The Weiss house was so silent you could hear a pin drop. It was one day since Sabrina went "missing." The environment of the house was no longer open and pleasant. It was haunting and eerie.

I sat at the dining table, slowly eating my mashed potatoes. I glanced at Wanda. Her skin was ashen, her bloodshot eyes are filled with despair, her movement was slow and sluggish. She was silent, she did not utter one word ever since she returned. Cole was next to her, he appeared worried, sorrowfully staring at this unfinished meal.

I heard Melanie sniffled. She has been crying for the longest. Her face was beet red, her eyes were puffy. Tears rolled down her cheeks like a river. She picked at her food as snot leaked out of her nostril.

No one uttered a word.

In my bedroom was the pregnancy test I discovered. I concealed it under my mattress. I have no clueless whom the owner is, so I was debating if I should exploit it or not. I glanced at the somber twins. I stuck out like a sore thumb at the table. I was the only one who was not crying or appearing sad in anyway. My face was just blank and emotionless. I thought of Constance. I haven't been to her house for a long time. She wasn't at school either.

Wanda seemed to notice this. "Mercy?" She croaked, her voice was hoarse and raw from her sobbing. "How are you feeling?" She asked me. Her voice was coated in maternal compassion. Her eyes spoke to me of her love for me.

"I'm fine." I said softly.

Wanda did not believe me. "Mercy, look at me, honey." She told me gently. I obeyed.

"Mercy, we will find Sabrina." Wanda reassured me with tearful eyes. "She will come back. I know you two were close. She will come back, I promise."

I forced out a small smile. "Yes, Mommy." I said swiftly. Wanda gave me a faint smile. "In fact, me and you should do something together," She gazed at the other children. "We should all do a family activity." I glanced at Wanda. Her eyes were still broken, but she managed to smile resiliently. Wanda wholeheartedly believes Sabrina is alive and will come home safe and sound.

Little to no one believed that. The biological children gave their Mother brief glances.

"I'm not hungry." Morgan mumbled under her breath. She got up from the table and hurried upstairs without a word.

Wanda was still smiling, even though I could tell from her pained expression, it hurt. I did not care for this woman at all and I ignored her. I pretended to be sullen. "I'm fine, Mommy. I swear. Just tired." I whined.

Wanda sniffled, a stream of tears dripped down her cheeks. She was understanding. "I know. I know. I'm tired too. I'm sorry, I shouldn't be pressuring you. Do whatever you want, kay?" Wanda said mildly.

With that, Wanda became overwhelmed with extreme emotions. She left the table without a word.

I glanced at Cole. My darling Cole was despondent. A pang of regret hit me like a tidal wave. I did not wish to bring misery to my soulmate.

"Sabrina will come back." I said to him with a beautiful smile. Cole looked at me with broken eyes. I got out of my chair and warmly embraced him. I kissed Cole on the forehead with sheer compassion flowing through me.

Cole hugged me back, he was completely charmed by gesture. "Thank you, Sweet Pea. I love you, Mercy."

I planted one long kiss on his forehead. "I love you too." I whispered sincerely. Cole's eyes lit up with life.

Once dinnertime was finally over, everyone shuffled back into their respective bedrooms and shelled themselves. It was utterly silent in the house. I sat in my bedroom, completely numb mentally and emotionally. I was listless. I only had Alyona left as my beloved daughter. I have given up on Sheila. All of my maternal feelings towards her was nonexistent. It's for the best, Sheila kept rejecting me repeatedly and I do not react well with rejection.

I didn't want to have to kill again. I still felt anxious about my deed. I felt no confidence or pride from it at all. I didn't wake up one morning and decide to kill Sabrina. It was either her or my freedom. I was locked away for YEARS! I will never allow myself to return that barren cell at the dreadful hospital! I don't want to end Sheila's life.

So thus, I grew indifferent to Sheila. I did not care for her at all. She was just another pawn that will be removed once I seduce Cole. I imagined my life with Cole. Alyona would be my beloved daughter, Cole would be my dutiful husband, and I will be the diligent matriarch. That's all I want. Just a simple family life. I gazed at myself in the mirror and I glared at my reflection. "You just had to take off your makeup!" I fumed. Intense emotions boiled in my chest.

As days turned into weeks, the household grew somber. Wanda began to try to bond with me. Perhaps she saw me as a replacement goldfish. Maybe she has subconsciously realized that her daughter is dead and never coming back.

Wanda loved me like a daughter, I could tell she saw me as blood and flesh. Wanda would constantly bring me on small trips to the grocery store, trying to make a motherly connection with her shy adoptive daughter.

When one week turned into three weeks, life in the Weiss household grew downcasted every second. Two days later, Sabrina's body was recovered from the frozen lake. It was the most terrifying day of my life. It was a normal day at the Weiss's house, it was a snowy Tuesday afternoon. I sat on the living room couch watching TV to distract myself from my never-ending anxiety.

KNOCK! KNOCK! Cole sauntered out of the dining room to open to the front door. My blood ran cold at the sight of a police officer. It was a female officer with tan skin and short black hair. Her mere presence sent dreadful chills down my spine. I felt my stomach churn, I used all of my willpower not to vomit. I became stiff as a statue on the couch.

I heard a glass break. I turned to my head to see Wanda stiffly standing in the archway of the kitchen. Her eyes are wide as saucers. Her face was ghastly pale. I looked down to see a fragments of a shattered cup near her feet.

Wanda took one long look at the officer and burst into mournful tears. She knew what was going to be foretold to her, she didn't need the officer to speak.

Wanda broke down, her eyes was a broken faucet. She fell to her knees from the overwhelming emotion of grief.

My mind ran a mile a minute. How the fuck did they find her body? I worried about my story unraveling. My heart was drumming in my chest.

I learned eventually Sabrina's body floated to the opening. Arthur discovered it when he was cleaning the shed.

"She's dead…" I heard Cole's sorrowful voice croak. Cole's movement was sluggish and weak. He looked like he was going to faint. I felt a tidal wave of guilt. "I am so sorry, my love. But I had to do this to protect my freedom. To keep me in this house so I could be your dutiful wife." I said in my head. Every word in my head was genuine. I do feel remorse for hurting the man I love. Cole doesn't deserve this. I thought of Alyona, self loathing filled me. I have forced her to endure another death. She's too young to experience such trauma. I worried about her mental state, how will all of these murders affect her psyche when she grows up? I slammed my fist on my thigh in frustration. You are a terrible Mother, Alanna. A Mother is supposed to protect and nurture her little ones. Not scar them for life! I ranted to myself silently.

The arrival of the officer was short, but profound. She notified the family of Sabrina's death. Wanda's mournful sobs echoed through the house. Cole was silent, choked up with emotions, he sat down in a chair in the living room. I did feel sad about Sabrina's death. She was my daughter after all, but I can't say I'm grieving. I didn't take her life technically, but I did help take her life. I wondered about Constance. I dismissed the idea of her feeling remorse. She's a psychopath who is willing to kill without a second thought.

All there was inside of me was a void.

"We will get to the bottom of this, Mrs. Weiss." The officer reassured a grieving Wanda. My heart spiked with fear. I made sure to evade eye contact with the officer. A wave of relief hit me when she left.

It was a somber Sunday afternoon when Wanda made an announcement. Three days passed after Sabrina's death. Despair and grief plagued this once happy family. Oddly enough, Wanda was in high spirits. She was a resilient woman, I'll admit.

"Everyone, I have two announcements." Wanda declared with a hopeful smile. The table was silent, no one uttered a word.

"I have just made a blog!" Wanda beamed. "It's called "Sabrina's Home!" Wanda's eyes danced with delight.

Melanie sniffled. "What is it?"She asked in a small voice.

"Well Sabrina is looking down at us. She wants us to be happy. To be a happy family." Wanda had to pause to compose herself as her emotions overwhelmed her.

"Sabrina would want us to give a child a happy life." My eyes widened with shock. I caught Cody staring at me. "Are you going to adopt again?" He whined to his Mother.

"No. Foster. I want to foster. Give a unfortunate child a chance at life." Wanda explained. She looked at everyone for approval. "What do you think?"

Cody was upset. "That's so stupid!" He fumed. Cole shot his son a stern look. "Watch your mouth!" He rebuked. Cody slumped in his chair.

Alyona cracked a small smile. "It sounds great, Wanda. Sabrina would love it." She said supportively.

Melanie smiled as well. "Yeah. You're right. Sabrina would love that. She was very excited when we got Mercy and Alyona."

Morgan appeared disheartened. She glared at her Mother begrudgingly. "So you're replacing Sabrina, already?" She snapped.

Wanda shook her head. "No, Morgan. I'm not replacing her." Morgan was not convinced. Her eyes grew livid with emotions. "Sabrina is dead! And the first thing you think of is FOSTERING another kid! Mom, Sabrina just died!" Morgan seethed. Wanda appeared hurt. "Morgan, I am not replacing Sabrina. No one could." She reassured.

Morgan's tongue became bitter. "Oh, like how you didn't replace Sabrina with Mercy or Alyona or Sheila!" My eyes widened in shock at the audacity at this girl.

Wanda collected herself. She allowed her daughter's harsh words to roll down her back. "I want to give a child a home. That's it. Sabrina would want this. Me and Daddy did the application to be foster parents months ago. We have a caseworker and everything!"

I pitched in. My voice was coated with innocence. "I think fostering is a great idea!" I chirped. I got a smile out of Wanda when I said this.

"Thank you." Wanda said to me. Afterwards, everyone finished their meal and headed upstairs. Alyona and I went into my bedroom and we both sat on my bed.

Alyona appeared somber. "Wanda's idea seems really nice." She remarked. Alyona smiled and looked up at the ceiling. "At least Sabrina is in a better place." She said cheerfully. I smiled her optimism.

I contemplated the positives and negatives of this foster care idea. I could find another little daughter. But then again, a little dipshit could come to this house. I only hoped that the future child that comes here will not give me a hard time. Honestly I was indifferent to this unless it is beneficial to me. I did find it odd that Wanda jumped to fostering after learning of Sabrina's death. I know everyone grieves differently, but to foster children literally AFTER learning about your biological child's death. This house is crammed enough. With moody Cody, Melanie, bitchy Morgan, that mental case child, Sheila, me and Alyona. Another child with possible baggage. It doesn't seem like a good idea.

Alyona scooted closer to me. "Mercy." She said in a tender voice. "I'm really happy you're here with me." She told me. Her bright eyes spoke to me. She loved me wholeheartedly. I wasn't just her friend. I was her family. Alyona showcased her trust in me by laying her little head on my lap. My heart was warmed by this gesture. I was touched.

"Thank you." I said in a small voice. With that, I put a hand in her soft hair and stroked her hair gently.

Alyona became sentimental. "When I first came to the Orphanage, I was so scared that I was going to be there for forever. That no one would want me. I was alone in this country. But...then I met you. And everything got better." She explained in a sincere voice.

"I always wanted a sister. I mean, I have a brother, but he's still in Russia. And...I don't think I'm going back to Russia anytime soon." I could sense the homesickness brewing in her voice. "America is nice. I really do like it. But….sometimes I wish I could at least visit Russia. Just for a day at least."

I smiled. I loved this tender moment. I thought of Estonia. I missed my home as well, but not to a strong degree. I have adapted and accepted America as my new home. I allowed Alyona to continue talking.

"I….really like that you're always looking out for me. You're so tough and brave. You're like a big sister to me." Alyona removed herself from my lap and embraced me lovingly. I felt euphoria overflowing through me. I gave her a loving kiss on her forehead. "I love you, Alyona." I told her.

Alyona kissed me on the cheek with a beautiful smile. "I love you too!" She exclaimed.

Alyona laid on her head on my shoulder. "When...when Alyssa died, I was so…..scared. It was scary that there was a murder in the house. I didn't like her, but….I...I..didn't want her dead. But you were so brave. You kept cheering me up and protecting me from bullies. I want to be like you." Alyona hugged me tighter.

I felt strange hugging Alyona at that moment. I did not want Alyona to be like me. "No. No. Be yourself." I told her. I felt like I was a lie. I was. Every action, every movement, every word, every smile and hugs I give is a lie. Mercy doesn't exist, Mercy is nothing but a costume with a painted mask. Alyona was hugging Alanna. A homicidal, deluded psychopath who has taken lives left and right. A woman that was sexually abused by her Father and in her twisted mind, tricked herself into thinking it was true love. A woman that commits cold blooded homicides. Alyona must never be me.

"Always be yourself." I whispered in her ear passionately.

Alyona was silent. She released me and appeared thoughtful. I planted another light kiss on her forehead. She gave a small smile. "Thanks." She whispered happily.

Then my bedroom door opened a ajar. I glared at the sight of Morgan barging into my bedroom. She was giving me a cold look. The teenager hated my presence here. Ever since Sabrina's death, I have avoided her.

"You had something to do with Sabrina's death!" She pointed an accusing finger at me. "You said that Sabrina ran away when she was found in the lake. You know something, Mercy!" She raised her voice. "TELL ME! WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY LITTLE SISTER?"

Alyona was frozen in place, fear was framed in her eyes. I rolled my eyes and I pretended she didn't exist.

Morgan clenched her teeth, her fists were balled up. "TELL ME, MERCY!" She demanded in a shrill voice. Her voice pierced my ears.

I decided to defend myself. "I have nothing to do with it, Morgan!" I said boldly. I did not want to waste time talking to this filth. "I will tell Mommy and Daddy if you don't go away!" I threatened.

Morgan rolled her eyes. "You need to go back to that Orphanage! It's bad enough that Mom has this crazy idea about replacing Sabrina, ever since you came, things went shit!" Morgan seethed. I did not care about this anymore. I hopped off of my bed, I walked to my bedroom door, preparing to shut it in Morgan's face. Morgan realized this and when I attempt to close the door, she shoved the door back with all of her strength. The force was too strong for me and I fell straight on my ass. My anger burned within me like a furnace. I glared at Morgan coldly.

"YOU LITTLE BRAT! I KNOW THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU! ALL OF THIS IS BECAUSE OF YOU! ALL OF THIS! YOU AND THAT FREAKSHOW!" Morgan ranted.

I scrambled to my feet, never removing my callous gaze at Morgan. I was hoping someone would come to my aid.

I then remembered the pregnancy test. I smiled wickedly. "If you don't leave me alone, I'll tell Mommy and Daddy your little secret." I threatened.

Morgan was disturbed. "Excuse me?" She gasped. "What are you talking about, you little creep?"

"I found a pregnancy test in the bathroom." I admitted honestly.

Morgan's eyes widened with shock. "Oh my God…" She mumbled. "That's...that's not mine!" She stammered. I gave the girl an evil smile. I chuckled wickedly as all of her confidence vanished. Morgan glared at me. "You keep your mouth shut."

"You keep your legs closed!" I smirked. This infuriated Morgan, she looked like she wanted to punch me.

"YOU DISGUSTING BRAT, YOU PICKED UP A PREGNANCY TEST FROM THE TRASH! YOU LITTLE CREEP!" Morgan fumed. "WAIT UNTIL I TELL MOM AND DAD ABOUT YOUR LITTLE SNOOPING!"

Bursting with pride, I giggled. "I WILL TELL MOMMY AND DADDY ABOUT THAT THREESOME YOU HAD WITH BRANDON!" Morgan's mouth dropped, her skin became pale.

"Don't!" Morgan snarled.

Morgan backed out of the bedroom doorway. Her eyes were wide with panic. "Forget it." She fumed. With that, she walked away from my bedroom. I smiled pridefully to myself.

Alyona looked at me with alarm. "What just happened?" She cried. She was beyond confused.

I remained composed. "I found a pregnancy test." I said. "Don't worry about it." I reassured.

"Does Wanda and Cole know? They are planning on fostering. They shuld know." Alyona pointed out.

I shrugged my shoulders lazily. "I don't know. Maybe. It's not for us to worry about, Aly." I told her dismissively.

Alyona could see that I was not interested about this and proceeded to change the subject. "Speaking of kids, who do you think Wanda will bring home? You think it will be a boy or a girl?" I chuckled at how innocent she sounded. You would think from her tone, she was talking about a small puppy instead of a child.

"I hope a girl." I said frankly.

"I want a boy. I want a little brother. My big brother would always tell me that he wished I was a boy." She chuckled to herself. I chuckled along with her.

Then there was a knock on the door. At first, I believed it was Morgan ready to go apeshit, but Wanda opened the door before I could do anything. She barged into my bedroom with a bright red laptop in her arms and a massive smile on her face.

"Mercy, Alyona, I want to show you two the blog!" She chirped happily. Without even asking, she plopped on my bed. I had to use all of my willpower not to frown at her blatant disrespect for my privacy. She put the laptop in her lap, I looked at it to see the website. It was a colorful and cheerful blog with dozens of mashed up pictures of Sabrina. There was one photo of the original Sabrina. A smiling little girl with chocolate hair and glistening blue eyes. She looked like a child bursting with liveliness. At the very top was the large bold title: Sabrina's Home.

Wanda showed us her deepest, darkest story that she wrote for the entire world to read. She wrote about the late Sabrina in great detail. She wrote vaguely about her alcoholism and her divorce. She wrote about me and Alyona and how she adopted us.

Wanda sighed emotionally. "I'm so happy that I adopted you two." She told us with a smile. Alyona was touched, tears rolled down her cheeks. "Thank you. I'm happy too." She croaked. At that moment, I felt a pang of jealousy.

Alyona is MY daughter. She is MINE! Just like Cole, she is mine and mine alone. I glared at Wanda full of hatred. I despised this woman's existence. I was not angry at Alyona, but I did wish she knew of my maternal feelings towards her.

"Now my caseworker told me we will get a kid very soon!" Wanda teased.

Alyona gasped with excitement. "Who?" She probed.

"Its a girl. She's nine. And she is really nice." Wanda explained. "Her name is Emma. I think you guys will like her."

Alyona smiled. "I can't wait!" She said cheerfully.

I found myself interested. Perhaps this could be my replacement for Sabrina? I wish I had a photo of her.

I smiled brightly. "I can't wait either!" I squealed. I felt like the world was giving me a second chance.

…...

It was the very next day when little Emma arrived at the Weiss's house. I was enthralled by her almost instantly. She was one foot shorter than me and small with dark brown hair and beautiful green eyes. She looked like Constance almost. Her skin was pale and unblemished. She had a girly appearance to her. She wore a vibrant red dress with black tights with a thick coat. Her hair was neat and prim. She looked like a refined little girl.

I greeted her immediately. "Hello, my name is Mercy." I chirped. Her social worker spoke to Wanda and Cole as everyone else greeted Emma.

Emma smiled brightly at me. "I'm Emma."

Sheila glared at Emma when Emma approached her. Sheila inched away from her as if she had the plague. Emma noticed this, but this rudeness did not dampen her spirits. Morgan gave Emma a hard time as well. "Don't touch anything!" She snarled coldly. Emma was not fazed. "Morgan!" Melanie snapped. Morgan rolled her eyes and walked off. Alyona greeted her warmly.

Emma seemed to have taken a great liking to me. She skipped over to me with a broad smile. "Where is my bedroom?" She asked me. Wanda spoke before I could open my mouth. She just finished talking to the social worker. "I could show you!" She offered. I frowned unhappily. Emma smiled gratefully. "Thank you!" She said politely. She flashed Wanda a sweet smile.

"Can I come?" I begged. Wanda nodded. I followed Wanda as she gave Emma a thorough tour of the house. We headed into another room that was often referred to the music room. It was very close to the basement and Cole's office. The room had a large black piano and several other instruments scattered around. I rarely came in here despite my love for music. I used to play the piano frequently when I was young. Emma was smiling ear to ear. I was happy that she was not a little shit.

"This place is so huge!" Emma exclaimed.

"Do you love it?" Wanda asked. I could see that this idea was lifting up her spirits. She was on cloud nine.

"It's perfect!" She squealed happily. Wanda was completely charmed.

Wanda escorted the child upstairs, showing her bedroom. It was Sabrina and Sheila's room. I found her sleeping in here morbid. Emma was completely unaware when she gazed around the bedroom with a smile.

"I'm going to start dinner. Have fun, Emma." Wanda chirped. With that she walked out of the room. There I was, alone with Emma. Compassion overflowed through me. My maternal instincts burst. In my mind, this girl was my new daughter. I helped the little girl unpack her bags. I watched her diligently folding her clothing and put them in her dresser. I could read her personality from her movement and actions. She had a refined vibe from her. Emma wasn't hyper or loud, she was quiet and soft-spoken. She wasn't like Alyona, she didn't seem shy. She had no fear of meeting others. From her clothing that ranged from beautiful dresses, skirts, and feminine clothing, she clearly cared very much about appearance. She reminded me of a little princess.

"I love your dress!" Emma gushed. Her eyes dazzled with delight. I smiled at her lovingly. Emma flashed me a charming smile. I gave her one back.

"You're going to like it here." I told her. "If you have any problems, tell me." I said gently.

Emma nodded. "I will!" She beamed.

"You're going to sleep in MY bedroom!" Sheila's angry voice echoed through the room. I spun around to see an upset Sheila standing in the doorway. Her eyes are locked onto Emma, I could see the bitterness and the grudge she has against her. Sheila glared at her coldly. "Do not touch my stuff!" She hissed.

Emma wanted no confrontation. She nodded solemnly. "I won't." Emma promised.

Sheila visibly wanted a conflict. She stormed towards Emma, with balled fists. "You're not replacing Sabrina! Don't get comfortable, you're going to go back to foster care and no one would care!" Her tone was harsh and piercing. I glared at her, as anger filled me. I approached Sheila with cold eyes, me and her exchanged a bitter look to each other. "Stop it!" I growled at her. "Leave her alone!"

"Shut up, Mercy!" Sheila snapped. I was ready to pounce on this little bitch. My indifference turned into instant hatred.

Emma appeared unfazed. "It's fine. I will not touch anything." She remained calm. Sheila was infuriated by Emma's mild nature. Sheila took a angry step towards Emma, getting into her face. Emma still kept her cool.

Sheila escalated the situation by giving Emma a hard shove. Emma staggered back with a startled gasp. "YOU'RE JUST A FOSTER KID, EMMA! DO NOT TALK TO ME! EVER! YOU LITTLE BITCH!" Sheila shrieked. Sheila grew beet red with fury.

I considered beating Sheila black and blue, but I used all of my willpower to control myself.

"Stop, please." Emma begged. I was amazed how mature she was. She didn't seem angry at all, she was still keeping her cool. This child is a gift to me. A perfect daughter I could raise with Cole by my side.

I hurried towards Sheila, but I was not fast enough to stop Sheila from physically attacking Emma. The overemotional Sheila roughly grabbed a chunk of Emma's hair and pounced on her. Emma was fighting back feebly, crying out in pain. I ran to the girls to pry them apart. "STOP! STOP!" I hollered. I yanked Sheila off violently. "FUCK OFF!" I snarled lowly. Emma gave Sheila a look that I could only describe as unnerving and cold. I am reminded of Constance.

"WHAT'S WRONG?" Cole appeared in the doorway with worried eyes. Then I watched Emma began to weep. It was well timed and heavy. "She hit me!" Her face was beet red. I pointed a finger at Sheila. "Sheila attacked Emma!" I said. Sheila shot me a furious look. I ignored her.

Cole appeared angry. "SHEILA!" Cole shouted. Cole hurried over to a hysterical Sheila. Sheila had a meltdown. "NO! NO! NO! SHE STARTED IT!" Cole did not care for her meltdown and took the wailing girl out of the room.

Sheila's sobs echoed through the hall. I caught a glimpse of Emma displaying odd behavior. Her tears ceased within seconds of Sheila leaving the room. Her face was slowly becoming pale again, I saw her lips curl in a sly smirk.

Did she fake cry? I thought. Then I dismissed that thought. At least Emma got Sheila in trouble. Emma sniffled at me. "Who is Sabrina?" She asked me innocently.

I felt heaviness in my chest. I did not want to talk about Sabrina honestly. But I didn't want to lie to this child. "Sabrina is Wanda and Cole's daughter. She died not long ago. Lots of people were upset." I revealed.

Emma gave me a blank expression. "Oh." She mumbled. I didn't expect sorrow from her as she never met Sabrina. "Why are they angry at me?" Emma questioned.

I was gentle in my approach. I made sure my voice was soft and kind. "You didn't do anything. Everyone is just mourning." I told her. I stroked her hair gently, Emma did not mind this. Emma's blank expression doesn't change. "That has nothing to do with me. People die all the time. Everyone is going to die. All of us are going to die one day." Her voice was still gentle, but gravely serious. She wasn't childishly innocent about death, she was resolute about what she said. I was shocked by this statement. At this point, I realized that Emma wasn't exactly normal. At least in a emotional sense. I was baffled by the series of events. (I know this revelation seems very unrealistically fast, but this was how it was.) Emma came off as a angelic child, but almost immediately I learned that this child was very "different." My love for this child still remained. My affection for this child grew every passing second.

I could tell that Emma trusted me wholeheartedly. I loved how fast our relationship formed.

When I went to bed that night, I was smiling out of pure joy. I had many anxiety swirling in the deepest depths of my mind. My time here until I seduce Cole, and the most terrifying of all was the investigation into Sabrina's death.

I can only hope for the best.

In the next chapter, Mercy will learn more about her new "daughter" Emma. In the meantime, Sabrina's murder is being investigated and eventually Mercy herself will be questioned about her story.