That morning, bombshell news shook the entire media world - James Chancer was getting married again after his divorce.The story had been trending since dawn. Sarah saw the news when she arrived at her psychology counseling office at Adams University.She had barely glanced at her phone screen when a woman entered her office.It was Charlotte!"Miss Garnett, the counseling office is only open to university students," Sarah said coldly.Charlotte smiled graciously, "Miss Sanders, there's no need for such hostility. I'm here to process Lucy's leave of absence.""If you're looking to process a leave of absence, the administrative office is in the second building after you exit this door. I need to work now," Sarah said expressionlessly, lowering her head to organize her things, ignoring Charlotte."Miss Sanders, I've already handled the paperwork. I just passed by to give you something." Charlotte took out a dark red invitation from her bag and placed it on Sarah's desk.The invit
He truly couldn't remember what Sarah's wedding dress had looked like, or how stunning she had been. All he remembered was her face flushed pink as she spoke those words, shy and adorable.His heart constricted painfully. Coming back to the present, he saw Charlotte looking at him with confusion. "James?"James quickly forced a smile, "You look beautiful."Late that night, Sarah had just picked up her phone when she received a call from overseas - it was Jane.“Jane?” she asked puzzled, sitting on the sofa and turning on the TV, which was showing the latest news.“Sarah, my senior colleague is returning to the country tomorrow. I've already told him about you and briefly explained your situation. You can contact him directly when he arrives," Jane's voice was gentle yet firm.The TV was broadcasting news about James and Charlotte's wedding: "According to reports, Dr. Scott Rogers, the psychology PhD from the M. Country, will be returning home soon and will attend this wedding..."
Lucy snorted coldly. She just wanted to confirm Sarah would appear at the wedding. She wanted Sarah to witness her brother marrying another woman with her own eyes - let's see her keep up her act then!Sarah entered the wedding venue, handed over her gift money, and found a random seat among strangers.After sitting down, she casually scanned the room for Scott, whose photo she'd seen in yesterday's news.Many guests were studying Sarah - quite a few had attended her wedding to James, and they couldn't help but gossip about an ex-wife attending her former husband's wedding.Lucy immediately nudged her mother, "Mom! She really came!"Mrs. Chancer glared, "I don't know what's wrong with your brother and his wife to invite her. It's bad luck!"The tables were laden with desserts. Sarah, focused on her search, was intercepted by James behind a pillar. "You really came!"Sarah tried to ignore him and walk past, but James blocked her path. "Don't go."Sarah glared at him, "Mr. Chance
The entire venue fell silent as everyone turned to watch. Scott looked at Sarah with confusion.The Chancer and Garnett families rushed over. James grabbed Charlotte's arm, "Charlotte, what's wrong?""James, she tore up our marriage certificate and our wedding photos - she deliberately scratched out my face."She produced the marriage certificate torn in half, while Mrs. Garnett held up the wedding photo with the defaced face.The crowd erupted in shock, suddenly remembering that Sarah was James's ex-wife."Well, what do you expect? An ex-wife coming to a wedding is obviously here to cause trouble.""But to do something like this at such an occasion - how shameful! No wonder James divorced her!""Look at the poor bride crying her eyes out, how pitiful."Charlotte continued sobbing, "Miss Sanders, I kindly invited you to our wedding. Why would you do this to me? You already took so much money and property in the divorce. James never mistreated you. If you're unhappy, you could t
Mrs. Chancer watched Sarah smugly, waiting to see how she would respond.Sarah pointed at Scott, "Dr. Rogers is a recently returned psychology PhD with many achievements and well-known papers and theories. As a counselor myself, of course I'm interested in his work."The man mentioned smiled faintly and stood up graciously, extending his hand, "Miss Sanders, pleased to meet you."Sarah shook his hand, "Mr. Rogers, sorry you had to witness this scene."Charlotte tugged on James's arm, "Let's set that aside for now. Since I invited Miss Sanders, I'm more concerned about the torn wedding photo and marriage certificate."After placing the first photo on the table, she produced a second one - this one was even worse, with the eyes blackened out and a lipstick X drawn across the mouth.Mrs. Garnett was indignant, "Sarah, how could you do something so terrible!"James frowned deeply, "Sarah, I never thought you were this kind of person.""It's simple to prove whether I went upstairs o
"Six o'clock exactly! It was exactly six!" Charlotte insisted firmly."You're wrong. I went to the restroom at 6:10," Sarah stated matter-of-factly.Charlotte stared at her in disbelief, "That's impossible! The server told me you left your seat at six exactly."Lucy anxiously cut in, "Sister-in-law, maybe the server got the time wrong? Either way, she snuck into your lounge while you were in the bathroom."Charlotte shot Lucy a stern look - what a brainless thing to say. But since it was already out there, she steeled herself and quickly added, "Miss Sanders, I can't give you an exact time. After all, who checks the time when they go to the bathroom?"Sarah nodded, "True, they wouldn't. But this is your wedding day, and your makeup artist seemed quite certain about the timing?""I'm saying maybe the server got the time wrong, but you were the only one who left after I exited the lounge. The server saw you go to the lounge - that can't be a lie, can it? Among everyone here, I can'
James and Charlotte simultaneously glared at Lucy - so she was behind this."Sasa, I've made reservations at St. Ritz. The food here looks unappetizing. Let's go."He extended his hand to Sarah, who took it."You can't leave! This isn't settled!" Lucy shouted.Seeing them about to leave, she rushed forward.Zachary and Sarah looked at her impatiently, "Shouldn't you be in the mental hospital?"Fury flashed in Lucy's eyes, but she forced a smile."Mr. Reynolds, it's my brother and sister-in-law's wedding day. Won't you stay for the meal?"She tucked her hair behind her ear with feigned shyness, revealing an elegant ear with sparkling earrings catching the light on her cheek.Mr. Reynolds, why follow that worthless woman?Lucy waited quietly for his reaction, confident that if she could just interact with him, she could make him fall for her!But after a long moment, Zachary didn't even glance at her."You're in the way."She grabbed Sarah angrily, "You can't leave! You tore
"Sasa!""Hello, Miss Sanders.”Before she could react, Mia pushed her into Zachary's passenger seat, while Mia herself squeezed into Steven's car.As they drove along the highway, Steven's car suddenly shot ahead. Mia leaned out the window, waving at Sarah, "Sarah! We don't want to be third wheels!"Scarlett called out too, "I just found out about this! How could you not tell me! I won't forgive you!"Sarah didn't know whether to laugh or cry - Scarlett had already sent her dozens of accusatory messages:"Sarah, you abandoned our friendship for a man!""You didn't tell me you were with Mr. Reynolds! You're in trouble!""I'm a Scorpio! I hold grudges, and I'll remember this forever!""You didn't tell me when you got hurt last time, and now this! I'm not speaking to you for a day!"As they crossed a high bridge, a cool sea breeze carried the salty air toward them.Sarah's eyes widened as she finally saw the true scale of the resort - it was an entire island, accessible only by
"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