The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 293

When the children were born, their birth certificates had to be registered with her real information. She knew hospitals protected patient privacy, but she was terrified that Jamie’s influence would still be enough to track her down. She had to hire a lawyer and pay extra to have all the involved medical staff sign additional non-disclosure agreements.

Even though Hayden had considered countless possibilities for Suzie’s behavior, hearing her confirm it was still a shock.

He didn’t press for more details. Instead, he said softly, “Suzie, that’s your private life. If you don’t want to talk about it, I don’t mind. But if you’re hiding like this because you’re scared, just tell me. I’ll help you.”

A film of moisture misted Suzie’s eyes. “It’s not about being scared anymore. I’m just tired of the entanglement.”

She took a deep, shuddering breath and began to explain. “Hayden, I… I’m hiding from the children’s father. He was convinced I cheated on him during our marriage and that the children weren’t his. But he wouldn’t let me go. He put me under house arrest… It was just an endless series of conflicts that left me completely exhausted. So, I ran away. I hid in that small town. You were there for everything that happened after. That’s the whole story.”

Hayden listened, his gaze distant, and nodded slowly. “I think I understand the gist of it. But all this… it happened over four years ago, right? Have you heard anything? Is he still looking for you?”

Suzie shook her head, a bitter smile on her face. “Probably not anymore. But I think I’ve just gotten used to going out like this. It’s pretty pathetic when you think about it… Sometimes I feel like a fugitive on the run… and that’s not even getting into my ridiculous stepmother…”

She paused, letting out a playful puff of air and tapping her forehead. “Geez, you shouldn’t let people start complaining. See? Once I start, I can’t stop. I’ll tell you about my terrible family some other time. It’s getting late, we should go up. Stella and the others are probably already here.”

Hayden waved a dismissive hand. “Eh, that’s a minor detail. Leave it to me.”

“What father? Since when did you become their father?”

Just as Hayden finished speaking, a distinctly unfriendly voice cut in from behind them.