Autumn in Boston is brief. On an October afternoon, as the cold wind began to scatter the leaves of the street trees, Emily Watson, a nurse at Central Hospital, was about to finish her long night shift. After checking her patients charts one last time and handing over to the next shift's nurse, she headed for the locker room.
"Another tough day, Emily," said Jennifer, a senior nurse. "Any plans for the weekend? spending time with family.
Emily smiled and shook her head. "No, my mother and sister are going shopping in New York tomorrow. I'll be at home battling a mountain of laundry.
You always seem to take on all the housework," Jennifer said with sympathetic eyes. "Don't you ever take some time for yourself? " "It's fine.
I'm used to it," Emily shrugged. She didn't say it out loud, but caring for her family had become her habit. In the Watson household, it was taken for granted that Emily would handle most of the chores.
Emily left the hospital and returned to her lonely apartment building. Her apartment was modest but kept clean. The refrigerator was adorned with many postcards from her father, held up by magnets.
London, Paris, Rome, and names of cities marking his work travels. Thomas Watson was an executive at a large trading company and traveled overseas frequently. He had a calm and rational personality, but he had always regarded Emily as special.
When Emily decided to become a nurse, he was the only one who supported his daughter's decision. The phone rang and Emily hurried to answer it. It was her mother, Martha.
Emily, do you remember the dinner party tomorrow? Kate's designer friend is coming, so be back by 6. Yes, I remember.
Have you finished the shopping? Oh, well, Martha said awkwardly. Kate and I decided to go shopping in New York tomorrow afternoon.
We'll be back by evening, but could you take care of the shopping and dinner preparations? Emily suppressed a sigh. All right, I've taken time off, so it's fine.
Thank you as always, Emily. You're always so dependable, Martha said. Since you're a nurse and independent, these things are no problem for you.
Kate is still establishing her career, so networking is important for her. After hanging up, Emily sank into the sofa. Her sister Kate worked as a freelance interior designer.
Talented, charming, and sociable, Kate was her parents' favorite. Her mother in particular showed strong interest in her daughter's social success. Emily's cell phone rang.
Looking at the screen, she saw it was a video call from her father. Emily, how are you? Thomas's face appeared on the screen.
He seemed to be calling from a hotel room. I'm fine, Dad. Where are you now?
Paris. Planning to fly to Brussels tomorrow. Thomas showed a tired expression but smiled.
A new project has started. It looks like I'll be on an extended trip in Europe. How long?
Emily asked worriedly. About 3 months, I'd say, Thomas said apologetically. I'm sorry.
I won't make it back for your birthday. Don't worry about it. Is work difficult?
Yes, but I'll definitely call you. Thomas's expression became serious. Emily, contact me right away if anything happens.
Anytime is fine. I understand, Emily smiled. Her father's kindness warmed her heart.
And please look after Martha and Kate, too. They'd be lost without you, Thomas said jokingly. But there was truth in his words.
Of course, as always, Emily answered lightly. The following week, Thomas departed for Europe. Emily returned to her busy routine, alternating night and day shifts.
At home, housework for her mother and sister always awaited her. Her presence was taken for granted, and her efforts were rarely acknowledged. Then came the fateful day.
On a cold, rainy evening in early November, Emily was leaving the hospital after finishing her night shift. As she was crossing an intersection with her exhausted body, a large truck that should have stopped at the red light came skidding toward her. With the impact came darkness.
Emily's consciousness returned intermittently. It felt like being underwater. People were bustling around her and voices could be heard from a distance.
The emergency room at Central Hospital was filled with tension. The medical staff worked as one to save the life of their colleague, Emily Watson. It's Watson.
She was on her way home after the night shift. Dr Martin, the emergency department chief, exclaimed upon recognizing her. Contact her family.
From Emily's personal file, her mother Martha's phone number was found as the emergency contact. A young nurse dialed the number with trembling hands. outside.
It was still dark before dawn. Hello, Mr. Watson.
This is the emergency department at Central Hospital. Your daughter Emily has been in a traffic accident. On the other end, Martha answered in a sleepy voice.
Emily, what happened? She's in critical condition. Could you come to the hospital right away?
After a moment of silence, an unexpected reply came back. I'm out walking my sister's dog right now, so I can't. Perhaps I can come in the afternoon.
" The young nurse listened in disbelief and asked again. "Ma'am, your daughter is in a very dangerous condition. She has multiple traumas and is bleeding.
Could you please come right now? I told you I can't right now. " Martha's voice contained irritation.
Kate's poodle is on a strict schedule. Besides, Kate and I have plans to go to New York this afternoon. The call ended.
The young nurse was dumbfounded. She reported the situation to Dr Martin. The doctor frowned, but treating the patient was the priority now.
Let's try calling again later. For now, let's focus on saving her life. Emily was taken to the emergency operating room.
Internal ruptures, multiple fractures, head trauma. Her condition was deteriorating by the minute. The surgery lasted 6 hours.
By the time it ended, it was already past noon. Dr Martin called Martha again. This time, he explained the situation in a stern tone.
Mr. Watson, your daughter's condition is extremely critical. She has multiple fractures, internal injuries, and brain edema.
I strongly recommend that you come as soon as possible. I understand, Martha replied curtly. But there was no further response.
Emily was moved to the ICU. Only machines and four stands surrounded her bed. There was no sign of family.
Instead, her fellow nurses took turns sitting by her bedside, holding her hand. Emily, can you hear me? We're here with you.
" Jennifer whispered in her ear. "Hang on. " "You can definitely overcome this.
" As the night deepened, Martha and Kate still hadn't appeared. Someone suggested contacting Thomas in Europe, but his number wasn't listed in the emergency contacts registered by Martha. Emily's cell phone had been shattered along with her bag at the accident scene.
On the afternoon of the second day, Martha and Kate finally showed up at the hospital. The two were carrying designer brand shopping bags and looked displeased with the ICU's visiting restrictions. Only 15 minutes.
You must be joking. We came all the way back from New York. Kate complained to the nurse.
Martha and Kate put on protective clothing and were guided to Emily's bedside accompanied by Jennifer. Emily was connected to a ventilator. her swollen face covered with purple bruises.
Her body was surrounded by medical equipment attached at various points. "Oh, what a troublesome child," Martha sighed. She stood at the edge of the bed without touching Emily's hand.
"Don't tell your father. It will only worry him. " "Honey, get better soon," Martha said coldly.
"We don't have time to take care of you. " Kate looked at her phone screen and said, "Let's go back soon, Mom. We'll be late for dinner with Jeff.
" Before 15 minutes had passed, the two left the room. Jennifer, trembling with anger but suppressing her emotions as a professional, continued to care for Emily. In her fading consciousness, Emily had heard fragments of her mother and sister's conversation.
Her heart froze not from the pain, but from the cold reality. In the midst of this, a question formed in her mind. Why hadn't her father contacted her?
If he knew the situation, he would surely come running. The third, fourth days passed. Emily's condition fluctuated.
Her colleagues continued to care for her devotedly, sitting by her side between shifts. Martha and Kate never showed up again. On the evening of the fifth day, Emily's consciousness returned slightly.
She called out in a horse voice, "Papa. " Jennifer, who was in the room, gripped her hand tightly, "Emily, can you hear me? Move your finger.
" Emily moved her finger slightly. It was enough to make Jennifer cry. "Thank goodness.
Thank goodness. " Jennifer gently kissed her forehead. "We're trying to contact your father, but he's overseas.
" Emily closed her eyes again. However, her brain was gradually regaining function. She tried to understand the situation from the fragmentaryary conversations she heard.
Why was there no contact from her father? Why hadn't her mother and sister informed him? By the seventh day, Emily's condition miraculously began to stabilize.
She could breathe without the ventilator for short periods, and her consciousness became clearer. The doctors were amazed at her resilience. "Nurses are tough," Dr Martin said, delighted with her recovery.
"Your recovery is a medical miracle," Emily. Emily asked Jennifer for paper and pen. With a shaking hand, she wrote one question.
"Contact Dad. " Jennifer showed a troubled expression. "Your mother said to keep it from your father, but of course, we should contact him.
Do you have his contact information? Emily nodded weakly and tried to write a number on another piece of paper. However, her body was still weak and the pen slipped from her hand.
Instead, she wrote, "Dad's company. " Jennifer nodded in understanding. "I see.
" Thomas Watson, European branch manager of Global Trading Company. I'll try to find him. Emily squeezed Jennifer<unk>'s hand, conveying her gratitude.
In her mind, her mother's words, "Don't tell your father," kept repeating. "Why didn't her mother want to inform her father? There must be some hidden reason.
" And Emily made a decision. She had the right to know, and her father had the right to know the truth. While pushing her weak body, she began to formulate a plan.
On the morning of the 8th day after the accident, the Boston sky was covered with lead and clouds. A luxury SUV slid into the central hospital parking lot and Martha and Kate got out. "The two headed for the hospital entrance, showing the fatigue from last night's party on their faces.
"Let's get this over with quickly," Martha said. "We need to make it to our spa appointment this afternoon. Why does Emily always cause problems?
" Kate sighed. Dad's coming back the day after tomorrow and we're in this situation. Martha's face tightened.
I haven't told your father about the accident. I told him she's been in bed for a few days with a simple cold. But what if dad tries to call Emily directly?
Emily's cell phone was destroyed in the accident. Besides, Dad thinks Emily is busy with night shifts, so he won't think it's strange if he can't reach her. Martha replied.
Anyway, today let's tell her e dad's worried about you, too, and leave quickly. The two approached a nurse at the ICU entrance. We're here to visit Emily Watson.
The nurse checked the chart and showed a slightly confused expression. Mr. Watson, this way, please.
Martha and Kate followed the nurse, unaware of anything a miss. The solemn atmosphere of the ICU enveloped them. In other rooms, family members were praying, encouraging, and sometimes crying at patients bedsides.
However, no such emotions were visible on their faces. The nurse stopped in front of a bed by the window. As the curtain was opened, Martha gasped at the site.
The bed was empty. The sheets were neatly made, and the four stand and heart monitor had been removed. Emily was nowhere to be seen.
"Has she been transferred somewhere? " Martha asked the nurse. Her voice contained more displeasure than surprise.
The nurse answered calmly, "No, she's been discharged. " "Discharged? " Kate exclaimed.
"But wasn't she in critical condition. " Ms. Watson's recovery was remarkable, the nurse explained.
Though she was in a dangerous state for a while, with her strong will and resilience, she was given permission to leave last night. "But where did she go? " Martha asked in a confused voice.
"She hasn't come home. " "I'm sorry, but I cannot answer questions regarding the patients privacy," the nurse said politely. Martha couldn't hide her irritation.
"I'm her mother. I have a right to know. " Oh, mom, look.
Kate pointed at the bed. There's something there. In the center of the bed lay a white envelope.
On the surface for Martha Watson was written in careful handwriting. Martha quickly took the envelope and pulled out a memo paper. As her eyes followed the text, the color drained from her face.
Mom, what's wrong? Kate felt uneasy at her mother's change. Martha's hands began to tremble.
She sat down on the edge of the bed and began to read in a shaking voice. To Martha, if you're reading this, you've finally come to the hospital. It's been 8 days since the accident.
In an accident at an intersection after my night shift, I nearly died. Even when the doctor said, "Tonight is critical," you said, "I'm walking my sister's dog, so I can't come. " Martha's voice broke.
Kate sat down next to her and peered at the memo. Even while I was unconscious, you only came to visit once. During that one visit, you said, "Don't tell your father.
" "Why? Why didn't you tell dad? " Kate looked at her mother.
"Mom, this is" Martha continued reading, biting her lip. I wondered why dad wasn't contacting me. he would surely be worried.
Then I realized the truth. You hadn't told him. Martha's face turned pale and her hands shook more violently.
But that was just the tip of the iceberg. As I began to regain consciousness, I asked Jennifer to contact Dad's company. Then a surprising fact came to light.
Dad wasn't in Europe, but in Asia. What he told you was a 3-week business trip, not three months. Kate gasped.
Mom, what does this mean? Martha's face contorted with fear, and she stopped reading. Read the rest.
Kate pulled the memo from her mother. So, I investigated further. Your story about dad's 3-month business trip was a lie.
Why would you tell such a lie? I found the answer. Having lost my cell phone, I thought to use the house phone and quietly returned home last night.
Then I heard your voice from the living room. Your voice talking to a man. Martha covered her face and began to sob.
Thomas won't be back for 3 weeks. Don't worry, you were saying. When I slightly opened the living room door, I witnessed everything.
you together with Joseph Baker, your lover. Kate moved away from her mother, taking the memo in a stunned manner. And then the most shocking conversation followed.
We must keep it a secret that Kate is not his daughter. DNA doesn't lie, you said. The paper slipped from Kate's hands.
She stared at her mother with an incredulous expression. Mom, is this true? Martha tried to take her daughter's hand while crying, but Kate pulled away.
My father isn't Dad. Kate's voice trembled. Martha couldn't answer.
She picked up the memo and read to the end. I gathered all the evidence. Recordings of your conversations, copies of emails between you and Joseph, and Kate's DNA test results.
I sent all of these to dad by international mail this morning. He has the right to know the truth. Goodbye, Martha.
From your daughter, Emily. The moment she finished reading the memo, Martha's cell phone rang. The screen displayed the name Thomas.
Martha tried to answer with trembling hands, but the ringing stopped immediately. It was already too late. Emily had revealed the entire truth.
What should I do? Martha collapsed onto the bed. Thomas knows everything.
Kate stood by the window away from her mother. Her world had completely crumbled over these eight days. In a sweet room on the 34th floor of the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Hong Kong, Thomas Watson stood by the window, gazing at the vibrant night cityscape.
The restructuring of the Asian branch was going more smoothly than expected, and he was likely to finish ahead of the initial 3-week schedule. He planned to return to Boston on tomorrow afternoon's flight. A knock was heard at the door, and Thomas turned around.
Come in. The hotel concierge entered. Mr Watson, a package has arrived for you.
It's international mail. Thank you. Thomas received the brown envelope.
After the concierge left, Thomas examined the envelope. It had a Boston postmark and the sender was Emily. He smiled at the unexpected mail from his daughter.
He thought it must be a thoughtful gesture typical of Emily. However, when he opened the envelope, its contents far exceeded his imagination. A USB memory stick, several photos, and a letter from Emily.
He first unfolded the letter to my dear dad. Emily's meticulous handwriting jumped into his eyes. As you read this letter, you will surely receive a great shock.
But you have the right to know the truth. Last week, I was in a traffic accident. I was seriously injured in a collision with a large truck and was hovering between life and death for a time.
The color drained from Thomas's face. He sat down in a chair. Mother did not inform you of my accident and apparently told you Emily is in bed with a cold.
Even when the doctor said, "Tonight is critical," mother would not come to the hospital. Thomas's hands began to shake. The content was unbelievable.
When I regained consciousness, I wondered why you hadn't contacted me. Upon investigation, I learned that mother had told you about a 3-month business trip. Why would she tell such a lie?
And by chance, I came to know the truth. Thomas continued reading the letter. Emily's accidental discovery of her mother's infidelity at home, the conversation about Kate's biological father.
It was content that fundamentally overturned the foundation of his married life. The evidence is in the USB. recordings of Mother and Joseph Baker's conversations, their email exchanges, and Kate's DNA test results.
Thomas inserted the USB into his laptop. There, just as Emily had said, the evidence was neatly stored. In the recorded conversations, Martha and Joseph were talking intimately, planning their rendevu during Thomas's absence.
The email history documented their relationship spanning over 20 years. Finally, he opened the PDF of the DNA test report. Among the scientific terminology, the words 0% probability of paternity jumped out at him.
Thomas returned to the window and gazed at the night view. However, what his eyes saw was not the brilliance of Hong Kong, but the sight of 28 years of married life crumbling away. Emily, he murmured his daughter's name, the name of his only real daughter.
Boston Logan International Airport. Thomas emerged from the terminal with a tired expression. The 20-hour flight had exhausted not only his physical strength, but also his mental fortitude.
However, what dominated his heart was not fatigue, but anger and determination. Hailing a taxi, he first headed to Central Hospital. However, at the reception, he was told his daughter had already been discharged.
Discharged? But wasn't she seriously injured? Thomas was confused.
Ms. Watson's recovery was remarkable, the nurse explained. Her colleague, Jennifer Foster, said she would care for her at home, and the doctor gave permission.
Thomas breathed a sigh of relief. At least his daughter was in a safe place. He asked for Jennifer's contact information, deciding to visit later.
Next, he took a taxi to his home. As the car entered the quiet street of the upscale residential area, he felt his heart rate increase. The house he had lived in for over 20 years now felt like an unfamiliar place.
Opening the front door, he quietly entered the house. He could hear sounds coming from the living room. Martha and Kate seemed to be working on something.
Thomas," Martha exclaimed in surprise upon seeing him. "You weren't supposed to be back until tomorrow. " "Work finished early," Thomas said coldly.
His eyes noted the suitcases and boxes scattered around the living room. "Preparing to move? " Martha's face tensed.
"Thomas, I couldn't answer your call. I can't explain. Explain.
" Thomas's voice was quiet yet dignified. "Can you explain over 20 years of lies? " Kate stood silently in the corner of the room.
Her eyes were red and swollen as if she had been crying. "Where is Emily? " Thomas asked.
"I don't know. " She discharged herself. Martha faltered.
"By herself? " Thomas's voice rose. How can you say that after abandoning your daughter who was seriously injured?
Thomas, you don't understand. I had circumstances. Enough.
Thomas raised his hand. I heard everything from Emily. I saw the evidence about you and Joseph Baker and about Kate's father.
Kate sniffled quietly. I didn't know anything. Dad, I mean Mr Thomas.
Thomas looked at her for just a moment. His eyes showed sadness rather than anger. Kate, this is not your fault.
You're a victim, too. Martha collapsed onto the sofa. Thomas, please forgive me.
Forgive you? Thomas sneered. After deceiving me for over 20 years, after making me raise Kate knowing she wasn't my child.
And the worst is that when Emily, my only real daughter, was nearly dying from an accident. You abandoned her. Martha couldn't argue.
She just cried. "I want an explanation," Thomas folded his arms. "Why did you hide Emily's accident?
" "Why didn't you tell me? " Martha answered in a trembling voice. "Because if you came back, I wouldn't be able to meet Joseph.
" Thomas was speechless at that excessively honest answer. He shook his head and said quietly, "Emily was my only daughter. That's the truth.
" He opened his briefcase and took out documents. This is a divorce agreement. I've already contacted a lawyer, including claims for compensation.
Everything will proceed as written here. I want you both out of this house by tomorrow. But where should we go?
Martha appealed, crying. That's your problem, Thomas said coldly. It's time to pay the price for 20 years of lies.
He went upstairs to his study. Closing the door, he released his emotions for the first time. With a deep sigh, he collapsed into his chair.
On the desk was a photo of him and Emily. It was a commemorative photo from the day she graduated from nursing school. He picked up the photo and traced Emily's smile with his finger.
"Emily," he murmured, "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. " Morning light streamed through the window of a small Boston apartment. In a room in Jennifer Foster's apartment, Emily sat on the sofa reading a book.
Her body was still weak and faint. Fading scars remained on her face. A knock was heard at the door.
When Jennifer opened it, Thomas Watson was standing there. Emily. Thomas spotted his daughter as soon as he entered the room.
He approached quietly and knelt before the sofa. Emily, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. Emily took her father's hand, tears in her eyes.
Dad, do you know everything? Yes, everything. Thomas nodded.
I saw your letter and the evidence. the lies of that family and that no one was by your side while you were suffering from the accident. "My colleagues were there for me," Emily smiled.
"Like a real family. " A month later, Emily and her father moved to a new apartment. Thomas had left the company he had worked for many years and transferred to another firm in Boston.
He had chosen to work near his daughter. "How's the position of this shelf? " Thomas asked as he mounted a bookshelf on the wall of the new living room.
Perfect, Dad. Emily smiled. Her condition was improving day by day.
At dinnertime, Emily's colleagues began to visit frequently. They warmly welcomed Emily and her father, nurturing bonds like a new family. You saved my daughter.
Thomas thanked Jennifer and the others at one dinner. You taught us what a real family is. The aftermath for Martha and Kate was as they had imagined.
When Joseph, Martha's lover, was discovered by his wife, he abandoned Martha and disappeared. Financially strapped, Martha began to make a living working part-time at a high-end boutique. Kate, with the DNA test report in hand, tried to find her biological father.
However, Joseph refused to acknowledge her, coldly rejecting her with, "Don't bring up past mistakes. " The mother and daughter grew aranged in days filled with blaming each other. On Christmas night, Emily's new apartment was wrapped in warm light.
Thomas and his daughter along with her hospital colleagues sat around the table enjoying conversation with smiles. A letter arrived in the mailbox. The sender was Martha.
"Aren't you going to open it? " Thomas asked. Emily shook her head and threw the letter unopened into the trash bin.
The past is over. We have a new future. Cheers.
Jennifer raised her glass. To real family. To real family.
Everyone clinkedked their glasses together. Emily looked up at the starry sky outside the window. Her revenge was complete.
She would no longer let hatred consume her heart. All that remained was hope for a new beginning. "Family isn't just about blood ties," Emily said quietly.
"It's the heart that cares for each other that creates a real family. " Thomas embraced his daughter's shoulder and nodded. "Their new story would begin from here.
