Third Person's POV

Exiting the nursery room, a sly grin played upon Robert's lips, betraying the dark intentions brewing within. With purposeful strides, he approached his brother, James, who was engrossed in conversation with hospital staff.

"James," he called in a low, commanding tone, drawing his brother's attention away from the bustling activity around them.

James, sensing the gravity of his brother's demeanor, excused himself from the nurses he had been speaking with, silently following Robert to a secluded corner near the parking lot.

In the shadowy alcove, Robert's masked countenance betrayed a sense of urgency tinged with trepidation. His eyes darted nervously, reflecting the tumultuous thoughts swirling within.

"Why here, Robert?" James inquired, a note of apprehension coloring his voice.

The air between them grew heavy with tension as Robert uttered words that sent a chill down James' spine, his voice weighted with solemnity.

"I saw Emily and Oliver Miller's baby in the nursery room. Kidnap that baby for me," he murmured, his words hanging ominously in the stillness of the night.

The shock of Robert's request rendered James speechless, his mind reeling at the audacity of his brother's scheme. Never in his wildest dreams had he envisioned himself complicit in such heinous acts.

As Robert pressed his desperate plea, James recoiled in horror, his principles warring against his loyalty to family. Yet, beneath the veneer of his brother's desperation, James detected a glimmer of vulnerability, a plea for assistance tinged with desperation.

Resolute in his refusal to stoop to Robert's level, James dared to defy his brother's demands, his voice trembling with righteous indignation.

"That's pure evil—"

Incensed by his brother's refusal, Robert's fury boiled over, his bloodshot eyes ablaze with rage.

"I am involved in a drug trafficking case! Do you know what that means?" he spat, his voice laced with desperation and fear.

James recoiled at the revelation, his heart heavy with the weight of his brother's transgressions. Yet, even as Robert attempted to leverage their familial bond to coerce compliance, James remained steadfast in his resolve.

With a heavy heart, James bowed his head, the weight of his indebtedness to his brother pressing down upon him like a leaden burden.

"Have you decided already?" Robert's words hung in the air, a final plea for allegiance.

With a resigned nod, James reluctantly acquiesced, steeling himself for the harrowing task ahead.

The following day found James grappling with the enormity of his actions, his hands trembling as he donned his nurse's uniform. Armed with inside knowledge and plagued by guilt, he resolved to execute Robert's plan with utmost precision.

Navigating the hospital corridors, James' heart pounded with trepidation, his nerves frayed by the gravity of his task. Yet, with each step, his resolve wavered, torn between loyalty to his brother and the dictates of his conscience.

As he neared the nursery room, a surge of doubt threatened to overwhelm him, his moral compass wavering in the face of impending transgression. Yet, spurred on by memories of his brother's sacrifices, James steeled himself for the task ahead.

With practiced ease, James entered the nursery room, his steps measured and deliberate. His gaze fell upon the sleeping infant, innocence personified in the form of a vulnerable child.

Overwhelmed by a surge of empathy, James hesitated, his resolve faltering in the face of overwhelming guilt. Yet, as the specter of his brother's desperation loomed large in his mind, James steeled himself for the unthinkable.

With a heavy heart, James lifted the infant into his arms, his movements tinged with remorse. Yet, as he prepared to execute Robert's plan, a sudden commotion from outside shattered the fragile tranquility of the nursery room.

Peering through the window, James' eyes widened in shock as he beheld the sight of Robert being apprehended by law enforcement. The weight of his brother's crimes bore down upon him, a crushing reminder of the perilous path he had been compelled to tread.

As Robert's gaze bore into his own, a silent plea for compliance, James recoiled, his resolve tested to its limits. Yet, in a moment of clarity, James dared to defy his brother's machinations, his actions driven by a newfound sense of moral clarity.

With trembling hands, James orchestrated a daring switch, exchanging the infants in a bid to alter their fates. As he cradled the newborns in his arms, a sense of profound relief washed over him, his conscience momentarily assuaged by the knowledge that he had acted to safeguard innocent lives.

In the tumultuous aftermath of his brother's arrest, James embarked on a journey of redemption, his actions driven by a newfound commitment to uphold the sanctity of life. Though haunted by the specter of his past, James remained steadfast in his resolve to chart a course towards a brighter, more hopeful future.

Third Person's POV

As Robert found himself ensnared by the unyielding grasp of the law, a torrent of rage and desperation surged within him, threatening to consume his sanity. The stark reality of his predicament loomed ominously, shattering any semblance of the life he once knew. Never had he fathomed the depths to which his existence would plummet, ensnared in the clutches of law enforcement.

Amidst the chaos of his thoughts, Robert's gaze fell upon the firearm holstered at the officers' waist, a potent symbol of authority and control. Though his hands were bound, he seized upon a fleeting moment of opportunity, a dangerous idea igniting within his fevered mind. In a desperate bid for freedom, he seized the weapon with a swift and decisive motion, eliciting a startled cry from his captors.

"Fool!" one of the officers exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief as Robert wrested the gun from his grasp.

With adrenaline coursing through his veins, Robert fled, the clamor of pursuit echoing in his ears as he raced against the encroaching darkness. Yet, for all his efforts, he found himself ensnared once more, ensnared by the overwhelming force of justice closing in around him.

As law enforcement closed in, their weapons trained upon him, Robert stood defiant, his bloodshot eyes ablaze with defiance and resignation. Though his spirit remained unbroken, he knew the futility of resistance, a bitter acknowledgment of his inevitable downfall.

"Goddamn it!" he cursed, his voice laden with defeat as he surrendered to the inevitable.

In the cold confines of his prison cell, Robert languished, a shadow of his former self, his spirit battered by the weight of his transgressions. Yet, amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope remained, a glimmer of redemption beckoning from the depths of despair.

Meanwhile, as Robert grappled with the consequences of his actions, James embarked on a journey of his own, confronting the ghosts of his past with courage and determination. Despite the turmoil that engulfed his family, he refused to be consumed by despair, his resolve unwavering in the face of adversity.

Upon visiting his brother in prison, James bore witness to the toll that incarceration had wrought upon Robert, his once-proud countenance marred by the ravages of time and suffering. Yet, even in the depths of despair, James detected a spark of defiance in his brother's eyes, a testament to the indomitable spirit that resided within him.

"You finally showed up, huh?" Robert's voice dripped with bitterness and resentment, a reflection of the anguish that consumed him.

Moved by his brother's plight, James extended a hand of compassion, offering solace amidst the storm of their shared turmoil. Though the chasm between them seemed insurmountable, James refused to abandon his brother to the abyss of despair.

As they grappled with the harsh realities of their circumstances, James revealed the truth of his actions, a revelation that elicited a mixture of shock and disbelief from his incarcerated sibling. Yet, in the wake of his confession, James detected a glimmer of understanding in Robert's eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the sacrifices made on his behalf.

While Robert languished behind bars, Cecilia found herself ensnared in a web of familial discord, her infant daughter serving as a scapegoat for the misfortunes that befell their household. Despite the unwarranted animosity directed towards her child, Cecilia remained steadfast in her resolve, her love for her daughter serving as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.

Torn between loyalty to his family and the dictates of his conscience, James confronted the harsh realities of their situation with courage and resolve. Though the path ahead seemed fraught with uncertainty, he remained steadfast in his commitment to protect those he held dear, his actions guided by a sense of moral duty and compassion.

As the Wilsons grappled with the repercussions of their actions, Emily and Oliver reveled in the joy of parenthood, their newborn daughter serving as a beacon of hope amidst the tumult of their lives. Though challenges lay ahead, they faced the future with courage and determination, united in their love for their precious child.

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty that engulfed their lives, the bonds of family remained steadfast, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Though the road ahead was fraught with peril, they confronted the challenges that lay ahead with courage and resolve, united in their determination to forge a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones.

Third Person's POV

All four seasons of New York City had already gone by countless times. The blooming flowers of spring, the humid weather of summer, the leaves changing their color in autumn, and the coldness of snowy winter—it all happened fast, like bliss, it was as if time was fleeting.

It had been seven long years after all the tangled events of the past.

Alina who was under the roof of the Wilson's was doing a household chore when her mother arrived from work.

"Mom!"

Almost leaping in joy, she wiped her hands and went to her mother, Cecilia, who seemed really tired. Yet, as soon as she saw her lovely daughter, a smile formed on her lips. Just a glimpse of Alina and her fatigue had already gone away.

"How is your day, love?" Cecilia asked and kissed her daughter's forehead. That made Alina giggle.

"Fine, Mom! I helped Grandpa with the household chores. When am I going with you to work?" she asked while looking up at her mother.

Although they were poor and barely making it, Alina was grateful for how her mother and uncle James were treating her. She was full of love and they made sure she could feel the warmth of a family. Their situation also made her not look at their status in life nor be greedy for money, they taught her that those things were not all that mattered in life.

"Hmm? Do you really want to come with me?" asked Cecilia who seemed worried.

"Yes, Mom! I really want to help you so you won't get tired too much," she reasoned out and pouted her lips.

Even with the poor background, the girl was filled with love from the people around her.

"Are you sure you're not doing it because you wanted to earn money this early?" Cecilia asked further.

Alina instantly shook her head. "Of course not... I always carry the lessons you taught me, Mommy. I will never be blinded by money and the most important in life is love!"

That made Cecilia smile. She was grateful enough that her lovely daughter became a good person. She became someone so reliable, that she became someone who was never greedy for more despite the situation of their life.

But there was one thing that she was sorry for, and that was making Alina work that early. Sometimes, Cecilia found herself tearing up while her daughter came with her to work. She never wanted to let Alina experience such a life, but the financial instability became a huge hinder.

Alina, however, never thought of working at that age as degrading, she was actually happy that she could help her family somehow.

"Don't worry, Mom. I just want to help you," she assured her mother.

The truth was, even at her age, she was aware of how hard their life was. Although her uncle James was a nurse, a professional at that, she knew that his earnings were just enough for her grandmother's medications. Her Grandma had high blood pressure and diabetes, so they really needed some regular medications for her.

That was the reason why Cecilia had to work double for their family, and that was why Alina also had to work at that age. Aside from their every day needs, they also needed to save up for Alina's education.

"Mom, when are we going to visit, Dad? I really want to see him... Am I allowed to go there now?" she asked with a small voice.

Her question amid their talk surprised Cecilia. She knew how eager Alina was to see her father, but for some reason, Robert did not want to get even a glimpse of their child at all.

It hurt Cecilia knowing that even their daughter, Robert could not even look and gave her the love she deserved. She was aware that her husband did not love her at all, but it was a deep kind of wound to realize that Robert was not planning to care for Alina, their daughter.

Seeing how saddened her daughter was while asking that, she puffed out a sigh and closed her eyes tightly. At that moment Cecilia had decided.

"We will visit him soon, I promise," she whispered lovingly, trying to hide the pain lingering in her soul.

True to her words, days after that, they found themselves in the visiting area of the prison where Robert was held.

Alina was so excited while waiting for Robert to come and her mother could vividly see that. It was her husband's order not to bring the kid here but Cecilia brushed it off just to make her happy.

Deep inside, the girl was delighted and she was very enthusiastic to meet her father. Even though he was away for a long time, she still loved him very much.

The moment Robert came out and walked towards their table with a frown visible on his face, Alina saw him and immediately approached her father. She ran to him and gave him a tight hug around his waist.

"Dad! I miss you!" She exclaimed in glee, but to her shock, Robert harshly removed her hug.

"Why the hell did you bring this child here?!" With full annoyance, he asked Cecilia that who was busy with Alina who almost stumbled because of his push.

Her father's actions bruised the young heart of Alina, even his words cut deep within her soul and she was shocked to witness her father treating her like she was nothing.

Cecilia eyed her husband with pain in her glaring eyes. She gritted her teeth and answered Robert.

"She came here because she wanted to see you, Robert. Can't you at least treat your daughter fairly? Is that so hard to do?!" The pain laced in her voice when she exclaimed those words.

But her husband was too stoned-hearted. "Bringing that child here will not change any-fucking-thing, Cecilia. I don't need her! What I need right now is parole! I need to get out of here as soon as possible!" Robert wailed and disgustingly looked at the child. "You bringing her here will not change anything, so better leave her home."

Hearing her father say those disheartened Alina who was hugging herself while already sitting beside her mother. She wished she could do something about her father's problem, but at the same time, her young heart could not take those words well.

Before Cecilia could somehow scold Robert for his behavior against their daughter, her husband dismissed them.

"Just go home, you just ruined my mood by bringing that child."

Without even a single goodbye, Robert stood up and let the policemen guide him inside the prison again.

While on their way home, Cecilia noticed how quiet Alina had become ever since they left the jail. She felt really bad that her daughter had to experience that from her very own father. To stop the tears from flowing, she bit her lower lip so hard that she almost tasted metal in her mouth.

"Mom... Dad doesn't want to see me?" Alina asked and she was on the edge of crying.

That threw Cecilia off guard. Faking her cough, she answered her poor daughter. "M-Maybe he is just tired? You know, love... prison life is hard. Your Dad must be having a hard time. That's why he acted like that."

Although her words assured the child, she knew very well that it was not the truth at all. Of all times she visited Robert, never did he once ask about Alina. He did not even dare to act like he cared whenever she was telling him stories about their child. Robert was always uninterested.

That was when she realized that he did not care about their daughter at all. Learning that hurt Cecilia to the core, she was so pained for Alina's sake.

"Mom, I promise," Alina suddenly spoke. "I promise that I will work hard so I can earn enough money to give Dad a good lawyer. I will work very hard to get her out of the prison... Maybe, at that time, Daddy will love me."

Shocked, Alina's mindset drove Cecilia to tears. She cried softly and as quietly as possible as she hugged her so hard so she would not see her sobbing. Never did she want to see Alina doing something just so she could receive love. For her, she deserved everything in the world.

Contrary to Alina's world, Vida, who was in her huge room in the mansion of the Millers, was embracing all the luxury she could have. Her life was lavish and there was nothing that her parents could not give her.

She was inside her dressing room, looking for a dress she could wear that day. But after realizing that her tons of dresses did not pass to her liking that day, she went down the stairs and there she saw her parents hugging each other.

"Mom, Dad," she went to them with an obvious frown on her face.

The two loosened their hug and smiled at her.

Emily caressed her face before asking, "Is there something wrong?"

Without hesitation, she told them what she really needed.

"I don't have any dresses to wear anymore, Mom. I wanna go shopping."

Her mother blinked a bit and thought for a while before she slowly nodded her head. "Alright. Just tell our driver to send you to the mall."

Vida was so happy when her mother said that that she leaped in joy and hugged them tightly. After that, she quickly went back to her room to get ready while her parents were left in the living room.

Watching their child go up the stairs, Oliver, who was quiet all those times, started speaking seriously to his wife.

"Don't you think we should not spoil Vida too much?"

Deep inside, he was really hesitant about spoiling their daughter because it might affect Vida's behavior and view on life.

"But love, didn't we work hard just to give her everything she deserved? All our hard work is for Vida... isn't just right to give her everything she wanted?" Emily pointed out, slightly caressing his jaw, and as she was trying to get him on her side with that one.

Sighing, Oliver nodded his head. "Just make sure to stop when she's already too much, alright?"

"Of course... but our daughter is a good girl, you see? Nothing's wrong," she assured and smiled sweetly at her worried husband.

They had always treated Vida like a real princess. She always got the latest bags, she always got branded shoes and clothes. Whenever the girl liked it, they would give her toys and gadgets and, of course, she ate all the delicious foods the world could offer.

However, unlike what her parents were thinking, even though Vida had all those things, she could not help but feel empty, she felt hollow deep inside.

Vida had been very jealous of her friends and classmates who always had their parents with them, while her parents, Emily and Oliver had always been busy working for their company.

In the huge mansion, instead of warmth, she felt so cold because she was always left alone with their housekeeper, Lily.

The girl wanted to feel loved, she wanted them to be physically there for her. The truth was, Vida could go on with life without those material things, all she needed was the presence of her parents.