The truth that was hidden

The taxi rolled to a stop in front of Rosewood Orphanage, the old brick walls standing just as Isabella remembered. Her chest tightened with both fear and relief—after all these years, she was finally back.

Before she could even steady herself to step out, the front doors flew open. Lilian came rushing out, her long hair flying, her eyes wide with joy.

“Isabella!” she cried. Without slowing down, she threw herself into Isabella’s arms, hugging her so tightly Isabella almost lost her breath.

“I’ve missed you, sis,” Lilian whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Isabella smiled softly, gently pulling away to turn and pay the taxi driver. The car drove off, leaving behind the dusty road and the smell of old memories. She hugged Lilian again, this time holding her just as tight.

“I missed you too.”

Lilian took hold of the suitcase immediately, refusing to let Isabella carry it. Together they walked inside, and the moment the children saw her, they swarmed around.

“Welcome back, Isabella!”

“Isabella’s here!”

Tiny hands tugged at her dress, laughter and warm voices filling the air. For the first time in years, Isabella felt wanted—like she belonged somewhere.

Lilian’s eyes sparkled with joy as she watched her. “It’s like nothing’s changed.”

Isabella smiled faintly before turning serious. “Where’s the matron? Mrs. Clerk?”

At that, Lilian paused. Her smile faltered for just a second before she forced it back.

“It’s… a long story. First, you need to sit down and relax. Then we’ll talk.”

A few minutes later, the two of them sat in the small bedroom they used to share. The walls hadn’t changed—the same faded paint, the same wooden beds. Isabella sat quietly, lost in thought, until Lilian moved closer and took her hands.

“Isabella… promise me something,” Lilian said softly. “No matter what I’m about to say, it won’t change our bond.”

Isabella frowned, puzzled, but nodded. “You’re scaring me, Lilian. Just say it.”

Lilian’s lips trembled before she spoke. “Mrs. Clerk was arrested.”

“What?” Isabella’s eyes widened. “Why? What happened?”

Lilian took a deep breath. “The police came here. They said she was part of… switching children at birth. She worked as a nurse in a hospital before she became matron here.”

Isabella blinked, stunned. “Swapping children? That’s ridiculous.” She let out a nervous laugh. “Are you playing some kind of prank on me?”

But Lilian’s face stayed solemn. She shook her head. “No, sissy. It’s the truth. And it was discovered that the hospital she worked in… has been doing it for years.”

Isabella’s heart pounded. “You’re telling me we were part of that?”

Lilian nodded. “Yes. Mrs. Clerk confessed she and a doctor were paid to do it. She wouldn’t reveal who gave the orders… but she admitted that we’re from the Sinclair family.”

Isabella stared at her blankly, her voice rising in disbelief. “What the heck is that supposed to mean?”

“It means…” Lilian’s voice broke. “We’re not real twins. We’re cousins. The Sinclairs are your blood. Not Richard. Not Clarissa. Not Damien. Them.”

Isabella sat frozen, confusion and anger swirling inside her. She clutched Lilian’s hands tighter. “Sissy… did you drink something? This can’t be real.”

Lilian shook her head gently. “I’d never lie to you.”

Her words cut deeper than any blade. Isabella could feel her world unraveling.

“And there’s more,” Lilian whispered. “We have a new matron now. She told me… the Sinclairs will be coming to pick us up tomorrow.”

Isabella’s voice cracked. “Wait. Are you saying Richard wasn’t my real dad? And you’re not my sister, but my cousin? And I— I have a twin somewhere out there that isn’t you?”

Lilian nodded sadly. “Yes.”

Isabella’s grip on her arms tightened. “What else did Mrs. Clerk say?”

Lilian’s eyes filled with sorrow. “She never had the chance to say more. She committed suicide before they could interrogate her again.”

The room grew cold. Isabella’s lips parted in shock, no words escaping.

“And the doctor?” she finally whispered.

“He’s still out there,” Lilian said quietly. “On the run. The police haven’t caught him yet.”

Isabella sat back slowly, her pulse racing, her world collapsing piece by piece. Everything she thought she knew—her family, her past, her very identity—was all a lie.

Lilian’s voice softened after a long silence. “Tell me… what happened with you all these years?”

Isabella let out a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping. “Nothing but torture from my so-called parents. They made me work like a servant—cleaning, cooking, running errands. If something went wrong, I was the one to blame. I wasn’t their daughter, Lilian. I was their maid.”

Lilian’s eyes shimmered with tears as she squeezed Isabella’s hands. “I told you not to go back with them that day. I begged you…”

Isabella smiled sadly, her eyes moist. “I know. I wish I had listened to you, Lilian. If I had, maybe things would have been different.” She lowered her gaze, her voice breaking. “And I’m sorry… I’m sorry I left you behind.”

Lilian shook her head quickly, pulling Isabella into another hug. “Don’t say that. We both suffered in different ways. But at least now… we’re together again.”

For the first time in years, Isabella allowed herself to rest her head against Lilian’s shoulder, the weight of her pain shared with the only person who had ever truly loved her.

Just as the two girls sat quietly, soaking in the comfort of finally being together again, a soft knock came at the door.

Before either of them could answer, the door opened and the new matron stepped inside, her face glowing with a warm smile.

“Welcome back, Ms. Sinclair,” she said gently.

Isabella blinked, caught off guard by the title, but managed a small, polite smile in return.

The matron’s smile widened as she clasped her hands together. “You came back at just the right time. Your departure will be tomorrow… to your new home.”

Lilian and Isabella exchanged startled glances before blurting out in unison, “What is the place like?”

The matron’s eyes twinkled mysteriously. She simply tilted her head and replied with a knowing smile, “You’ll see for yourself.”

The room fell into silence, but Isabella’s heart began to race. For the first time in her life, her future was uncertain—but it was no longer in Richard’s hands.