CHAPTER 12 GETTING IT BACK

In the days that followed, Madison threw herself into action, her determination a shield against the doubts and fears that sought to consume her. She visited Dr. Shepherd regularly, her body and mind slowly recovering from the trauma she had endured. But the search for Michael proved fruitless, his name and face vanishing into the faceless sea of the city. And as the weeks passed, Madison’s fears began to mount. What if he didn’t want to be involved? What if he didn’t even believe her? The thought of Michael’s reaction ate away at Madison like a slow poison, filling her with an unspeakable dread. She didn’t want him to be the father, not really. She knew that raising a child with a stranger would be impossible, a burden too heavy to bear. But she couldn’t deny the truth. He deserved to know, he deserved a choice. And if he didn’t believe her, if he didn’t want to be involved, then she would move on. And so, Madison found herself standing outside the imposing facade of the family co