Sarah quietly finished her tea, her cheeks flushing red, and set the empty bowl down.That evening, as Zachary prepared to leave, he turned to Sarah with a thought. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll pick Mia up and take her to visit my grandfather. Thank you for looking after her these past few days.”Sarah smiled warmly. “I’ve already come to see Mia as my little sister.”The next day at lunchtime, Sarah was enjoying a quiet meal. Mia had left earlier with Zachary. Suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was James. Without hesitation, she declined the call, but he called again. With a sigh, Sarah reluctantly picked up.“James, what do you want?” she snapped, clearly irritated.“Sarah, don’t hang up. This is about Grandpa,” he said quickly.“Mr. Richard? What about him?” Sarah’s tone softened. Of everyone in the Chancer family, Richard Chancer had always treated her the best.“His appetite’s been poor lately, and I’m planning to take him for a check-up. He’s been asking to see you. Could you come
“Miss Garnett, this way. Please wait here for a moment while I inform Mr. Chancer,” the butler said politely as he led Charlotte to the living room.Once inside, the butler discreetly informed James about Charlotte’s arrival. James’s expression darkened, and he immediately went to meet her.“What are you doing here?” His tone carried a hint of irritation.Charlotte feigned nonchalance, smiling softly. “I heard you say Grandpa hasn’t been feeling well lately, so I brought him some supplements. I originally wanted to come with you, but you left so quickly. I had no choice but to drive here on my own.”James barely glanced at the box of supplements and spoke gently but firmly. “Charlotte, you know how Grandpa feels about you… Maybe it’s best if you head back for now.”Charlotte froze, disbelief flashing across her face. Her eyes reddened as she stared at James. “James, I came here out of kindness, and you’re telling me to leave? We’re getting married, aren’t we? For the future, I nee
Richard shot Charlotte a cold glance, his tone unkind. “I don’t teach chess to just anyone, and I’m not particularly fond of it either. I just enjoy having Sasa visit when she has time to play a game or two with me.”Charlotte’s expression darkened. She could no longer maintain her composed and elegant demeanor. Feeling utterly sidelined, she couldn’t understand what kind of charm Sarah had used to win over Richard so completely.Unable to hold back her frustration, she finally snapped, “Grandpa, Miss Sanders is an outsider. I’m the one who’s going to be your granddaughter-in-law.”James immediately interjected, “Charlotte, what nonsense are you spouting?”“Why? Am I wrong?” Charlotte insisted stubbornly. “At the end of the day, I’m the one you’re going to marry.”Richard set a white chess piece on the board with a heavy thud and said coldly, “James, don’t you have work to do at the company? Take her and leave. I’m doing just fine, so you don’t need to hover around and bother me.”
Richard placed another piece on the board, frowning slightly. “Sasa, don’t try to fool this old man. I could tell you were holding back. You could’ve won the last game, but you let me off easy.”“Grandpa, you’re too skilled for me. There’s no way I could win. Don’t tell me you’re just trying to comfort me with those words,” Sarah replied with a warm smile as she placed her next piece on the board.“I know you too well, Sasa. Don’t waste your time on that blockhead from our family. Just looking at him gives me a headache.” Richard sighed deeply.Sarah was such a wonderful girl, yet it seemed fate had decided she wouldn’t remain part of the Chancer family. The thought of James, that foolish grandson of his, left him frustrated. Even after the divorce, James was clearly still hung up on Sarah—his lingering gaze during their chess game hadn’t gone unnoticed.Richard had foreseen this day when the divorce was finalized.“I understand, Grandpa,” Sarah said sincerely. She knew he truly c
Sarah was speechless. With a mocking smile, she replied, “If he loves you so much, why are you wasting time talking to me?”Charlotte opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, a Porsche Cayenne pulled up by the curb. Zachary stepped out, his eyes immediately finding Sarah.Ignoring Charlotte, Sarah walked toward him. “Mr. Reynolds, what brings you here?”“Let’s talk in the car,” Zachary said, holding the passenger door open for her.Sarah hesitated briefly before getting in.Charlotte, her eyes red with frustration, called out, “Mr. Reynolds! Did you know that Miss Sanders has been constantly in contact with James?”Zachary paused, turning to look at Charlotte. “From what I’ve seen, it’s James who’s been pestering her. In fact, I’d call it harassment.”With that, he got into the car without another word.Sarah shook her head as she buckled her seatbelt. “Those two really are two sides of the same coin.”“Was it James who called you here?” Zachary asked as
She returned to her apartment downstairs, her rational mind telling her not to fall further, to recognize her place. Maybe it was time for her to set clear boundaries.Late that night, Charlotte returned home, visibly distraught. James had just finished his shower and stepped out of the bathroom. “Why are you back so late?” he asked casually.Charlotte forced a smile. “Mom and I talked for a long time.”“Hmm,” he responded vaguely. “I’ll be in the study finishing something.” Without waiting for a reply, he walked past her.Watching him leave, Charlotte’s eyes filled with frustration and resentment.Half an hour later, she emerged from the bedroom, dressed in a lace satin nightgown that clung to her figure. Her slightly damp hair fell loosely around her shoulders. A spritz of perfume and a touch of lipstick completed her look. Carrying a glass of wine, she entered the study.She placed the wineglass in front of James and leaned close. “James, we haven’t had a proper conversation i
"Miss Sanders, after our last talk, I’ve felt so much better. Please come back soon—I have so much more to share with you.""Miss Sanders, thank you for passing my paper to my idol! She even replied to my email.""Miss Sanders, everyone’s worried about you! Please come back!"...The heartfelt messages written on the sticky notes brought tears to Sarah’s eyes. Her vision blurred as she read each note, and she had to wipe away the moisture at the corners of her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she unlocked the counseling office door.Everything inside was just as she remembered. She noticed the broken safe had been returned to its original spot, now fully repaired.Sitting down at her desk, Sarah powered on her computer and started working. The toxic posts that had flooded the forums before had been deleted, leaving the space restored to its original academic focus. It was clear that someone had deliberately cleaned things up.East Coast Police DepartmentMrs. Chancer and Charlotte too
Those things they said were all lies! She was framed by Sarah Sanders!But every time Lucy closed her eyes, the hateful words echoed in her mind, and her ears rang with their accusations. She pressed her hands tightly over her ears, screaming, "I won't let you get away with this, Sarah Sanders!"The next day, she returned to school.The moment she stepped onto campus, she felt the disdain in the stares of the students around her. When she entered her classroom, the group of classmates chatting in a corner immediately dispersed.She approached Lindsey, fuming. “These people are ridiculous! They don’t even care about the truth—I was framed!”To her surprise, Lindsey didn’t back her up as usual. Instead, her tone was harsh. “The whole school saw it, Lucy. There were videos all over the news. And you’re still claiming you were framed?”Lucy glared at Lindsey with fury. “How dare you take Sarah Sanders’ side? Don’t forget who you’re loyal to! I treated you so well, and this is how you
This time she used subconscious therapy again, but without including herself in Mia's mental landscape.Melvin had offered his office for Mia's therapy sessions. Sarah dimmed the lights.With Mia settled on the couch, just like at the university, they began."Mia, close your eyes. Imagine you're in a vast desert, surrounded by endless sand. In the distance, a tornado rushes toward you.""You feel gentle breezes, warm sunlight on your skin. You're comfortable, just growing tired, so tired you sink into the soft sand..."Mia's closed eyes relaxed, her furrowed brow smoothing.Sarah continued softly, "Deep in the desert, you see a camel. It runs toward you. Is it seeking help or trying to attack?""Attack. It wants to attack me.""Good. But you dodge it. Then hunters capture you. You scream for help. Someone comes. Who is it?"Mia's hands clenched. "Sarah.""No, not Sarah. Someone else. Who?" Sarah pressed.Mia's arms trembled with tension, but she insisted, "It's Sarah."Sara
He needed to take that step, to show Melvin he could protect Sarah."Could you take Mia with you?" Zachary asked seriously. "Her condition is more stable when you're around."Sarah nodded. She'd wanted to bring Mia anyway but wasn't sure if Zachary would agree."Okay. Melvin says we're leaving tomorrow morning. Bring Mia early, I don't think he'll refuse." Though Sarah wasn't entirely confident.Zachary kissed her nose. "I haven't kept my promise yet. I said I'd talk to Melvin, but now you're leaving before I could."Sarah cupped his face in her hands, smiling. "Maybe he's rushing because he knows you won't give up.""Sarah, trust me. I'll convince Melvin." He wouldn't surrender."I know."Zachary gazed into her eyes with burning intensity. "Sasa…” He stopped himself, swallowing his words.Before Sarah could ask, his lips found hers.He held her tight, as if trying to merge her into himself. There was a metallic taste between their lips.Sarah lost herself in this ocean of
Tears sprang to Sarah's eyes. "Zachary! What are you doing?"He whispered against her ear, his voice icy, "Why didn't you tell me? Couldn't you even make one phone call? Did you want to leave me?"Sarah looked at him, helpless but determined. "No, I don't want to go."Zachary released her and walked to the bed.Sarah sighed with relief, moving to sit on the edge of the bed, her emotions in turmoil."Then why didn't you tell me?"Sarah turned away, whispering, "I was afraid I'd cry."Without seeing him, she could be strong and brave, fearless.But one look at him made her want to depend on him completely. She wasn't even sure she could follow her cousin's wishes anymore.Zachary held her tight, breathing in the fresh scent of her hair, unsure whether to smile or maintain his stern expression.Finally, his cold facade cracked. Seeing her lips still red from his earlier kiss, he leaned in again.Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck, heat rising from her throat to her face unt
That short distance felt like miles. Knowing it would be hard to see Zachary again after she left, Sarah turned and buried herself in his chest one last time, savoring the moment.Back home, Uncle Shawn had left. Melvin sat on the couch, his face cold. Seeing her, he gave a bitter smile, "I know he was upstairs."Sarah dropped the pretense and sat beside Melvin, cautiously asking, "Why do you hate Zachary so much?""Hate? No, I despise him. I'm sick of him." His calm tone barely contained the underlying fury.Sarah was confused. In her memory, Melvin shouldn't even know Zachary. Where did this hatred come from?"Why?" she pressed.Melvin poured himself some tea, his gaze distant. "Sarah, Zachary's dangerous. Being close to him puts you at risk. You should end it before you're in too deep. Otherwise, you'll regret it."Sarah shook her head in frustration. "You can't just say he's dangerous without explaining why."Melvin slammed the table. "No explanations. We're leaving tomorro
Outside the police station, James watched Charlotte emerge, exhaustion etched on his face.The revelation still stunned him. He'd suspected everyone - Lucy, his mother - but never Charlotte. He'd been too confident in his understanding of her, too certain her kindness was genuine."James," Charlotte's voice quavered, her eyes red-rimmed as she reached for him. He stepped back, irritation clear in his movements."Just get in the car," he said flatly.During the drive home, Charlotte couldn't bear his silence. "James, please. I never wanted to hurt Sarah. I just wanted to... I mean, nothing really happened!""Were you behind those social media posts?" His voice was ice."I only shared the truth," she dabbed at her face with a tissue. "I know it was wrong. I won't do anything like that again. Everything I did was because I love you so much."James kept driving, his jaw set, ignoring her words.That evening, Sarah's phone lit up with a call from Mia."Sarah?" Mia's voice trembled.
"I can't believe Sarah has this kind of influence!" Lucy paced her room, struggling to process the revelation. All this time, she'd dismissed Sarah as a gold-digger after her brother's money."An heiress? Really?" She scoffed. "I thought her inheritance went to Melvin when her parents died."James slammed his hand on the desk. "Have you learned nothing? First Zachary Reynolds, and now the Sanders family? You won't rest until you've destroyed everything we've built!"He massaged his temples, regretting his decision to sign her out of Pyschiatric Hospital. If he'd known she'd cause this much chaos..."They started it!" Lucy protested. "Making ridiculous threats about ruining us in minutes. I couldn't just stand there!""Enough!" James snapped, his patience finally breaking. Lucy recoiled at his tone, fleeing to her room.Alone in his study, James stared at his buzzing phone - the Garnetts again, undoubtedly demanding updates about Charlotte. As if the company's crisis wasn't enough
Sarah's nose tingled with emotion as she leaned against the window, laughing softly, "You're acting like we haven't seen each other in ages.""It's been three days. Haven't you missed me?""I already told you," Sarah paused, then added, "Yes, I have."She longed to touch his face, rest against his chest, hear his strong heartbeat, hold his warm hand.Instead, she could only press her hand against the cold window, unable to bridge the four-story gap to reach his outstretched palm."Can't reach," she whispered.Zachary opened the passenger door, pulling out a pink teddy bear, “Do you like it?”"It's lovely, but I can't get it," Sarah said sadly."Try finding some string," Zachary suggested.Sarah searched everywhere, first her room, then the bathroom, nearly getting caught. Finally, she found some string.She lowered it from the fourth floor and pulled up the tied teddy bear, feeling like it symbolized her own situation.She was the one tied up, with Melvin holding the strings
Sarah understood completely. Earlier attempts to help Mia feel safe - trips to amusement parks, movie theaters, and various entertainment venues with Zachary - had shown little success.Though Mia's condition had stabilized, Sarah had questioned her treatment approach. They'd attempted hypnotherapy several times, but touching deeper memories triggered either episodes or blackouts. She hadn't dared use any more aggressive methods."Psychological intervention isn't about completely fixing patients," Scott explained. "It's about subtle suggestions. Like solving a mystery - providing small clues until they piece everything together."Sarah nodded thoughtfully, "Professor, would recreating the traumatic scene be too triggering? Has this approach worked in other countries?""Never heard of success with that. Don't attempt it," Scott warned."I understand. Thank you, Professor." Sarah rose from her seat."Anytime. Keep in touch if you need more guidance."At the restaurant's private ro
Sarah pulled out a stack of papers from her bag - Mia's treatment reports.Scott looked through them briefly before setting them aside. "Jane mentioned this to me in M. Country. Mia developed psychological trauma from a kidnapping several years ago. That's not unusual. What's rare is her subconscious time-space disorientation when triggered.""Based on her condition then, she likely had no one to trust. After witnessing violent scenes, her subconscious protected her by blocking those memories. However, when triggered, she returns to that state. The difference now is your presence. I see from the report that you and Jane theorized it's perception disorder - when feeling unsafe, she pulls you, her most trusted person now, into past scenes. While possible, your treatment approach has a fundamental flaw - it's actually a paradox.""A flaw?" Sarah looked at Scott puzzled."Yes. If she had no one to trust after the kidnapping, yet under stress chooses to pull you into that scenario - don