Taking the rifle from Zachary, Sarah couldn't help but note how striking he was.After Zachary changed and everyone got their gear, the instructors directed the hunters to their positions. Many guests who'd come just to catch a glimpse of Zachary Reynolds stayed back at camp to watch, including James and Charlotte.The Reynolds family had provided binoculars, refreshments, and even kept a small deer sanctuary nearby for entertainment. Still, most spectators were focused on the hunt, peering through their binoculars.James, remembering Sarah's earlier words, picked up a pair.The hunting ground opened into a vast field. Against the crisp morning sky, Sarah sat astride her horse as the wind whipped past her. She felt a surge of excitement, as if something long dormant inside her had finally awakened. Her eyes sparkled with life - the same spirited look she'd had in her younger days.Lowering his binoculars, James fell into a brooding silence. He'd never imagined that the quiet, unre
Sarah looked up to find a handsome man with bright, playful eyes. Though striking, his manner was gentle, with a boyish charm when he smiled.Sarah didn't recognize him, and Scarlett looked equally puzzled.Steven Miller made himself right at home, setting down the prepared goose with a friendly smile. "I'm Steven, Mr. Reynolds' chef. He asked me to prepare your goose specially for you ladies. Please, try some."Chef? Sarah raised an eyebrow. What chef wears a watch worth hundreds of thousands?"Steven," Scarlett blurted out, "do all of Mr. Reynolds' chefs wear such expensive things?"Steven grinned as he served them the goose. "Let's just say Mr. Reynolds pays well."Both women couldn't help but laugh.Their laughter carried over to where James sat, stirring something dark in his chest. From his angle, he could see Sarah delicately picking at her food, smiling as she listened intently to the handsome man beside her, her eyes sparkling.Suddenly, his own food turned tasteless i
The barbecue lasted well into the afternoon, with drinks flowing and laughter filling the air, creating the kind of warmth that makes strangers feel like old friends.Sarah slipped away during the festivities to claim her prize, accompanied by a staff member. As the winner, she had her choice of either the horse she'd ridden or any other animal from the estate's collection. Though drawn to the horses, she chose a young deer instead, believing horses weren't meant to be kept as pets.As she finished making her choice, a security guard approached. "Miss Sanders? Mr. Reynolds would like a word."There was only one Reynolds who commanded that kind of respect - Zachary Reynolds.Upstairs, she found him lounging by the window while Steven mixed drinks, purple liquid catching the light as ice clinked against crystal.Steven's eyes sparkled with mischief when he saw her. “You must be special - boss never shares his private collection with anyone."He wasn't even trying to hide what he wa
Though Steven had worked for Zachary for years, his mysterious role as private chef kept him out of James's social circle. He greeted Sarah and Scarlett warmly before brushing past the others. "It's getting cold out here. Let me give you ladies a ride home."Scarlett brightened immediately. Any chance to spite James and Charlotte was worth taking. "That's so sweet of you!" she gushed.Sarah couldn't help but smile, knowing that easy-going Steven wouldn't have offered without Zachary's instructions.As she followed Scarlett into the car, her gaze lingered on the shadowy building, remembering Zachary's request."Professor Wells tells me you're quite accomplished in psychology," he had said. "I have a patient I'd like you to help with."She'd refused immediately. Maybe if she hadn't married James, she would have become a successful therapist. But now, treating patients felt beyond her reach."I'm sorry, but I can't help. You should find someone more qualified."In the sunset light,
The house was part of James's divorce settlement, with the paperwork still in process. Even if he wanted to play the dutiful son by housing his in-laws, he should have asked for her consent first.Besides, this was the only home they'd shared before marriage.But it all came down to one simple truth: James had never seen her as a person worth considering.Not a person. Just a... pet.As the group excitedly discussed wedding plans, Mrs. Chancer spotted Sarah and her face darkened.The others turned to look.“Geez,” Lucy sneered. "What's she doing here?"Charlotte stepped forward smoothly, masking her discomfort. "What a surprise, Sarah. What brings you here?""Not a surprise at all," Sarah replied coolly, taking in their hostile faces. "I'm moving in."Mrs. Chancer stared at her like she'd lost her mind. "Have you gone crazy? James divorced you! This is Chancer property - you have no right to be here."“How shameless,” Lucy spat. "Still hanging around after the divorce."Thei
"Mum,” Charlotte quickly intervened, "Sarah was James's wife after all. We shouldn't treat her like this. We have spare rooms - she could stay if needed."The security guards looked at Sarah's modest outfit with barely concealed disdain. Just another gold-digger, they probably thought, clinging to a wealthy family."No need," Sarah said firmly, ignoring their looks.As she wheeled her suitcase away, the sky opened up without warning. Perfect timing, Sarah thought wryly, glancing at her phone's dying battery. Just her luck.With nothing but trees around and no shelter in sight, she was quickly soaked to the bone, standing helpless in the downpour.A Porsche Cayenne pulled up quietly beside her. Zachary stepped out, black umbrella in hand, every bit the knight in shining armor. "We meet again, Miss Sanders."In a moment like this - caught in the rain, rescued by a handsome man with an umbrella - most women's hearts would skip a beat.Sarah's did, but only briefly. "Since it's such
Zachary was quiet for a long moment. When Sarah thought he wouldn't answer, he finally said softly, “A friend."Something in his tone made her change the subject quickly. "If you don't mind, could you tell me more about your sister's condition?""She has severe reactions to blood. Episodes of memory loss. Panic attacks around unfamiliar men - severe enough to cause physical symptoms. In certain situations, she completely breaks down."His professional demeanor returned as he spoke, creating distance.Sarah considered this carefully. Classic signs of severe trauma. Whatever happened must have left deep psychological scars.Before she could respond, Mrs. Maggie returned with clothes. "The shower's ready, dear. These should fit - they're Mia's."Sarah thanked her, but after showering and changing, she realized she'd caught more than just rain. Her face was flushed, her eyes glassy with fever.Zachary noticed immediately, touching her forehead with a frown. "You're burning up."Thr
James's face tightened with irritation. "I'm in a meet-""Another meeting, right?" Sarah cut him off, her voice turning cold. "Mr. Chancer, I can’t be waiting for you forever. If we're getting divorced, stop dragging it out while planning your wedding. Playing the devoted groom while keeping me hanging - it's getting pathetic."Sarah was done with Charlotte's little power plays, done with this pointless connection to James.She'd always been decisive - when she loved, she gave everything, and when it was over, she walked away clean.She wasn't deluded enough to think James's hesitation meant he cared. She simply ranked last in everything that mattered to him.James gripped his phone, jaw clenched. Thinking of the man who'd driven her home, anger flared. "Drop the act, Sarah. You're only in such a rush because you've found someone else."Sarah almost laughed at his absurdity."Think what you want," she said coolly. "It's none of your business anymore. Besides, no one moved on fas
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
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