Chapter 173
Ethan’s POV:
I pushed open the door to my apartment, fatigue weighing heavily on
my shoulders.
ہے
The living room lights were dimmed, creating long shadows across
the hardwood floors.
Daisy sat alone on the cream–colored sofa.
She looked up when she heard me enter, her face immediately
brightening with a smile.
“Ethan!” She jumped up, setting her phone aside.
“I was getting worried. How did the investigation go today?”
I studied her face, searching for any sign of guilt or remorse. There
was none.
My stomach tightened as I realized how’deliberately she was
performing.
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“It was… informative,” I said carefully, setting my briefcase down on
the glass coffee table with a soft thud.
“Really?” Daisy clasped her hands together, her eyes wide with
apparent interest.
Inside that briefcase was the evidence of her betrayal–the hair
sample she had switched.
To be absolutely certain before confronting her, I’d had the sample
tested earlier today.
The lab confirmed it: this was unquestionably Daisy’s hair.
“I have something right here.”
I unlatched the briefcase and pulled out a small, sealed plastic bag
containing a single strand of hair.
“I’m planning to take this for DNA testing tomorrow.”
I expected her to stop me and confess to me.
Daisy’s eyes flickered to the bag, and I caught the momentary tension
in her shoulders before she forced another smile.
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“That’s wonderful news, Ethan! I really hope you find her.”
She reached out to squeeze my arm, her touch light and tentative.
“I know how much this means to you.”
I placed the bag on the coffee table between us, creating a physical
manifestation of the lie that now stood between us.
“You know, Daisy,” I began, keeping my voice conversational, “family
is about trust, isn’t it?”
She nodded enthusiastically.
“Absolutely! And I want you to know that when–if you find your
sister, I’ll welcome her with open arms.”
Her voice took on a practiced sincerity.
“I’m sure we’ll get along wonderfully.”
I leaned back in my chair, giving her one last chance,
“Is there anything you want to tell me, Daisy? Anything at all?”
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For a split second, I thought I saw uncertainty flicker across her face.
But then she shook her head, her blonde hair swinging gently.
“No, nothing I can think of. Why do you ask?”
The last thread of hope I’d been clinging to snapped.
With slowness, I picked up the sealed bag and slammed it down on
the glass table hard enough that Daisy flinched.
My voice was quiet but firm. “Daisy, did you switch the samples?”
Her face froze, the carefully constructed expression of support
cracking at the edges.
“I–I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she stammered, but the
tremor in her voice betrayed her.
“Don’t.” I rub my forehead. “I already know the truth.
I leaned forward. “More importantly, I already confirmed that Audrey
is my sister. We did the blood test today.”
The mask shattered completely.
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Daisy’s face contorted with anger and fear, her performance
abandoned.
“What did you expect me to do?” she snapped, her voice rising.
“Just sit back and watch while you replaced me? You have no idea
what it feels like!”
She stood up abruptly, her hands clenched into fists.
“What right do you have to judge me? For over twenty years, I’ve been
a Cole. Twenty years, Ethan! And now you want to bring in some stranger and give her an equal share of everything that’s been mine
alone?”
Her eyes glistened with tears, but there was more rage than sorrow in
them.
“Does blood really matter more than twenty years of being your
sister? Does it?”
The accusation stung, but I refused to let her twist this around.
I rose to my feet, straightening my spine.
“This isn’t about replacing you, Daisy. This was never about that.”
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My voice remained steady, though it took considerable effort.
“This is about your deliberate deception. You betrayed my trust.”
“I was scared!” she shouted. Wouldn’t you be? Everything I am is tied
to being a Cole. It’s my identity, my entire life!”
“Daisy, I’ve told you countless times that nothing could change
between us,” I countered, frustration creeping into my voice.
“How many times did I need to say it for you to believe me?”
She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head.
“Those were just pretty words, Ethan. Empty promises to keep me
calm and cooperative.”
Her eyes narrowed accusingly.
“Once your real sister comes back, I’ll fade into the background.
Everyone will know it. I’m the temporary replacement.”
I shook my head, a deep weariness settling in my bones.
“I’ve contacted the art institute in Paris,” I said, my voice growing
cold. “You’ll be leaving next week.”
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Her face paled. “What?”
I turned toward the hallway, unable to look at her devastated
expression any longer.
“I’ve enabled you for too long,” I said.“It’s time you learned to reflect
and grow on your own.”
U
“Ethan, wait!”
Her voice cracked. “Please, you can’t do this!”
I had taken only a few steps when I felt her collapse behind me.
I turned to find her on her knees, mascara–stained tears streaming
down her face as she grabbed desperately at the hem of my pants.
“Please don’t send me away,” she sobbed, all pretense gone.
“I made a mistake! I was just afraid of losing everyone’s love…”
Her shoulders shook with each ragged breath.
“I promise I’ll never do anything like this again. Please…”
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Looking down at her tear–streaked face, I felt a complicated mixture
of pity and exhaustion.
“Get up, Daisy,” I said quietly. “This isn’t helping either of us.”
But she only gripped my leg tighter, her tears soaking through the
fabric of my pants.
I sighed deeply, my resolve softening slightly at the sight of her
genuine distress.
“I’m not making any permanent decisions tonight. We’ll wait until
Mom and Dad come, and we’ll figure this out as a family.”
Her sobbing quieted as she looked up, hope flickering in her red-
rimmed eyes.
“Until then,” I continued, my tone firmer, “you’ll stay home and think
about what you’ve done.”
I gently disengaged her hands from my pants.
“This isn’t just about me or Audrey–it’s about who you are
becoming.”
