemed insignificantpared to the DNA test results.


    Sharon, with palpable contempt, eximed, “Bah! How can you even mention that? To think I devoted all my years to someone who wasn’t my child. I grieve the time spent, all while my true daughter suffered.”


    Katelyn’s eyes welled up with pain, her heart aching more intensely.


    She harbored no resentment towards others, resigning herself to what she perceived as her deserved fate. She felt as though she was now facing divine retribution. “Let’s go…”


    “Get Lise! Hurry!” Jeff interjected, his voice urgent. The mention of Lise brought a sudden gleam of joy to Sharon’s face, her earlier bitterness momentarily forgotten.


    “Hurry! I can’t wait to see her!” Sharon eximed with a bright smile.


    As the Baileys hurriedly left the room, Katelyn watched them depart, her despair deepening.


    In a startling moment, overwhelmed by the emotional turmoil, Katelyn suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood.


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