Chapter 1

My daughter was taken from me.

I was sure I had given birth to a girl, but when I woke up, there was a boy instead.

My mother-in-law dismissed my concerns, saying I was imagining things because I wanted a daughter so badly.

My husband also said I was just seeing things.

I began to suspect that they had conspired to switch my child.

Right after the delivery, the nurse wanted to take the baby to the incubator.

I managed to stay conscious long enough to ask her to show me the baby.

She was fair-skinned and chubby, with her eyes still closed, but her long eyelashes were striking. Her tiny face was rosy and cute, instantly lovable. Her right pinky toe was noticeably curved—a family trait.

Finally, I relaxed.

Soon after, I fell asleep.

"How could this happen? My grandson is so unfortunate, suffering right after birth."

My mother-in-law woke me abruptly, her voice sharp:

"Did you hide a family disease? The doctor said the baby has a congenital heart defect. With a mother like you, the child is cursed."

"You should sell the house your mother left you to pay for the child's treatment. If that's not enough, add the dowry money. No matter the cost, I must save my precious grandson."

Grandson? I know she's eager for a grandson, but I definitely gave birth to a daughter!

"Mom, maybe you misremembered. I had a girl."

My mother-in-law shouted loudly: "How could I be wrong? It's clearly my precious grandson."

She unwrapped the baby from the blanket.

One look, and I was stunned.

The fair, chubby, adorable little face had turned wrinkled, dark, and thin.

"This isn't my child!"

My mother-in-law glared at me fiercely.

"Lydia, what nonsense are you spouting? The baby came from your belly. If it's not yours, whose is it?"

"Mom, I definitely had a girl. I saw her right after she was born. There's no way I got it wrong."

My mother-in-law rolled her eyes at me:

"The baby was taken to the incubator right after birth. You fainted afterward. What you saw was just a dream!"

"The one I have here is your child. The doctor mentioned a congenital heart defect. Our family doesn't have this genetic issue. It must be from your side."

No, no one in my family has heart disease. And I’m sure I had a girl.

My mother-in-law was clearly lying earlier. Thinking back to how she and my husband didn’t let me verify the baby's gender, maybe they planned to switch my baby.

But why would they do that?

My mother-in-law desperately wants a grandson. She wouldn't raise someone else's child.

So whose child is she holding?

Where did my baby go?

Thinking of this, a chill ran down my spine.

If my daughter was sold to traffickers, I would regret it my entire life, living in endless pain.

The situation was urgent. I needed to buy time for my daughter.

While my mother-in-law was distracted, I secretly texted the police.

If they really switched the baby, my husband must know.

From now on, I can't trust anyone.

"Waa~ waa~"

The baby cried out in hunger.

I glanced down; this baby was not at all what I expected.

He didn't resemble me at all.

Seeing I had no intention of feeding him, my mother-in-law panicked and pointed at me, cursing.

"Are you going to let the baby starve? I've never seen such a heartless mother. The baby is crying from hunger, yet you won't feed him."

Knowing this child took my daughter's place, and my daughter was missing, I didn't feel any pity.

Seeing I wasn't moving, my mother-in-law came over to unbutton my shirt. Her grip was strong, leaving red marks on my chest.

I was too weak, without any strength, watching as the buttons were being undone.

I glanced at the table and saw a plastic cup. I grabbed it and threw it at her.

My mother-in-law, outraged, raised her hand to hit me.

Just then, someone pushed the door open.