FIFTEEN YEARS LATER

Fifteen years had passed since the night two babies had been switched in a hospital ward. The memory had almost disappeared from everyone's mind.

For the Sterling family, life had become everything Victoria had dreamed it would be. Their mansion stood behind tall iron gates, surrounded by perfectly trimmed gardens and a long driveway that seemed to stretch forever. Richard Sterling's businesses had expanded over the years, making the family one of the most influential in the city. Victoria had also built a successful career of her own.

Their eldest son, Ellis, was away at college, studying at one of the most prestigious universities in the country, and their youngest child, Kiara, was fifteen. At least, that was what everyone believed.

"Kiara!" Victoria's voice echoed through the enormous house. "You're going to be late!"

"I'm coming!" A teenage girl hurried down the staircase. She wore a perfectly pressed school uniform, expensive shoes, and a designer backpack hanging over one shoulder.

Kiara Sterling.

To everyone who knew her, she was the perfect rich man's daughter. Beautiful, confident, spoiled and completely aware of her family's status. She stopped halfway down the staircase and checked her reflection in the mirror. "Does my hair look okay?"

Victoria smiled. "You look beautiful."

Kiara grinned. "I know."

Victoria laughed. "You really are your father's daughter."

Kiara walked toward the dining room, where breakfast had already been prepared. Richard was reading something on his tablet. "Good morning, Dad."

"Morning, princess."

Kiara kissed his cheek before sitting down.

Victoria walked in carrying a cup of coffee. Kiara immediately started talking about school. She complained about a teacher, laughed about something one of her friends had said, and spent several minutes discussing the upcoming school event. Victoria listened patiently. She loved her daughter more than anything. She had no reason to question the life she had built.

Across the city, another fifteen-year-old girl was preparing for school.

Ivy Santos.

Her life could not have been more different. The small house she lived in was cramped and poorly maintained. There was barely enough food in the kitchen, and the electricity had been disconnected twice that month because Thomas had failed to pay the bill. Ivy stood in front of a cracked mirror, adjusting the collar of her old school uniform.

"Mom?"

Maria looked up from the kitchen. "Yes?"

"Do we have enough money for my school fees?" Maria became quiet. Ivy immediately understood the answer. "It's okay," she said quickly. "I'll manage."

Maria's eyes filled with guilt. "I promise I'll find something."

"You always say that."

"I know." Maria walked toward her daughter and gently touched her face. "I'm sorry, Ivy."

Ivy forced a smile. "Don't be."

A loud noise suddenly came from the living room. Thomas had been awake since early morning. He sat on an old sofa, staring at the television while holding a cup of coffee. His life had deteriorated over the years. After the baby switch, he had eventually quit his job at the hospital and never found another stable job. Gambling had become his escape instead and now, most of the money he earned or borrowed disappeared into betting.

Thomas looked toward Ivy. His expression immediately hardened. "Why are you still standing there?"

Ivy lowered her eyes. "I'm getting ready for school."

"Then hurry up."

Maria stepped between them. "Thomas, she's already ready."

Thomas scoffed. "Always defending her."

Ivy said nothing. She had learned not to argue with him. Thomas had never treated her like a daughter. He had never hugged her, never celebrated her achievements or looked proud when she did well in school and Ivy had spent years wondering why. She had convinced herself that maybe she simply wasn't good enough but she simply didn't know the truth.

At the Sterling mansion, Victoria was having a completely different problem. They needed a help. Her work schedule had become exhausting, and Richard was also spending longer hours at the office. With Ellis away at college and Kiara busy with school, the house was becoming difficult to manage.

One evening, Victoria sat across from Richard at the dining table. "I think we need someone to help around the house."

Richard nodded. "I agree."

"Someone who can also help with Kiara when we're both working late."

"Then find someone reliable."

Victoria sighed, "I'll put out an advertisement tomorrow."

Two days later, Maria saw the advertisement. She read it several times. A live-in housekeeper. Good salary, accommodation included and she knew she had to apply.

That evening, she showed the advertisement to Thomas. "I think I found a job."

Thomas barely looked away from the television. "Where?" She handed him the paper.

"The Sterling residence."

The moment Thomas saw the name, his entire expression changed. "The Sterling family?"

Maria nodded. "Yes."

Thomas sat upright. "When do you start?"

"I haven't even been interviewed yet."

"Go."

Maria stared at him. "That's all?"

He stood up, "I'll drive you there myself."

Maria looked at him surprisingly, "You?"

"Yes." Thomas forced a smile. "I'll make sure you get there safely."

But there was another reason. A reason Maria knew nothing about and tomorrow, for the first time in fifteen years, he was going to see the daughter he had given away. The daughter who believed Victoria and Richard Sterling were her parents. The daughter who was actually meant to be Ivy Santos.

For the first time in fifteen years, Thomas would stand face to face with the child he had stolen from another family. He had no idea that fate was about to make him pay for every decision he had made that night.