MALCOLM"Wow, this little girl looks a lot like Malcolm Blake," I heard the chattering policewoman say, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked up from the cell, which was opposite the exit and saw Michael and my lawyer accompanying Melinda. "What are they planning?"I wondered and stared at them as they walked in.I wasn't happy. Melinda was supposed to be at the hospital receiving treatments and not here at the police station. Why the heck will Michael bring her to the police station?"Lookalike," Melinda calls out on seeing me, she rushed over to the cell and stood in front of it staring tenderly at me. I felt my heart melt."Don't worry, I will make sure to get you out of there and throw Uncle Lucian in here," she promised."I trust you." A smile adorned my face by merely seeing her.A bang sound made the both of us look over to Malcolm and Fiona, my crazy lawyer. Her eyes were blazing dangerously as she stared at the police. Even the policeman in charge looked scared of her. I s
MALCOLM "Wh…what?" I stammered, knowing where she was heading to. "Tell me, you are my daddy, right?" Melinda asked. I gazed at her, speechless. I contemplated between telling her the truth and acting ignorant. Her expectant gaze was firmly fixed on me as she awaited my response. I parted my lips to speak, but then no word was formed, I closed it back and looked away from her. "Tell me the truth, you are my daddy, right? She repeated her question. "Don't worry, I won't tell mum about it, just confirm my observation. I already know the truth but I just want to confirm from you. I would have asked mummy, but she…" She trailed off and her face fell. "You can keep shut if you don't want to answer. I'm going back to the car," she muttered, turned around and tried to walk away. Seeing her leave with such a sad expression killed me. I couldn't just watch her walk away this way. I held her hand and pulled her back. "Let go, you don't want to answer my question. You know a simple yes o
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA ELODIE "Miranda," I called and gestured to Miranda who was so invested in the book she was reading to even see me. "Miranda," I called, more loudly this time. She turned around and I gestured to her to come over. Shutting her book, she walked over to me. "You called me, mummy," her tiny calm voice sounded. I smiled and fondly caressed her hair. Ever since the day I got Miranda from the orphanage, a day hasn't passed without her putting a smile on my face. Miranda is so quiet and calm and that made me love her more. She spends her time on books and always helps around the house. She hardly says a word and only speaks when needful. I recall the day I came home with her, she was so quiet and kept sitting in secluded areas that I became so worried. Thankfully, she has been opening up to me and we are both bonding. "Can you help me out in the kitchen, dear?" I requested. She nodded and without saying a word, she walked ahead into the kitchen. I trailed behind her.
MALCOLMMelinda nodded and snuggled further into my thigh.Barely a few minutes later, a familiar commotion I haven't heard for nearly five years broke out, just outside the ward. I stared at the door confused. "What's going on outside?" Melinda asked and tried to raise her head."It's nothing," I replied and gently pushed her head back to my thigh.Just then, the door was pushed open and a young lady stormed in."You fool you bastard," she kept screaming curse words as she tried to free herself from security who were trying to lead her out of the room."You are hiding in a hospital room after denying your child. You men are wicked and evil. If I leave today and give birth to this child alone. I swear by my life that I won't let her have anything to do with you!" The lady screamed. Her face turned in the direction of the security.Melinda rose from my body, this time, I didn't hold her down. I also rose and lifted Melinda into my arms, then approached the lady. Getting close to the d
MELINDA I headed towards the door and twisted the knob, it immediately opened. Surprised that the door was open, I peeked into the room. The room was just like Mum's room, the only difference was that there was no patient. It was totally empty. I tried to close the door, but then I caught sight of Mum's photo of when she was pregnant with me placed on the desk in the room. I looked closely to make sure I wasn't mistaken, but then I really wasn't. Curious as to what Mum's photo was doing in that room, I stepped in, but then I recalled that I would be leaving Mum alone. "What if something goes wrong or she wakes up without seeing anyone?" I thought and quickly stepped back. I tried to close the door, but then, someone suddenly pushed it open and pulled me into the room. "Ahh!," I tried to scream but my mouth was covered. "Shhhh!" my captor hushed me. I looked up to see a very unfamiliar guy staring down at me. "Who are you?" I mumbled. Instead of replying, he went back to the do
MALCOLM I pulled up in front of my law firm. It was one of the most renowned law firms in California, all thanks to Fiona's sensible management. I parked my car in the parking lot and found my way into the building. As usual, all employees bowed to acknowledge me. I barely paid heed to them as I was more interested in knowing what Michael and Fiona found. Once I got to Fiona's office, I didn't bother to knock, I pushed the door open and entered, knowing that they were anticipating my arrival. "What's up? What did you find?" I asked while still trying to shut the door. "Shut the door first, exchange greetings with us, then repeat your question," Michael said and Fiona rolled her eyes at me. I ignored his words, finally shutting the door, I found a seat beside him and gave the both of them a questioning look. "So?" I asked impatiently. "So, the greeting, " Michael insisted. I shot him a death glare and focused my attention on Fiona who smiled and gestured to me to do what Michael
LEILANI "Uncle Lucian spoke to me earlier in that room today," I heard Melinda say. Her voice sounded like she was crying."My baby," I mumbled and tried to open my eyes but couldn't."What? He came here?" I heard Malcolm ask.I listened as Melinda explained what transpired between her and Lucian. Anger surged through my veins, consumed by rage, I forcibly opened my eyes, only to see them heading out of the room."Get the police here, that bastard has done more than enough harm to my daughter and me. It's high time he pays," I growled, my fist clenched and my eyes flashing."Leilani?" Malcolm muttered and immediately turned around.His eyes widened on seeing me awake, he stared tenderly at me. I could swear I saw a tear drop from his eyes. A smile adorned his lips and he exhaled as if he had been waiting for me to wake up for long. He looked so happy to see me awake."Mummy!" Melinda screamed on seeing me. She immediately leapt down from Malcolm's hold, nearly falling to the floor."E
MALCOLM I led the police out of the hospital room, even though I craved to be near Leilani and Melinda, apprehending Lucian was more important. I followed the police to the station and made sure an arrest warrant was gotten. Once I confirmed it, I led them to my family house to apprehend Lucian. Getting to the Blake's mansion, my former home, the gate was instantly unlocked for me. I led the police in and showed them Lucian's room. I did not bother to knock, I simply pushed the door open and walked in. I heard the sound of the shower running. "He still has the nerve to shower," I growled inwardly. "Come into the bathroom, I have missed the feel of your hands on me," I heard Lucian say from the bathroom. "What a fool, I wonder which of the maids he was banging." "Get dressed and get your worthless self here," I growled. In a few minutes, he exited the bathroom in just a bathrobe. "Get dressed and come outside." I didn't bother to tell him about the presence of the police outsid
LEILANI Here I am, seated on the sandy beach overlooking the vast water. However, instead of watching the water being pushed around by the waves like everyone else, My entire attention is on my two adorable kids, building sand castles in a corner. “Stop that, Melinda,” Miranda screams at Melinda who was so invested in destroying the sand castle she had built. “Let’s do something else, I’m tired of building sand castles every time we visit the beach,” Melinda yells and continues to kick and scatter the sand castle they had spent almost an hour building. “Melinda, stop that,” I yell, bringing their attention to me. “She doesn’t want to play with me,” Melinda complains, her eyes getting moist. “You mustn’t run around all the time,” I say, but Melinda was hearing none of it. She threw herself on the ground and began to roll herself on the floor. “Melinda, stop that,” I say, now pissed off at her unruly behaviour. She rises from the ground and grabs hold of Miranda’s swimsuit. “Th
FIVE MONTHS LATER MIRANDA “Stop that Melinda!” I screamed as she continuously banged her spoon on a stainless plate, creating a loud disturbing noise. “You never like playing!” She screams back, giggling. “I’m trying to study,” I replied, pulling my hair. But my crazy twin smiled and banged the spoon on the plate even more loudly. “Fine,” I say, slamming my book shut and rising from the bed. “What do you want to do?” I ask. “Yes!” she screams and leaps up. It’s been five months since I was taken home by my real family, five months since I discovered Aunt Isabelle’s true colours, Five months since I found people who sincerely love me and wished the best for me. Honestly, my family has become the most important part of my life. I can never stay a day without seeing them. My mum, Leilani, treats me like I'm the most precious thing on earth, and most times I wonder why Melinda never gets jealous. My dad, on the other hand, treats me like I'm the most delicate thing on earth. He
MIRANDA “Is that another me?” the little girl who looks exactly like me gasps I stood still, unable to say a word and watched as she also took steps towards me, her legs shaky and her eyes fixed on my face the entire time. Getting to me, she raises her hand to touch my face. But then, I am reminded of Aunt Isabelle's words about her being the major reason why my parents don't want me. "Don't touch me," I snarled and roughly shoved her aside. "I need to speak with Malcolm Blake and his wife," I said, older this time. "That's my mum and dad," the girl who looks exactly like me says. I glanced at her and eyed her unpleasantly. "I'm not dragging that with you," I snarled at her. "Anyone getting the duo, or I should barge in and find their suite myself?" I ask. "No, I'll call them," the lady says. Nodding my head at her answer, I stood still watching her make a phone conversation. "They'll be here soon," she says, putting down her phone. "So doppelgangers are real," the annoyi
MIRANDA I was so engrossed in the storybook Aunt Isabelle had purchased for me when I noticed someone trying to come into my room through the window. Scared, I got into the closet to hide myself. I would’ve called Aunt Isabelle, but then I recalled that she had warned me on several occasions to always keep my windows locked. Not wanting to get scolded by her, I carefully hid myself inside my closet and shut the door, heart beating erratically and waiting for the intruder to show up. However, after a long wait, no one showed up, making me look out of the closet. Then, I heard someone screaming for help. People asking for help was a normal occurrence in our neighbourhood. I’ve always watched a lot of people struggle with their captors. It was a daily occurrence that scared me. But then, I always watch to know who to look out for. Like always, I tiptoed to the window and that was when I caught sight of a familiar woman being pulled by the hair. For some reason, the way the man was tuggin
"Miranda." I gasped and stared wide-eyed at my little angel staring down at me. The maniac kept tugging my hair to bring my attention to him, but then it was as if I couldn't feel any of those at this moment. My entire focus was on the little girl in the window. "Miran…" I try to call again. But then, I'm cut shut as a familiar voice calls out the name before I could complete it. "Miranda," Isabelle's annoying voice sounded. At that moment, I felt my skin crawl and my heart began to beat frantically. "Don't tell me Elodie and her husband gave my daughter to this witch," I mumbled, gripped by fear. Having witnessed what Isabelle is capable of, the last thing I want is to have her next to my loved ones. Most especially, my daughters, but it seemed like that was just my wishful thinking. Eyes still on the window, I watch my daughter's face lit up with a smile the moment Isabelle reaches her side. I watched, with tears trailing down my cheeks as Isabelle fondly pats my daughter's hai
LEILANI “What?” I gasp in shock. Malcolm ignores me and rises from his seat. I grab hold of his hand to stop him from walking away. “How can you just drop an information like this and suddenly try to leave without explaining things to me?” I ask, still in shock. Disbelief clearly written on my face. “What? You suddenly want to believe my words right now?” Malcolm asks and pulls his arm off my grasp. “Malcolm,” I whisper in shock at the force he used in pulling his hand away. “What Leilani? What! I'm sick and tired of constantly having to explain myself to you countless number of times. I try to please and understand you all the time, but you keep making things hard for me. Tell me, do you even believe what I just said about Elodie?” He suddenly throws a question at me. I stare at him without saying a word. Honestly, this news is a shocker and I'm having a hard time believing it. “See, you don’t,” he says. Casting one last look at me, he dumps his cutleries, not caring if they f
LEILANI “When did we suddenly get to this?” I ask myself. I stood in place, too shocked to move. This was the first time a gun was being pointed at me. Yeah, I live in the United States, and shooting often occurs. But then, this is the first time I’m actually witnessing it. I watched as the guy pulled the trigger. “Is this my end?” I ask. Suddenly, I’m snatched like I weigh nothing and thrown aside. “You really want to die, don’t you?” Malcolm’s angry voice echoes. His voice sounded so far away, yet I was in his arms. My focus was on the masked guy trying to get away. I watch as he slips into one of the hospital rooms. “Baby,” Malcolm calls, shaking me rigorously. “Huh,” I answer absent-mindedly. “Leilani!” he suddenly yells my name. Making me snap out of whatever trance I was in. “He tried to shoot me,” I mumble. “I almost died without meeting my daughter,” I begin to cry. “Almost, but you didn’t,” he says, pulling me further into his arms. “She is dead,” I mumble, point
LEILANI The moment Frank runs past us with his skinny wife in his arms, Malcolm and I immediately run after him. Getting outside the building, Frank runs over to an old truck that looks like it will break down at any minute. “Are you honestly taking her to the hospital with that?” I ask “Let’s use my car,” Malcolm calls after him. Soon, we all got into Malcolm’s car, and he speeds to the hospital. Getting to the hospital, Elodie is lowered into a stretcher and wheeled into the emergency room. Malcolm and Frank goes off, as Frank mentions that he would like their family doctor to attend to her since he works here. I watch as both of them walk away in search of the doctor. Frank’s sister and I rushes after Elodie, who was already wheeled to the emergency room. “Has something like this happened to her before?” I queried her. She gave me one downgrading look and didn’t bother to answer. It is already bad enough that I haven’t seen my daughter even when I’m already in Colorado. Now,
LEILANI "You should pull yourself together, Lani. I'm sure you don't want Melinda to worry about you," Malcolm says the moment he ends the call. I didn't say a word and quietly snuggled into his chest. Honestly, I, too, knew I must have frightened Melinda. Heaven knows how she is feeling right now. This is one of the reasons why I said I'm not a good mother. "I'll go heat the milk. You need something to help you calm down," Malcolm says and proceeds to leave the room. Just as soon as he leaves, my phone rings, and I realize it's Sienna after speaking with Sienna. I felt calm and knew that I didn't need the milk to calm me down again, as my best friend had already did. I rose from the bed and found my way down the stairs. I was barefooted, so my feet barely made any sound. Getting to the kitchen, I found Malcolm on a call with his back turned on me. Not wanting to distract him from the call, I quietly stood behind him while waiting for him to finish answering the call. "You mean my