Five years had passed since that painful day when Ella was taken from Hannah's arms. Time had not erased the ache in her heart, but it had made her stronger, more determined. The police tried to find Ella but they couldn't succeed.
Hannah had built a quiet but steady life in the city, with Rachel constantly by her side. She never stopped finding and thinking about Ella, her little girl who was now seven years old. Every memory—her laugh, tiny hands, and the way she used to call "Mama"—burned in Hannah's heart, reminding her of what had been stolen.
Rachel had been her rock, offering comfort and strategy. They had been quietly saving, planning, and tracking every lead that could help them find Ella.
Meanwhile, back at David's home, life had moved on, though tension lingered beneath the surface. David and Victoria's daughter Isabelle had grown into a smart and lively nine-year-old, while Felicity, now seven, was bright, curious, and full of energy. The two girls had a close bond, though neither knew the full story of the world beyond their home.
David, despite his seemingly controlled life, often found himself restless, haunted by memories of Hannah and the child he had taken.
One warm afternoon, Hannah walked through the bustling city streets, her mind racing with every plan she had made over the years. Something—a whisper, a feeling—pulled her toward a familiar cafe. She didn't know if fate would guide her there or if it would be a dead end, but she felt the pull in her heart.
Inside the cafe, a little girl, seven years old, laughed and played with her food while her mother sat nearby. Hannah froze, her chest tightening. Something in that moment felt familiar, almost painfully so.
She whispered under her breath, tears welling in her eyes:
Ella… my little girl… I will find you.
In that instant, the five years of waiting, pain, and longing came rushing back. Hannah's journey was far from over—but hope, fragile yet undeniable, glimmered before her like a light at the end of a long tunnel.
David's phone buzzed endlessly with work updates as he prepared for a business trip to USA. His mind was occupied with meetings, contracts, and schedules, leaving little room for thoughts of the world back home. Victoria, left in charge of the household, was busy managing the home and looking for a reliable domestic worker.
Meanwhile, miles away, Hannah was scrolling through job postings, trying to find a way to survive while also keeping her eyes on any opportunity that might help her get closer to her daughter. Her heart pounded when she saw an advertisement: "Household help needed immediately—stable home environment, good pay."
Without hesitation, she made a decision.
This could be my chance… I can work, and maybe… maybe I'll hear something about her.
The next day, Hannah arrived at the large, elegant house, trying to steady her nerves. She knocked lightly on the door. Victoria opened it, looking slightly annoyed.
"Yes? Can I help you?" Victoria asked.
Hannah smiled, trying to keep her voice calm.
"I… I saw your advertisement for a household worker. I'd like to apply for the position."
Victoria's eyes scanned her quickly, sizing her up.
"Very well. Come in. I have other matters to attend to, but we can discuss your experience."
Hannah stepped inside, taking in the grandeur of the home. She had no idea whose house it truly was—the very home where her daughter lived, safe under Victoria's care. Her heart raced with an odd mix of excitement and fear, unaware that the universe was about to set the stage for a reunion she had dreamed of for five long years.
Victoria led her to a small sitting area.
"Tell me about yourself. Why should I hire you?" she asked, her voice calm but precise.
Hannah took a deep breath, her mind momentarily distracted by thoughts of Ella.
"I'm hardworking, trustworthy, and I will do my best to ensure the household runs smoothly," she said earnestly, trying to hide the fluttering of her heart.
Victoria nodded.
"Good. We'll see how it goes. If you're chosen, you start tomorrow."
Hannah left the house, still unaware that she had just stepped into the very place her daughter called home. Her chest tightened, a strange sense of destiny brushing against her heart, though she didn't know why.
Little did she know… Ella was closer than ever, just inside those walls.
Later that afternoon, Hannah met Rachel at their usual spot. Her face was bright, a rare smile breaking through the usual heaviness in her eyes.
"Rachel!" Hannah exclaimed, almost out of breath. "You won't believe it—I got the job!"
Rachel's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? That's amazing! Where?"
Hannah took a deep breath, her hands shaking slightly as she spoke.
"It's… it's a job in a big, fancy house. Everything about it is perfect for me—I'll get to work, earn a lot of money, and maybe… maybe it can even help me stay close to… certain things I care about."
Rachel smiled, feeling Hannah's hope and determination radiate.
"That's wonderful, Hannah! You deserve this. I'm so proud of you."
Hannah's eyes gleamed, a mixture of excitement and nerves swirling inside her.
"Yes… I start tomorrow. I just hope I can manage it all, Rachel… and I have a feeling… this job might change everything for me."
Rachel placed a reassuring hand on Hannah's shoulder.
"It will, Hannah. Just remember, I'm with you every step of the way. No matter what happens, we face it together."
Hannah nodded, her heart lifting. For the first time in a long while, she felt that maybe, just maybe, fate was starting to turn in her favor.