She clung tightly to Sarah's arm, crying, as if this was her only source of security.Sarah let her hold on, wondering what Mia must have experienced to make her feel so unsafe."I'm here. Don't be afraid. I'm right here," she said softly.Mia gradually calmed down but kept holding Sarah's arm, her eyes darting around anxiously.Jane took a sip of coffee and checked the time. "Let me drive you both home - it's getting late.""Thank you, Dr. Lawrence.”Sarah and Mia got into Jane's car, and they quickly arrived at the apartment building.Before leaving, Jane told her: "My senior colleague will be returning to the country soon. He's a more experienced psychiatrist than I am. I'll mention you to him - he might get in touch.""Thank you," Sarah replied sincerely.As she closed the car door, Jane lowered the window for one last comment: "Your research paper is incredibly valuable. I've sent my questions and thoughts about it to your email. You shouldn't just be a counselor at Adams
“Mom! Our family only holds five percent of the school’s shares. The Reynolds family controls forty percent—nearly half. Do you really think the dean would risk offending them for us?” James’ tone was exasperated.And there was something he hadn’t mentioned yet: Lucy’s reputation at school was already terrible. She had been using the family name to bully other students for years, targeting anyone she didn’t like. Several promising students had even been forced to drop out because of her behavior.The dean had been tactful in his remarks, but the truth was clear. He had only tolerated Lucy’s actions because of the Chancer family’s influence. Now that the Reynolds family had stepped in, there was no way the school would continue shielding her.“As expected, everyone just bows to power and picks on the weak! What about my poor Lucy? What’s she going to do now?” Mrs. Chancer wailed, her voice shrill with despair.James’ tone turned cold. “Mom, you know better than I do what kind of rep
“You’ve completely disgraced our family! Especially with those ridiculous things you posted on the forums. I can’t help you anymore!” James’s voice was cold, his patience wearing thin. “James! Everything I did was for you!” Lucy shouted, her voice shrill with frustration. “That shameless woman cheated on you while you were married, yet you gave her so much money and even the house! She married you just for the money! I couldn’t stand her, that’s all! How dare she act so shamelessly and still take what belongs to our family?” “That’s enough!” James’ face darkened further, his anger barely contained. “This isn’t even about whether I can help you. Do you know who turned you in? It was the Reynolds family. No one can help you now. Reflect on your actions while you’re here!” With that, James turned and walked out without looking back. “Don’t go! James! You’re not allowed to leave!” Lucy screamed, slamming her fists against the door. Her outburst was short-lived as two officers q
Zachary continued answering softly, “Mia, it’s not too late. Look, I’ve brought you both out safely.”“Sarah, are you safe now?” Mia suddenly asked, her tone laced with unease.Sarah was taken aback but nodded reassuringly. “Yes, we’re all safe now.”“Good!” Mia pulled her bowl closer and began sipping her soup quietly.Zachary seemed momentarily lost in thought, his gaze distant.As night fell, Zachary tidied up and left. Mia went to sleep, but Sarah lay awake, unable to settle her mind.Her thoughts lingered on Zachary. There was no doubt—he was a perfect man.She could feel her feelings toward him shifting, evolving in ways she couldn’t control.The more she tried to distance herself, the more she found herself drawn to him.“Breaking news: Lucy Chancer, the daughter of the Chancer family, was caught cheating during Adams University's psychology competition by stealing exam questions and framing another student. After being exposed, she threw boiling water at one of the jud
James had just signed a contract at an upscale tea lounge, but his thoughts were elsewhere. The image of Sarah standing next to Zachary kept replaying in his mind, unsettling him.As he left the tea lounge, he noticed a long line of people outside a nearby dessert shop bustling with activity.His assistant caught his glance and explained, “Mr. Chancer, that’s Taste Avenue, a famous dessert shop here in East Coast City. People drive for hours just to line up for their treats. It’s become a must-visit spot, but their supplies are limited, so not everyone gets what they want.”Taste Avenue.The name stirred a memory.He remembered coming home from work one evening, finding Sarah excitedly showing off her latest purchase. The coffee table had been covered with desserts of all shapes and sizes.“James, look! This is their famous ice tart. I waited in line for three hours to get it. Come try a bite,” she said with a bright smile, holding the tart up to him.He had only glanced at her
Just as the two were busy in the kitchen, the doorbell rang.Mia got up to answer it, but as soon as she saw who was at the door, she backed away in fear and ran straight to the kitchen. “Sarah, there’s someone…” she stammered.Sarah wiped her hands on a towel. “Who is it?”When she walked to the door and saw who it was, she froze. Standing there was James.Her smile vanished instantly, her brows knitting into a frown. “James, what do you want?”“Sarah, is Mia staying at your place?” James hadn’t expected Mia to answer the door.But seeing Sarah in an apron reminded him of their life together, however fleeting those moments of domesticity had been.“Mr. Chancer, who I invite into my home is none of your business. If you don’t have a good reason to be here, please leave. I’m busy and don’t have time to stand around chatting with you.” Her voice was cold and clipped.James quickly raised a box of desserts he had brought with him. “I was near Taste Avenue today for a meeting and s
Sarah rinsed her hands again and turned up the stove to full heat, blanching the meat she’d bought at the store. White foam floated to the surface of the boiling water, and the steam rose, warming her face. Sweat gathered on her forehead, and just as she was about to wipe it away, Zachary handed her a tissue and gently dabbed at the moisture.“Thanks,” Sarah murmured.Zachary tossed the tissue into the trash and washed his hands before picking up a knife to chop vegetables. His pale, well-defined hands moved gracefully, making even the sharp blade in his grip seem like an elegant tool. Against the vibrant green of the vegetables, his skin appeared even more strikingly smooth.Sarah glanced at him, her mind replaying the moment he’d wiped her brow. Her cheeks flushed as she returned to her task. Fishing the meat out of the pot, she said, “Can you rinse the peppers?”“Sure.” Zachary set down the knife and started washing the green peppers.Taking advantage of the moment, Sarah picke
Charlotte had been waiting at home when James arrived. She greeted him warmly, taking the folder and pastry box from his hands. Her eyes brightened when she saw the prestigious bakery logo."You went to Le Petit Gâteau? I've heard so much about this East Coast gem but never tried it. Is this for me?" she asked excitedly.James hesitated, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face, but nodded. "If you like it, we'll go there sometime.""That would be lovely." Charlotte set the box down, watching as James headed upstairs.Feeling reassured, she carefully opened the box, her earlier worries fading. James was still thoughtful as ever. But when she discovered the tube of burn cream at the bottom, her expression darkened.Burn cream?Why was there burn cream in a pastry box?Her mind immediately went to Sarah—the competition incident where she'd been scalded. Her grip tightened around the tube.It was for Sarah.The pastries weren't meant for Charlotte at all. They were intended for
"Is that a threat?" Sarah scoffed. "I'm seeing Zachary because of Mia.""Whatever the reason, if Zachary and his grandfather don't want you treating Mia anymore, you should just disappear. Stay away from them." Vivian's voice dripped with venom.Sarah narrowed her eyes, suddenly leaning in so close their faces nearly touched. A chill ran down Vivian's spine."Aren't you overstepping? Not everything needs your control, Vivian. Mia's my friend. Of course I'll help when she's in trouble."Vivian sneered. "Don't be ridiculous. Their grandfather and Zachary have found dozens of renowned therapists. You really think you're more qualified? Are you really helping Mia, or using her condition to get close to Zachary?""Shut up. There may be many qualified people, but I've been treating Mia all along. No one knows her condition better than I do. As for Zachary - we're over. I won't go back. You don't need to be so threatened."Vivian burst into mocking laughter. "Me? Threatened? You don't k
Mia calmed slightly at the familiar voice. Her frantic movements slowed, the pillow she'd meant to throw falling to the floor. She stared at Zachary with wary confusion, her guard dropping only when she finally recognized him."Brother?" she tested uncertainly.The worry in Zachary's eyes softened. "Yes, Mia. It's me, your brother."He approached slowly, careful not to startle her, gently removing the cup from her left hand."Mia, look at my face. I'm your brother.""Brother?" she murmured, then her expression twisted. "Liar! You want to kill me, don't you? You want to eat me!" The word "eat" seemed to trigger her deepest terrors.Her face contorted as she crouched down, hugging herself. "Don't eat me, please don't!"Zachary looked at his sister with pain, cautiously placing a hand on her shoulder. "Don't be scared, Mia. I'm here to protect you.""You're lying! You said you'd protect us but never came! Sarah was eaten and you never came! You lied to us!" Mia sobbed hysterically
She left without waiting for Zachary's response, not looking back.At the restaurant, Vivian and Zachary sat at the best window table, their food already served."Zachary, try this!" Vivian said eagerly. "This steak's even better than that Kobe beef we had in Japan."Zachary mechanically cut a piece and took a bite. The meat was indeed good."So," Vivian asked, feigning casualness, "what did Miss Sanders want earlier?"Zachary frowned slightly. "That's private.""Why so hostile? I just care about you. If she needs help, maybe I could assist?" Vivian's voice turned hurt.Zachary put down his cutlery and looked at her coolly. "Actually, there is one thing you could help with.""What is it?"A cold smile played at his lips. "Stay in your lane."Vivian's smile froze, her body tensing. She forced a laugh. "What do you mean?""Nothing at all," Zachary said, taking another bite.After dinner, Vivian dabbed her lips. The meal had been tasteless.She hadn't mentioned the engagement
Sarah looked at Zachary gravely. "Mia's condition is deteriorating. I need to continue her treatment."Zachary's fingers drummed lightly on his desk, disapproval written across his face. "That's...""What? Don't you trust me?" Sarah raised an eyebrow."Of course I trust you. I've never doubted your professional ability. I just..." Just want to prevent what might happen - like you leaving me when you learn the truth.But he'd never tell her that.Sarah knew Zachary well. Something specific was making him hesitate. Those strange photographs? Or that drawing Mia had made?Though she suspected he wouldn't answer, she had to ask. "Tell me why."Zachary froze. "I'm sorry. I can't."He couldn't say anything until he'd figured out his explanation.Sarah gave a bitter laugh. "Is it because of Tina’s incident? Or what happened when Mia had her episode at the school gates? I know you don't believe those online rumors, but I can't think of any reason you'd willingly stop Mia's treatment,
The receptionist barely concealed her frown. Who could she be calling?"I'm at Reynolds Tower. Need to see you."The woman's tone was curt. The receptionist wondered who warranted such directness.Moments later, she watched in shock as the executive elevator whirred into action. The doors opened and Zachary Reynolds himself strode out, heading straight for the woman, his pace quickening. "Sasa, what brings you here?"Sarah didn't return his warmth. "Your office. We need to talk."In his office, Sarah fixed him with a disapproving look. "Mr. Reynolds, I don't know what you're thinking, but I do know you care about Mia. If you care so much, you must realize my therapy is what's best for her."She couldn't understand why he'd suddenly stopped her sessions with Mia, but it had to be connected to Mia's buried memories.Zachary looked at her helplessly. "Sasa, it's not just my decision. It's Grandfather's too. I'm sorry."Sarah stared at him in disbelief. "So because of your grandfat
Three days after leaving Sarah's... that was so long ago.She couldn't imagine how Mia had endured, but the raw marks on her arms told the story.Sarah frowned at Mia's scarred arms. "You silly girl. Doesn't it hurt?"Mia shook her head. "My mind's so chaotic then, I don't even remember doing it. It's like a nightmare - I just wake up and find the scratches.""What kind of nightmare?" Sarah asked worriedly."Someone trying to grab me, saying they'll drink my blood, eat my flesh. I'm so scared."Sarah knew these casual descriptions masked Mia's reality - waking up screaming, probably crying herself hoarse.Mia's shoulders trembled as she spoke."Mia, stop. That's enough," Sarah cut in quickly."Sarah, can you help me?" She buried herself in Sarah's embrace."Of course I will." Sarah patted her shoulder and stroked her forehead.Since she'd come under the pretense of therapy, Mia needed to get to her therapist's office.In the car, she looked back at Sarah longingly. "I'll co
After Shawn and Amanda left, Melvin warned, "Sasa, Sydney won't let this go. Be careful.""I will. Heading to the office?"“Yep. See you at home." Then he left too.Alone at last, Mia threw herself into Sarah's arms. "I've missed you so much! I've been trying to see you, but my grandfather wouldn't let me out. I finally found a way!""Did you sneak out?" Sarah asked, getting some coconut pudding from the fridge."Not this time!" Mia said proudly. "I made a deal with my new therapist.""A deal?"Mia nodded. “My grandfather and brother keep finding therapists, but I couldn't work with any of them. This one's different - I agreed to treatment if he'd bring me here."Sarah looked at her with concern. "Still having nightmares?""Yes. Without you, I'm always panicking. Even at home, my heart races. I just want to lock myself in my room, avoid everyone. But with you, I feel safe. I can talk again." Mia took a bite of pudding.Sarah had always known Mia depended on her - it seemed es
"Sydney," Mia said mockingly, "if you want Sarah to forgive you, it's simple - get on your knees and apologize. Right here, in front of everyone. And promise you'll never bother her again."On her knees?Sydney's eyes widened. Kneel before Sarah? Before that bitch?"Never! I won't kneel to her!"Sarah stepped closer, with a cool smile. "Fine. Then I'll personally see you to a cell. The last person like you is already in prison, and your cousin won't escape either.""You're threatening me!" Sydney's face flushed.Mrs. Blanco turned tearfully to Amanda. "Amanda, look at your niece! We're family - how can she demand Sydney kneel?"Before Amanda could speak, Shawn pulled her back. "Mrs. Blanco, where was this 'family' talk when your daughter was plotting? Since Sarah wants an apology on knees, that's what she'll get. Unless you want Benjamin back in detention? How would Lady White take that?""Uncle! I'm your niece too! Why protect only her?" Sydney's tears started falling."Sydne
"I see." Old Lady White fixed Sydney with an icy stare. "Benjamin, is this true?""No! Grandmother, please believe me! I'd never do something like this. Sarah's framing me - it's all her plot!" Sydney looked at her grandmother desperately.Benjamin pressed on, "She even warned me on the way to the hospital not to mention her involvement.""You're lying! Benji, look carefully at who's really trying to destroy you!" Sydney turned on Benjamin like a cornered animal."Look at yourself, Sydney," Mia said coldly. "You're acting unhinged. Your cousin's confessed - what's left to deny?""You Reynolds have no place here! This is Sanders family business. Anyone can see Sarah's manipulating everything behind the scenes!"Benjamin shook his head fiercely. "Grandmother, Sydney did this! Now that everything's blown up, she's trying to pin it all on me when she's the real mastermind."Old Lady White's expression grew colder. Finally dropping her facade, she said, "If this was Sydney's scheme