Zachary followed her out, handing her the bag of desserts. "Don't forget these."After giving her the treats, he sat in his car with a heavy heart and drove away.The next evening as work ended, Mia caught Sarah. "Sarah, are you free after work?""Where are we going?" Sarah asked curiously.Without answering, Mia pulled her toward a car waiting outside campus. Sarah felt relieved when she saw it wasn't Zachary picking up Mia today.The black Bentley headed toward the suburbs, moving further from the city center. Sarah sensed something was up, while Mia seemed unusually excited, barely containing her giggles in the car.When they stopped, they were at a small hill. Mia tugged Sarah along. "Sarah, you can see the sunset from here."She pointed toward the horizon, and Sarah looked.The setting sun cast a rosy glow on her face, her eyes sparkling with pink light, making her look especially gentle.Standing on the hilltop, though it wasn't very high, she could see East Coast City s
BANG!Multicolored flowers bloomed across the sky, burning bright before fading like falling stars - hauntingly beautiful.She had never seen fireworks like these before. They were breathtaking, so bright they outshone the stars in the night sky.She exhaled deeply, as if releasing her burdens. "They're beautiful."Zachary moved closer to Sarah. "I don't know what Vivian told you, but I need to make this clear - we're just friends. Nothing more, no other feelings involved."He paused before adding, “But you should stay away from her."Sarah frowned. "Why?""She's not who you think she is. She's different from Lucy or Charlotte."Sarah thought for a moment. "Are you saying she might hurt me?"She suddenly remembered Linda's words about the woman with the blue diamond ring and the mole behind her ear. It must have been Vivian. She was dangerous.Zachary lowered his eyes and said softly, "Sarah, I'm worried about you."Sarah took a deep breath, looking at Zachary in disbelief.
"They were beautiful." Sarah fell silent after that, staring blankly out the window until they reached Melvin's house.In the continuing Bentley ride, Mia looked worriedly at her brother. "Is Sarah angry with me?"Sarah had maintained an expressionless face and hadn't spoken to her.Zachary patted her head reassuringly. "She's not angry with you. She just doesn't want to see me."His eyes darkened as he pressed his lips together.Mia could see her brother's disappointment. The situation was beyond her control now. She'd thought Sarah would forgive him after seeing the fireworks, but she'd been too naive.Sarah must have been deeply hurt before to be so angry now. Mia nudged Zachary's arm, pouting. "Brother, you need to win her back!"She could sense her brother's recent depression and Sarah's unhappiness. They clearly loved each other, yet here they were.Back home, Sarah's mind was filled with thoughts of the fireworks and Zachary's words.She couldn't be sure if everything Z
Melvin opened his mouth several times but couldn't find the words. "Do whatever feels right."Sarah turned her attention to the TV news, but suddenly remembered the photograph. Since Mia couldn't provide answers, perhaps Melvin knew something.She quickly pulled the photo from her bag and showed it to him. "Melvin, look at this."Melvin took it curiously. His pupils constricted, and his fingers tensed around the photo's edge. Trying to stay calm, he asked, "Why are you showing me this old photo of you and Mia?""Mel, can't you see what's strange about it?" Sarah narrowed her eyes."It's just a normal photo, isn't it?" Melvin handed it back.Sarah shook her head firmly. "You're lying. This isn't the current me. I found it at our old house the other day. But I've only known Mia for a year, and I haven't been to that house since before I married James. This photo must be at least three years old. I look younger and more cheerful here. Did I know her before?"Melvin froze. "What are
Zachary gave a bitter laugh. "Why should I overcome it?"Sarah smiled faintly but said nothing.After a moment's thought, she pulled out the disturbing photograph from her bag. Every time she looked at it, she felt an eerie sensation.She'd never questioned her life before, but this photo clearly showed she'd forgotten something - something important.Moreover, both Melvin and Zachary must know about it.She placed the photo on the desk and slowly slid it toward Zachary, frowning slightly. "Have you seen this photo before?"Zachary's smile vanished as he looked at it. His eyes turned cold and strange. "Who gave this to you?"Sarah's frown deepened, a sharp glint in her eyes. His reaction alone told her he knew exactly where this photo came from."You know about this photo?" she asked carefully.Zachary's eyes turned icy as he grabbed her wrist. "Tell me who gave it to you."Sarah winced in pain. "What are you doing? Let go!"Hearing her cry of pain, Zachary seemed to regain
When Zachary returned home, he found Mia excitedly holding an invitation. “Zac, what should I get Sarah for her birthday? She seems to have everything." Zachary gave a bitter smile and went to his study to work, planning to ask Sarah about the invitation tomorrow.At the Chancer house.While James was in the shower, Charlotte sat on the bed browsing her phone. The bedside table kept buzzing with incoming messages.Curiosity got the better of her. She picked up James's phone, seeing it was work messages.She decided to look through it and found several disturbing messages - ones James had sent to Sarah."Sarah, I heard you broke up with Zachary. How are you feeling?""If you're unhappy, we could talk.""Sarah, don't be too sad..."Message after message to Sarah. She couldn't believe James was consoling her like this.He'd promised to cut contact with Sarah. Why was he so quick to comfort her after her breakup?That evening, James left work early. Instead of heading home, he dr
Sarah's eyes flashed with irritation. "Did you and James plan this? He just left and here you are."Charlotte smiled faintly, then looked up with cold eyes. "I followed him here. Yesterday I saw all those messages he sent you on his phone. Today I watched him leave work early to bring you desserts."Sarah laughed coldly. "What are you trying to say?"Charlotte's expression hardened. "Stay away from him. Don't ever contact him again. Have some dignity, Sarah. Don't try stealing someone's husband just because you're single now."Sarah nearly threw her water at Charlotte but controlled herself. "That's rich coming from you, Charlotte. If anyone lacks dignity, it's you - coming back from abroad just to steal someone else's husband. I saw it all firsthand."Charlotte's eyes reddened with anger. "How dare you! James never loved you. I'm the only one he's ever loved. You're the one who came between us!"Sarah scoffed. "Just leave. I've already told James not to contact me. If you can't
At the stables, Sarah and Mia headed to the changing rooms to put on their riding attire.Sarah chose a classic navy and white ensemble that flattered her figure, while Mia looked elegant in her custom-designed riding outfit, complete with a matching leather crop.The staff had already prepared their Hanoverian horses - premium mounts reserved for VIP members.The only horses more prestigious were the privately owned ones, like those belonging to Vivian and Zachary."My brother owns a thoroughbred," Mia had mentioned earlier. "They're even more valuable."Their horses stood waiting, their golden coats gleaming in the sunlight. These Hanoverians were worth hundreds of thousands each and required extensive maintenance.Sarah mounted with practiced ease, crop in hand, as Mia climbed onto her own horse.They had barely started down the trail when they spotted a familiar figure.Sarah tensed - Zachary.She shot Mia an accusatory look."I swear I didn't know he'd be here!" Mia prot
Mrs. Chancer looked at Scarlett in shock, then at her daughter, who appeared terrified. She quickly stepped in front of Lucy to shield her.“Sarah! She’s your sister-in-law! How could you even think about calling the police? You might not care about the Chancer’s reputation, but I do!”Just then, the door opened. James entered the room, looking annoyed.“What’s going on now?” he asked impatiently.Lindsey’s expression darkened as she turned to him. “James, some brother you are! Your sister pushed your wife into the river, and all you can say is that?”James glanced at Sarah, then at Lucy.“Lucy, what happened?”Lucy’s eyes filled with tears as she protested, “No, James! She’s accusing me unfairly. I didn’t push her! She fell in on her own, and I tried to save her. That’s how I got scratched!”Mrs. Chancer immediately chimed in to support Lucy. “James, I told you from the beginning not to marry her. Look at what’s happening now—she’s teaming up with outsiders to bully Lucy! Lucy
Sarah let out a cold laugh. “Why don’t you ask your daughter what she was up to last night? Did she have any witnesses?”Lucy’s eyes flashed with panic. “What nonsense are you spouting? I… I was at home the night before last!”Mrs. Chancer abruptly turned to her daughter, her face stiffening as if she’d suddenly recalled something.“Of course Lucy was at home. I know that for a fact!”Scarlett observed the subtle glances exchanged between the two, and the truth became clear.“Scarlett, let me handle this.” Sarah’s voice was calm but firm as she pushed the blanket aside and got out of bed. She raised a hand to stop Scarlett, who had moved to support her.Walking right up to Lucy, Sarah abruptly swung her hand.Smack!“You just couldn’t resist pushing me into the river, could you?”The crisp sound of the slap was almost drowned out by Sarah’s furious words. Lucy staggered back, clutching her cheek in disbelief.“You… you hit me?!”Scarlett turned sharply to Sarah. “Sarah, is w
The freezing water wrapped around her like icy claws, an invisible hand seemingly choking her throat.Suffocating. Still suffocating.Why did Lucy want to hurt her when she'd tried so hard to be kind?Why push her into the river right after they'd made plans to go shopping together?Cold water surrounded her as she sank, unable to open her eyes in the murky river.Another splash sounded, and this time strong arms grabbed her. Instinctively, she clutched their wrist, desperately holding onto this lifeline.Before losing consciousness, she felt a sharp pain in her fingers.She woke up in the hospital with Scarlett caring for her."How did you fall in?" Scarlett asked when she awoke. "Did you fight with James? Even then, you shouldn't jump in."No!She remembered clearly - someone had pushed her!Only she and Lucy had been by the river!It wasn't an accident. Lucy had pushed her.Suddenly, she remembered grabbing Lucy's bracelet as she fell. Where was it?"Scarlett, who brou
On the way back, Zachary supported Sarah. "Your birthday's in two days?""Did Mia tell you?""Why didn't you invite me?" Zachary's voice was subdued.Sarah didn't answer, and Zachary didn't push further.Back at the stables, she caught Vivian's eye and walked directly to her. "Let's talk.""Of course." Vivian followed her to a corner without hesitation."Why did you do it?" Sarah demanded.Vivian feigned innocence. "I don't know what you mean."Sarah took a deep breath. "Vivian, you were the only one behind my horse. You used a needle, didn't you?"Sarah's smile was cold, sending a chill through the air.Everyone listened nearby as Vivian smiled thinly. "Horses often get spooked at riding grounds. It's not unusual."Sarah's expression darkened. "So you're denying it?""I have no idea what you're talking about." Vivian looked down at Sarah from horseback, as if regarding an insect.She stroked her riding crop slowly. Zachary tensed, knowing Vivian was angry.Sarah and Vivi
Vivian's hands tightened on the reins as she fixed Charlotte with an icy stare. "Some things are better left unsaid."Charlotte shuddered, not daring to mention Zachary again. She knew she was no match for Vivian.The atmosphere turned cold and tense.Ahead, Sarah clung to the reins in terror as James, Zachary, and Mia raced toward her."Sarah, we're coming!" Mia called out, panic in her voice.Charlotte watched James's retreating figure with fury. Why save that woman? Better if she died.Sarah's horse kept accelerating, heading toward the edge of the grounds where electric fencing and barbed wire formed a barrier.If they hit it, the electricity would frighten the horse even more, making things worse.Zachary analyzed the situation calmly, urging his horse faster.James followed close behind, his face tight with worry. Sarah pulled hard on the reins, trying to stop her horse, but it kept charging forward with wild neighs, heading straight for the wall.Just before impact, Za
"Just riding with Sarah," he said without hesitation.Sarah glanced at Zachary, surprised he'd say that in front of Vivian.Vivian was equally shocked by his blunt response.With Charlotte and Lucy watching, she felt humiliated.She fixed her gaze on Sarah, squinting against the harsh sunlight. "Miss Sanders, have you forgotten our conversation in Saint Nock?”Sarah met her stare unflinchingly, her eyes cold as ice. "Miss Wilson, it seems you lied to me in Saint Nock.”“Oh, what do you mean?,” Vivian barely contained her anger.Sarah glanced between Zachary and Charlotte. "Should we really discuss this here? I don't mind, but wouldn't you find it embarrassing?""Miss Sanders, I bear you no ill will. There's no need for such hostility," Vivian said with a gentle smile.Her sincere expression made Sarah hesitate, as if this was a different person from the one who had threatened her and manipulated Linda.Sarah stroked her horse's head, the animal contentedly shifting its hooves
At the stables, Sarah and Mia headed to the changing rooms to put on their riding attire.Sarah chose a classic navy and white ensemble that flattered her figure, while Mia looked elegant in her custom-designed riding outfit, complete with a matching leather crop.The staff had already prepared their Hanoverian horses - premium mounts reserved for VIP members.The only horses more prestigious were the privately owned ones, like those belonging to Vivian and Zachary."My brother owns a thoroughbred," Mia had mentioned earlier. "They're even more valuable."Their horses stood waiting, their golden coats gleaming in the sunlight. These Hanoverians were worth hundreds of thousands each and required extensive maintenance.Sarah mounted with practiced ease, crop in hand, as Mia climbed onto her own horse.They had barely started down the trail when they spotted a familiar figure.Sarah tensed - Zachary.She shot Mia an accusatory look."I swear I didn't know he'd be here!" Mia prot
Sarah's eyes flashed with irritation. "Did you and James plan this? He just left and here you are."Charlotte smiled faintly, then looked up with cold eyes. "I followed him here. Yesterday I saw all those messages he sent you on his phone. Today I watched him leave work early to bring you desserts."Sarah laughed coldly. "What are you trying to say?"Charlotte's expression hardened. "Stay away from him. Don't ever contact him again. Have some dignity, Sarah. Don't try stealing someone's husband just because you're single now."Sarah nearly threw her water at Charlotte but controlled herself. "That's rich coming from you, Charlotte. If anyone lacks dignity, it's you - coming back from abroad just to steal someone else's husband. I saw it all firsthand."Charlotte's eyes reddened with anger. "How dare you! James never loved you. I'm the only one he's ever loved. You're the one who came between us!"Sarah scoffed. "Just leave. I've already told James not to contact me. If you can't
When Zachary returned home, he found Mia excitedly holding an invitation. “Zac, what should I get Sarah for her birthday? She seems to have everything." Zachary gave a bitter smile and went to his study to work, planning to ask Sarah about the invitation tomorrow.At the Chancer house.While James was in the shower, Charlotte sat on the bed browsing her phone. The bedside table kept buzzing with incoming messages.Curiosity got the better of her. She picked up James's phone, seeing it was work messages.She decided to look through it and found several disturbing messages - ones James had sent to Sarah."Sarah, I heard you broke up with Zachary. How are you feeling?""If you're unhappy, we could talk.""Sarah, don't be too sad..."Message after message to Sarah. She couldn't believe James was consoling her like this.He'd promised to cut contact with Sarah. Why was he so quick to comfort her after her breakup?That evening, James left work early. Instead of heading home, he dr