Thom’s eyes darted to Emily, who stood silently, tears streaming down her face. “Anastasia did mention Caroline… more than once,” he whispered, the realization settling in. “I thought it was just some school friend she had met recently. I never…” His voice trailed off as he turned back to John, horrified.
John took a breath, steadying himself. “That’s because Anna and Caroline go to the same school. But you wouldn’t have known because they are not in the same grade. That’s why I never found her when I looked. She’s older.” The revelation hit Thom like a punch, and John could see him grappling with the betrayal.