Aliana's POV
"Michael, I need to talk to him," I murmur to myself as I stand hidden in the shadow of the park's ancient oak tree. The evening air is cool, but my heart feels unbearably heavy. I watch Ethan playing on the swings, his laughter echoing like a ghost of our lost past. He is the stolen triplet—the one Sarah took away from me. Yet, as I peer from a distance, I see a little boy who still carries traces of the child I once cradled in my arms.
I take a deep breath and whisper to myself, "Ethan, if only you knew the truth..." My voice is barely audible, filled with both longing and sorrow.
Before I can collect my thoughts further, a soft voice calls out, "Aliana?" I jump slightly, startled. I turn to see my friend and confidante, Marianne, approaching me cautiously.
"Marianne, please, I can't—" I begin, but she cuts in gently, "I know how hard this is for you. But you need to speak with him. You need to tell him who he really is." Her eyes are kind, urging me forward even though I am not sure I am ready.
I sigh, "I know, but every time I get close, my heart shatters a little more. Ethan thinks Sarah is his mother. How do I even start explaining that everything he's known is a lie?" My words tremble with uncertainty.
Marianne places a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Maybe start by telling him that you once cared for him, that you loved him as your own. That might open a door for him to hear more." Her suggestion offers a sliver of hope, yet my mind races with doubts.
Just then, my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I see a message from Lucas:
"Be cautious. Sarah is on high alert today."
I swallow hard, knowing that every step I take now could push Sarah closer to her schemes.
I decide to step a bit closer to Ethan, still keeping a safe distance. "Ethan," I call softly, my voice almost lost in the rustling of leaves. The boy stops swinging, his eyes widening as he looks in my direction. His innocent gaze is filled with curiosity, but also a tinge of confusion.
"Who are you?" he asks, his voice small and hesitant.
"I... I'm someone who cares about you," I reply, struggling to keep my tone gentle and sincere. "I want to tell you something very important."
Ethan glances over his shoulder, clearly conflicted by his feelings. "But Mama says I'm safe here."
A pang of pain shoots through me at the mention of Sarah. "I know, sweet boy, but sometimes things aren't as they seem. Sometimes the people we think we know hide secrets." I pause, my eyes locking with his, hoping he might understand even a fraction of the truth. "I was there when you were born, Ethan. I loved you so much, and it breaks my heart to see you confused."
His small face scrunches in worry, and he takes a hesitant step forward. "But why didn't Mama tell me?" he asks, his tone a mix of curiosity and hurt.
Before I can answer, the sound of approaching footsteps makes my blood run cold. I turn sharply, and there she is—Sarah. She stands just a few paces away, her eyes narrowing as she surveys the scene. A look of pure shock and anger spreads across her face as she spots me talking to Ethan.
"Aliana!" Sarah's voice is cold, slicing through the quiet evening air like a knife. Her tone is both accusatory and desperate, as if trying to reclaim the moment that is slipping from her grasp.
Ethan jumps back, clutching his small arms to his chest. "Mama, what's happening?" he asks, his voice trembling. I see his innocent eyes dart between Sarah and me, filled with fear and confusion.
I step back slightly, my heart pounding fiercely. "Ethan, listen to me," I say in a soft but urgent tone, "I need you to trust me just this once. I want to tell you the truth about who you really are."
Sarah steps forward, her expression a mask of controlled fury. "No, Aliana, you must leave him alone! He belongs with me. You have no right to speak to him." Her words are harsh, but there is a hint of panic lurking behind them.
Marianne, who has been silently watching from a distance, moves closer and gently places herself between Sarah and me. "Sarah, please," Marianne pleads, "there's no need for this confrontation here. Let's talk calmly."
But Sarah shakes her head vehemently. "Calmly? There's nothing calm about this. Ethan is safe with me, and you are only bringing pain!" Her eyes flash dangerously as she looks directly at me.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "Sarah, listen to me. This boy deserves to know the truth. He deserves to know that he is loved—by me, and by the family he was meant to have." My voice wavers, filled with both sorrow and determination.
Ethan's eyes fill with tears as he whispers, "I don't understand."
I move a bit closer, lowering my voice, "I know it's hard, Ethan, but sometimes grown-ups make mistakes. I want to help fix them. I want you to know who you really are, and I want you to be happy."
At that moment, Sarah's eyes harden, and she takes a step forward with a look of pure defiance. "Enough!" she shouts, her voice echoing through the park. "Aliana, you have crossed the line. Stay away from my son!"
The tension is thick as the cool evening air. I stand frozen, my heart aching with a mix of hope and dread. Ethan's eyes are wide with fear, and Marianne reaches out as if to protect him. Meanwhile, Sarah's rage intensifies, and I can see that this confrontation is far from over.
And just as I muster the courage to take another step toward Ethan, Sarah's hand clamps down on my arm, her grip firm and unyielding. Her eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that chills me to the core, and she hisses, "You're not going anywhere."