Chapter 2 - The Discovery
A tall figure rounded the corner near a brick wall. Thirty-five-year-old Ethan walked with a heavy, brisk stride, his broad shoulders squared against the chill, his dark navy overcoat unbuttoned over a sleek black shirt.
The faint, desperate sound of a crying baby made him stop in his tracks. His piercing blue eyes scanned the quiet sidewalk, zeroing in on the abandoned cardboard box resting near a lamp post.
Without hesitation, Ethan ran over and dropped to his knees on the damp pavement. He reached into the box and gently, securely lifted Lily into his arms, pulling the soft cream blanket around her tiny body.
Lily buried her face into the lapel of his navy overcoat, her whimpers softening as she felt the warmth of his chest. Ethan gently rocked her back and forth, resting his hand against her golden curls.
“Hey, sweetheart. I’ve got you,” Ethan whispered, his square jaw tight with immediate, protective concern.
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As he cradled the baby, Ethan looked up and caught sight of a figure farther down the block. Claire had stopped under the next streetlight, glancing back over her shoulder.
For a fraction of a second, their eyes locked across the empty street. Seeing him hold the baby, Claire gasped softly, turned sharply toward the adjacent brick wall, and hurried down a side alley.
