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
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
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
At the Chancer house.Charlotte emerged from her shower, now truly Mrs. Chancer.After her quick shower, she spritzed on cool perfume and hurried to choose an outfit from her closet.Since the incident, despite becoming Mrs. Chancer, some still mocked her - especially about being arrested at the press conference. It still stung.But none of that mattered now.James was her priority. She needed to win him over completely, bind him to her forever.She'd bought something special while shopping today, planning a "surprise" for James tonight. She'd waited for him to finish work, but grew impatient.Her heart pounding, Charlotte pulled out the garment, studying it for a long moment before falling silent.She gripped the barely-there, sheer nightgown tighter.She'd never done anything like this, but she had to try - for James's heart.Taking a deep breath, Charlotte steeled herself and put it on.She hurried to his study, carefully turning the handle."James." She dimmed the light
James looked at her apologetically. He didn't understand how he'd lost himself in that final moment and called out... Sarah's name."I'm sorry." At this point, that's all he could say.Charlotte sobbed uncontrollably, her tear-filled eyes fixed on him. "James, why? How could you do this to me? Why did you call her name in bed? Do you regret marrying me? Regret divorcing her?""No, I've never regretted marrying you." James tried to hold Charlotte, but she shoved him away."If you don't regret marrying me, why did you call her name? Are you in love with her?" Charlotte's eyes blazed.James shook his head desperately, "Charlotte, I don't know what came over me. I wasn't thinking. I never meant to hurt you."Even he didn't understand his thoughts. When he heard Charlotte's whispers, he'd remembered Sarah's hatred toward him.Whether at Sarah's door or at the press conference after their divorce, he'd had many chances to see her, but her eyes remained cold and distant. It had been so
"I'm fine," Sarah forced a smile.Despite her best efforts, Mia's therapy showed no progress. Mia's connection to her seemed too deeply rooted. She couldn't figure out how to alter Mia's subconscious in the short term, and she'd discussed this with Scott.During their sessions, she'd found Mia easy to hypnotize, suggesting a generally malleable mind. Yet on this one issue, Mia showed incredible resistance, stubbornly pulling Sarah into that memory.After sending Mia to rest, Sarah sat alone on the couch, lost in thought for nearly two hours until Melvin returned.He was startled to see her. Holding up a wine bottle, he asked, "Care for a drink?""Sure."They hadn't sat together like this since her father's death when Melvin took over the company. After her marriage to James, they'd barely seen each other.Melvin had assumed Sarah was either acting out or avoiding painful memories, so he'd kept his distance. That is, until he saw her situation in the news.Sarah fetched two wine
Sarah pondered Melvin's words. What did he mean by "second time"? Was the first time marrying James?But she remembered her cousin hadn't strongly objected to that marriage initially. He only tried getting to know James after seeing her determination.So who was he really talking about?Melvin had taken the wine bottle, leaving just a little in her glass. She lifted it and downed it like he had.Back in her room, slightly tipsy, she checked her phone. Opening her chat with Zachary, she saw how brief their conversations had become over just three days - a few lines, with today's messages still unanswered."Are you there?""At work.""Miss me?"Every message spoke of longing, but met silence. She wondered if she'd somehow offended him.Sarah felt like she was reliving the past. These unanswered messages reminded her of her marriage - was history repeating itself?She'd only seen Zachary on the news these past days.Watching him looking tired on the financial news channel, she un
She was certain they were being followed.Her palms were sweaty with nerves. Mia finally noticed something was wrong. "Sarah, what is it?""Nothing," Sarah said softly. She couldn't let Mia be in danger - Zachary had entrusted Mia to her care.As they walked, she tried calling Zachary repeatedly, but only got busy signals. What was he doing?At the airport arrival hall, Zachary frowned as he declined the call. He wanted to answer, but he'd spotted her coming out.She wheeled her suitcase, fully disguised in sunglasses and mask. When she was about ten yards away, she took a call. After listening briefly, she smiled with satisfaction. "Continue."She hung up casually, handed her luggage to Zachary, and removed her sunglasses, revealing expressive eyes."Zachary, I knew you'd come for me." She moved to embrace him, but he stepped back.Pretending not to notice, she straightened up. "Still so cold? Aren't you happy to see me?"Zachary finally softened slightly. "It's not that. I'm
Mia tasted the food with a dismissive look. "Sarah, this soup is terrible.""What's that supposed to mean?" Sydney jumped up, glaring at Mia.Even if Mia was a Reynolds, she couldn't take this forever.Mia smirked. "Just stating facts. Or are we not allowed to be honest?"Sydney, expert at playing victim, clutched Melvin's arm. "Melvin, did you hear how rude she's being?""Who are you calling rude?" Mia fixed her with an icy stare. No one had ever dared speak to her like this."Melvin, you saw that. I'm not starting trouble - she is." Sydney gave him an innocent look, tears glistening.Sarah and Mia exchanged disgusted glances. Even Mia found these tactics pathetically obvious - just like Lucy all over again.Melvin's face was blank, though revulsion showed in his eyes. "Let's eat. Annette will cook from now on."Sydney wanted to argue but caught Melvin's expression and stayed quiet.She remembered her aunt's advice: despite Melvin's cold exterior, he had a soft heart, especi
"Aunt, we should still ask my brother." Sarah insisted.Aunt Amanda's displeasure showed. "Sasa, Melvin is my son. He'll listen to me. I discussed Sydney's internship with him months ago."Months ago - before Sarah had returned.Before she could react, Sydney had already directed the bodyguards to move her luggage to an empty room upstairs.She acted like she owned the place, while Mia hid behind Sarah.Only after Sydney had settled in did Aunt Amanda leave, satisfied."Sarah, is she really going to intern at Sanders Group?" Mia asked quietly.Sarah paused. Why place Sydney at Sanders? She hated the idea of someone she distrusted infiltrating the company. Sanders Group was her parents' legacy - she had to protect it."Mia, go rest for a bit."After Mia left, she called Melvin.“Melvin, about Sydney..."His voice sounded tired. "I know. Mother wants her to stay here for now.""I see." Sarah hung up.She couldn't understand her aunt's motives, or Melvin's thoughts.When Mel
"Finally I can be with you again. I only feel safe when you're around." Mia sat in the car the Reynolds had sent, clutching Sarah's sleeve in the backseat as if afraid she'd disappear.Sarah noticed her anxious attachment. She'd always known Mia depended on her deeply, but this level made her uneasy.At the Reynolds house, William had retreated inside, leaving Zachary and Vivian standing outside.They stood in silence, Vivian staring at Zachary while he gazed in the direction Sarah had gone."She's been gone for ages. You still won't look at me?" Vivian's voice trembled.Zachary snapped back to reality, his face blank. "No. I'm worried about Mia.""Is it Mia you're worried about, or Sarah?" Vivian sneered.Zachary just glared at her, refusing to answer.As he turned to leave, Vivian blocked his path. "Answer me. Why are you running? Did I hit a nerve? You still love her, don't you?""I don't know what you're talking about," Zachary said coldly.Vivian laughed sharply. "Don't
"Mr. Reynolds, is there something specific you want to tell me?" Sarah asked, neither humble nor proud."You're clever. Mia trusts and depends on you, but that doesn't erase my concerns. The incident with Tina’s suicide made headlines across the East Coast - how she left only you to blame."Sarah smiled faintly. "I wouldn't expect you to ask such naive questions. Tina’s case was public. If I'd done anything wrong, the psychiatric community would have condemned me. Only those who choose to stay blind believe otherwise."Her boldness surprised him. He studied her with renewed interest."Miss Sanders, you're intriguing. But that alone isn't enough to stand as Zachary's equal."Sarah shook her head. "Mr. Reynolds, I've never sought to be with Zachary. Besides, isn't Vivian your choice? Zachary and I are done. I'm only here because you sent for me."William chuckled. "True, the Sanders family can't compare to the Wilsons. I've known Vivian since childhood - I know exactly who she is.
"It's alright, Mia. I'm here."Sarah covered Mia's eyes with her hand, guiding her to the bed and helping her lie down."Just relax..."Under Sarah's gentle care, Mia finally fell into a peaceful sleep. Minutes later, she woke, lucid this time.Calm now, she looked around at Zachary and William.“Zachary, Grandpa, Sarah - oh, and Vivian, you're here too?" She brightened at seeing everyone, seemingly with no memory of her episode.William studied Sarah intently. He'd brought in many therapists and knew how Mia responded to them. None had connected like Sarah.Mia showed an inexplicable trust in Sarah, able to calm instantly at the sight of her."Just checking on you," Sarah said softly."Sarah..." Mia glanced nervously at Vivian.She knew well the complicated relationship between Sarah, Vivian, and Zachary. Why were they both here?Unless...?She looked at her brother, finding his expression unreadable.William turned to Vivian warmly. "Vivian, you're here too. Let's have s
"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,