Chapter 23
“The threshold to become a parent in this world is too low. It’s too difficult for the children if people choose to give birth but don’t raise the child.”
The audience sympathized with the “honest and simple” Yeomans family, expressing their anger.
Ian turned to Adam. He asked, “Your mother left when you were only five years old. Don’t you resent
her?”
“I don’t hate my mother because…” Adam choked up, “My grandma and dad told me that my mom didn’t marry my dad willingly. My dad borrowed 30 thousand dollars to ‘acquire‘ my mom as his wife.
“Even though grandma and dad were kind to her, my mom had no feelings for my dad and didn’t want to stay in that place. I understand her, but it’s been hard growing up without a mom. I really miss her. I want to meet her and ask why she didn’t want me.”
As expected, a murmur rose from the audience as Adam spoke.
“What? They acquired her to be his a wife?”
“Is this about human trafficking or a marriage arranged by her paternal family?”
“Could it be an arranged marriage?”
“Even it was arranged, the child is innocent.”
Waiting to appear on the other side of the stage, Anne heard the audience’s discussion. She was so infuriated that her eyes reddened.
She couldn’t help but burst out, “Why don’t you tell everyone that Wanda was trafficked and sold to your family!”
Staff members quickly escorted Anne away.
The revelation stirred the audience.
“What? This young man’s mother was trafficked?”
“Oh dear. Women who are trafficked often meet tragic fates!”
“It’s no wonder she ran away! My goodness! Who wouldn’t run in that situation?”
A child born to a trafficked woman seeking his mother was the explosive highlight and topic lan wanted for the episode.
Reading the audience’s reaction, Adam quickly added, “My dad was imprisoned because of this. He’s realized his mistake over the years in jail. He’s here today to see my mom and apologize to her for his ignorance of the law back then. He’s deeply remorseful.”
Wayne spoke timidly, “It was my mistake, I admit. I’ve served time in prison as atonement. But the child is innocent!
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“Even if I’m sentenced to prison, I accept it. It’s my fault! But Adam is blameless! He just wants to see his mom and grandpa. I only ask for a chance for Adam to meet them and so I can apologize, even if it costs me my life!”
Wayne got on his knees. He begged, “Please, lan. Help Adam!”
tan hurried to help Wayne up, addressing the audience, “Our team conducted extensive Investigations and found Dr. Harrison, who performed the surgery on Adam’s mother. Dr. Harrison. has retired and lives abroad with his children, but we managed to interview him over the phone.”
In the studio, the recorded phone conversation with Dr. Harrison began.
Dr. Harrison recalled the trafficked woman vividly, “The injuries on her body, both new and old, were heart–wrenching. Her leg was broken, and her mental state was very poor.
“She eventually died on the operating table due to excessive bleeding. Her mother begged me on her knees to save her daughter, offering any amount of money.
“That couple had been searching for their daughter for nearly 12 years. The patient’s mother suffered from severe depression due to her daughter’s disappearance and even attempted suicide twice!”
