Derek laughed the moment Uncle Ray entered the hospital room. But his father instantly froze after recognizing him. “Ray Mercer,” he whispered nervously, backing away like he had seen a ghost from his past.

A nurse walked in moments later and immediately noticed the bruises on my face. Derek tried brushing it off, claiming I was “emotional” after childbirth, but I finally spoke up and told her the truth. Security was called within seconds.

Then I grabbed Lily’s stuffed rabbit and pressed the hidden seam behind its ear. A tiny red light blinked. Derek stared at me in shock as recordings of his threats filled the room for everyone to hear.

Police officers entered alongside Detective Alvarez while Uncle Ray calmly handed over a thick folder filled with evidence. For the first time in years, Derek looked afraid instead of powerful-