Mrs. Anderson, sitting beside Mr. Anderson, pleaded through the phone, her voice breaking with tears each time. “Please, we’re just looking for the truth and nothing else. We are searching for our child. If you know anything about this, even a little detail, don’t hesitate to please help us, I beg you .”

Slowly, a few began to give in, but they demanded money and assurances for damages just in case there were any. Some shared their addresses, hesitant but sympathetic. One lived in Japan, another in the United States, and the rest were scattered across Europe close to them. The search stretched across continents, but for the Andersons, distance meant nothing. Money could take them anywhere and at any time.

As Mr. Anderson scribbled notes, the door creaked open. Jake stood there, half hidden in the shadows.

“So, you’re finally going to bring my real sibling home?” he asked bluntly and in a happy voice.

Mr. Anderson looked up, startled. “Jake, this isn’t the right time for this.”

“We don’t know yet, son,” Mrs. Anderson interrupted softly. “We’re still trying to find answers, and we will let you know when we do .”

Jake crossed his arms sharply. “Well, you'd better hurry and get rid of the fake one living here; she’s beginning to get on my nerves .”

His words hit the room like a slap.

“Jake!” his mother snapped at him, standing abruptly. Don’t you ever say that again, you hear me! Don’t you dare mock or look down on anyone. You never know what tomorrow brings. The fact that you were born into a wealthy home doesn’t mean you should look down on others.”

But Jake just gave a small, bitter laugh. “Tomorrow? Tomorrow won’t change that she’s not one of us, Mom, and it’s high time you accepted that .”

Before either parent could speak again, he turned around and walked out, his footsteps echoing down the marble hallway until his door slammed shut again.

Later that night, Agnes quietly knocked on his door again. She entered, carrying his folded pajamas as she always did. But the moment she stepped inside, Jake’s expression changed. He wasn’t happy to see her like he had been.

“Stay away from Maya,” he said coldly without thinking twice.

Agnes blinked in shock. “What did you just say, Jake ?”

“You heard me, right ?” he snapped. “If you keep going near her, you’ll have to choose between her and me. And remember, she won’t be here much longer anyway. She’ll be going back to her real family soon. So choose wisely and smartly .”

Agnes stood there frozen, the words stinging like an icy rain. She didn’t argue with him on this. She put the clothes down, whispered, “Goodnight, Jake,” and quietly left the room.

Downstairs, she found Mrs. Anderson in the living room, lost in thought.

“Madam,” Agnes said softly, “we need to talk right now .”Mrs. Anderson looked up wearily. “What is it?” “It’s Jake,” Agnes said. “He’s changing, and not for the better. You need to talk to him before he says something to Maya. The girl is already sensing that there’s something wrong. If she hears the truth from anyone else, it will destroy her.”

Mrs. Anderson sighed deeply, pressing her fingers to her temples. “Agnes, we can’t tell her anything yet. Not until we find our real daughter. Once we do, we’ll tell Maya everything gently and carefully. Until then, no one must say a word to her about it. Not even you and I know I can trust you on this one,” Agnes nodded slowly. “I understand, ma’am. But please, speak to Jake like I said. He’s angry, which can make people careless and heartless sometimes .”Mrs. Anderson shook her head. “Jake won’t say anything. He’s hurt, yes I know, but he’s not cruel. He’ll keep his distance for the time being. He won’t talk to her, that’s all.” Agnes didn’t argue, though she wasn’t convinced by what Mrs. Anderson said. She bowed her head and left the room.

Upstairs, behind the closed doors, Jake lay awake staring at the ceiling, his mother’s warning echoing firmly in his mind.

And somewhere down the hall, Maya slept peacefully, still dreaming of the brother who had once promised never to leave her side.