I sifted through the pile of the papers, one name recurring constantly.

Peter Hirsch.

What did Raine’s father have to do with any of this? Besides, I doubt Papa even knew him.

I stopped to look at one particularly interesting article.

Rising Tycoon Marries Irish Nurse.

The pit of my stomach suddenly seemed much, much deeper and nauseating. I turned the leaf over, going to the next newspaper article. These were all clippings!

Couple Splits: some say infertility issues, others support the theory of religious disputes.

All of a sudden, it felt horribly hard to swallow. My mouth was dry, and a bitter taste tipped my tongue, making it unpleasant to salivate.

Peter Hirsch Remarries.

9 Months Later, Computer Genius Reveals His Son’s Name: Ahaziah Raine Hirsch.

The last paper I held was not a newspaper clipping. Oh, how I wished it had been.

It fell from the stem of my hands like a wilted petal. Its scarlet title gloated up at me from the floor.

Adoption Certificate.