Marcus brought the two young children into a private waiting room nearby.
He asked the venue manager to bring warm water, towels, and food immediately.
Lily sat on the soft leather couch, holding a cup of sweet juice.
Baby Maya slept soundly in a cozy blanket beside her big sister.
Marcus knelt beside the couch so he could look at Lily directly.
Marcus: Where is your mother, Lily?
Lily wiped her nose with the back of her small hand.
Lily: Mommy got very sick three weeks ago and had to go away.
Marcus felt a heavy knot form inside his stomach at those words.
Seven years ago, his former girlfriend Clara had disappeared without saying a word.
He had spent months searching for Clara before giving up hope.
Marcus: Did your mommy ever talk about me?
Lily: She wrote you letters every single month, Daddy.
Marcus blinked in complete confusion as he listened to his daughter.
Marcus: I never received any letters from her, sweetie.
Lily reached deep into her jacket pocket with shaking fingers.
She pulled out a crumpled envelope sealed with old tape.
Marcus took the paper and recognized Clara's delicate handwriting right away.
He opened the letter and read the emotional words written inside.
Clara had explained that she was forced to leave town under terrifying threats.
Someone had paid her landlord to throw her out and block her calls.
The letter mentioned that Victoria's wealthy family had paid off the local hospital records.
They wanted to keep Marcus away from his real family forever.
Marcus: They kept you away from me on purpose.
Marcus slammed his fist lightly against the wooden armrest of the chair.
Lily: Mommy told me to find you if anything bad ever happened to her.
Marcus wiped a tear from his face and pulled Lily into a soft hug.
Marcus: You were so brave to find me today, Lily.
The door opened suddenly, and Victoria strode into the room angrily.
Victoria: You need to kick these dirty kids out so we can finish the party!
Marcus stood up slowly, facing Victoria with intense anger in his eyes.
Marcus: You knew about Clara and my daughter all along, didn't you?
Victoria turned pale as she saw the letter in his hand.
Victoria: That woman was nothing but trouble for your career!
Marcus: Get out of my face before I call the police!
Victoria backed away slowly as Marcus pointed toward the hallway.
Victoria: You are making the biggest mistake of your entire life!
Marcus turned his back on her without saying another word.