A Trail Of Breadcrumbs

The extensive glass facade of the Royale Group gleamed under the midday sun as Elona stepped inside, her heart thumping against her ribs like a caged bird longing for freedom. Clutching her resignation letter with a trembling hand, she made her way to the HR department, her heels echoing against the polished marble floor. With each step, a mixture of dread and relief swirled within her.

“Good morning, Elona!” chirped a cheerful voice, breaking through her reverie. It was Mara, the HR assistant, her bright smile contrasting sharply with Elona’s somber expression. “What brings you here?”

Elona summoned a half-hearted smile, the weight of her decision pressing heavily on her shoulders. “I need to submit my resignation,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

Mara’s brow furrowed as she extended her hand for the letter. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. You’ll be missed around here.” The faint scent of her floral perfume hung in the air, masking the sterile smell of paper and ink.

Nodding, Elona turned away before her resolve could waver. Outside, she hailed a cab, the blaring horns and city sounds blending into a cacophony. Her mind raced as she sat in the back seat, staring blankly out the window at the blur of Emerald Hill slipping away. Harley would stop at nothing to destroy her; she felt it in her bones, a chill creeping down her spine.

As the cab rolled to a stop at the airport, her gaze sharpened. A figure lingered in the periphery, a shadow in the crowded terminal. Elona’s instincts jolted alive. She’s here, she thought, anxiety knotting her stomach. She couldn't leave yet; gathering evidence to clear her name had become imperative.

Inside the airport, the air buzzed with chatter, the mingling scents of coffee and pastries filling the large hall. Elona weaved through passengers, desperate for a familiar face among the throng. Just then, a flash of warmth washed over her as she spotted Tania.

“Tania!” Elona called, her voice cutting through the noise. Tania turned, a mix of surprise and relief washing over her features. They rushed into each other's arms, their embrace a comforting anchor amid the chaos.

“What are you doing here?” Tania asked, her voice laced with concern as they pulled apart. Her wide, expressive eyes searched Elona’s face for clues.

“I need your help. I can’t leave yet. Harley’s onto me,” Elona admitted, her voice tinged with urgency.

In a quiet bathroom stall, Elona faced the mirror, the cold fluorescent light outlining her features. She began to wash off the carefully crafted disguise, the fake scar, the layered foundation and her heart racing with every swipe.

The makeup dissolved, revealing high cheekbones, full, expressive lips, and a beauty that felt like a forgotten memory. Elona inhaled deeply, the scent of antiseptic soap filling her lungs, bringing with it a wave of liberation.

The fluorescent lights above the bathroom mirrors cast a harsh glare on the tiled walls, illuminating the concern etched on Tania's face as she entered. Elona stood by the sink, her palms pressed against the cool porcelain, her eyes darting nervously towards the door.

"Thank goodness you're here, Tania," Elona whispered urgently, her voice barely audible over the hum of the bathroom's ventilation system. "I need to talk to you, and it can't wait."

Tania's expression shifted from curiosity to concern as she crossed her arms, lowering her voice to match Elona's. "What's going on, Elona? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Elona took a deep breath, her words spilling out in a hushed tone. "It's Harley. I think she set me up, turned my boss Alaric against me." Elona decided to conceal the fact that she was pregnant with Alaric's baby for now.

Tania's eyes narrowed, her face darkening with anger. "What do you mean? How could she do that?"

Elona leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "She made it look like I was the one who betrayed him. I don't even know how she did it, but now Alaric believes I'm behind everything that's gone wrong. And the evidence Harley provided is irrefutable."

Tania's face twisted in outrage. "That manipulative snake! Did you confront Alaric about this?" Elona shook her head, glancing around nervously. "I tried, but he wouldn't listen. And now... I think someone's been following me. I'm convinced Harley sent them."

Tania's expression turned resolute, her desire to protect Elona intensifying. "We have to do something. We can't let her get away with this. What about the surveillance footage? Maybe we can find proof."

Elona's eyes clouded with doubt. "I don't know if that's enough. Harley's smart. She always covers her tracks. But I need your help. I need you to divert their attention from me." Elona's voice took on a resolute tone. "Let's do this, Tania. Let me transform you into me, fake scars and all. Then, we'll board the plane. Their attention will be on you, and I'll be free to leave Emerald Hill without being detected."

Tania's expression turned serious. "Where will you go, Elona?"

Elona's gaze locked onto Tania's, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "You're my best friend, Tania, more like a sister. I know I can trust you, but I'm not telling you where I'm going for your own safety. I'll keep in touch, I promise."

Tania stepped closer, her voice firm. "You won't be alone, Elona. We'll figure this out together." However, Elona's mind was made up.

With a resolute expression, Tania said, "I'll be your mirror, Elona." A grin spread across her face, her spirit unwavering.

With deft fingers, Elona worked her magic, transforming Tania into a perfect reflection of herself. The familiar laughter between them relaxed the tension that had gripped Elona's chest.

"Ready for this?" Elona asked, a hint of apprehension lacing her tone as they stood side by side, newly identical.

"Always," Tania replied with unwavering confidence.

They boarded the plane to the capital, leaving behind the tangled dangers lurking in Emerald Hill. Upon landing, the bustling atmosphere of the capital enveloped them, vibrant and alive.

As they parted ways, Tania's expression turned serious. "Find the doctor, Elona. You'll be safe, I promise."

Elona nodded, her heart heavy with gratitude. "Thank you, Tania. You don't know how much this means to me."

As Tania slipped into the crowd, Elona boarded another plane to Country C, clutching her memories close. She thought of the kind-hearted Chinese doctor whose promise had lingered in her mind like a whispered promise in the dark.

Meanwhile, in Kings City, Tania executed her plan flawlessly, leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for the ill-intentioned pursuers. Their frustration simmered with each passing moment, awareness dawning that they had been led astray in the tangled web of deception.

"Damn it! How could she just disappear?"

Harley's fury reverberated off the pristine walls of her opulent office. She was beside herself with rage when she received the news. She couldn't fathom how Elona had managed to evade her pursuers. Harley's desperation grew, knowing that Elona's existence threatened to expose her own deceitful schemes. She had taken Elona's place in Alaric's life, and she would stop at nothing to keep it that way.