MARIANNEJohnson Vincent paused, his eyes lingering on me, searching for something familiar. His voice was skeptical, almost wounded. "How can I believe you’re my little princess when you look nothing like her?" My heart pounded, but I kept moving toward him, my hands raised in surrender. "Do you remember when I was thirteen?" I asked gently, hoping the memories would connect us again. I took another step closer, speaking softly. "Dad brought me to you for a three-month holiday. You said I was too weak, too delicate. You wanted me to be stronger, to learn how to shoot, how to defend myself. But Dad... he couldn’t bear the thought of me getting hurt. He said I didn’t need to shoot a gun because my bodyguards would always be there." Johnson's eyes softened, the tension in his face easing as he listened. "I remember you were upset," I continued. "You said you didn’t want me to grow up helpless. I couldn’t stand the two of you fighting, so I lied. I told Dad that I wanted to learn
MARIANNE I approached the door, and typed in the passcode, my fingers moving quickly, more out of habit than anything else. "Invalid passcode!" The words flashed brightly on the screen, and a cold wave of realization washed over me. Tony had changed the passcode. I wasn’t surprised though. He was the only other person who knew how to alter the code, and this confirmed everything. He was living here, in 'my' house, with 'her'. Taking a steadying breath, I reset the passcode. Since the system was still tied to my fingerprint, that was something Tony couldn’t change without me. The door unlocked with a soft click. I cracked it open just enough to peek inside. The living room was eerily silent, empty. But the stillness was misleading. The CCTV camera was positioned perfectly to capture my entrance—just as I had designed it when I lived here. I cursed under my breath, regretting the meticulousness I once prided myself on. The camera was a problem, but so were the changes. The li
TROY "Marianne..." So that was her name. The moment it escaped my lips, I felt a deep emptiness spread through my chest, like a part of me had suddenly vanished. Watching her walk away left me hollow, and with each step she took, I felt as though my purpose was fading. Before I knew it, I found myself following her. I trailed her quietly, careful not to draw attention. After all, she had already said goodbye. I doubted she’d appreciate knowing I was still there, lurking in the background like a shadow she couldn’t shake. She walked slowly, almost painfully so. I could tell she hadn’t fully recovered, her steps heavy with fatigue. Concerned, I hurried back to the hospital and grabbed my car, using it to discreetly follow her. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as I watched her struggle forward, weak but determined. She eventually entered a mall, and I couldn’t help but wonder what she was doing. She had no money on her—what was she after? My curiosity piqued. Who was this woman?
TROY As I drove away, the silence between us thickened, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Marianne sat rigid in the passenger seat, her eyes glued to the road ahead, refusing to acknowledge my presence. Her expression was an unreadable mask, but I knew her mind was far from still. I finally brought the car to a stop as we reached the outskirts of the city, just a few streets away from her apartment. Killing the engine, I exhaled slowly, trying to gather my thoughts. "Why did you follow me?" Her voice cut through the quiet, sharp and direct, yet she didn’t turn to look at me. I sighed, the weight of her question settling in my chest. "I had to." "That's not an answer, Troy." Her gaze finally flicked towards me, eyes narrowing slightly. "I told you I would find you when everything was over. Why wasn't that enough for you?" Her words were laced with frustration, but I could hear the mistrust beneath them. "It couldn't be enough," I said softly, the term of endearment slippi
TROY The minutes dragged on like hours as we sat in the car, our hands intertwined. Her fingers trembled slightly in mine before she finally pulled away, turning her face to the window. There was something about that gesture—a quiet surrender—that tugged at my chest. I cleared my throat, breaking the silence. "So… what now?" She didn’t respond, her eyes fixed on something distant, lost in a world of thoughts that I wasn’t privy to. Her silence felt like an unspoken wall between us, one that had been slowly growing since the day she regained her memories. "What’s in the teddy?" I asked, the question slipping out as I realized she wouldn’t have risked so much for something with just sentimental value. Her response was as cold as ever. "It’s none of your business." Her gaze remained distant, walls still firmly in place. "Can you take me home? I'm pretty sure that since you followed me to my old house and even brought me here, you already know where I live now." I nodded, tryin
MARIANNE “What’s your plan for Britney?” Troy asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and something else I couldn’t quite place. I sighed softly. “We’ll both find out tomorrow, I suppose.” He rolled his eyes, the hint of a smile on his lips. “You’re too secretive for your own good, Aislinn.” A silence fell between us, thick with unsaid words. After a few moments, I excused myself and retreated to my room. I needed to make a phone call, one I’d been dreading yet longing to make. My godfather answered after a few rings, and I asked for something I desperately needed. When the call ended, I stepped back into the living room, where Troy was lounging in my chair, his head resting casually on the armrest. He looked so at ease, as if he belonged there. “You should leave,” I said, my voice harder than I intended. He lifted his head and studied me for a long moment, eyes narrowing slightly before he shook his head. “I’m afraid that’s not happening. I’ll leave when I’m convinced y
MARIANNE For some reason, Troy's action, stirred something in me. It was a fleeting warmth, one I quickly suppressed. I had no time for such feelings. Once inside the bank, I was led to the vault—a cold, sterile space filled with rows of metal safe deposit boxes. I stared at the key in my hand, running my fingers over the engraved numbers before matching it to its box. The metallic sound of the lock turning echoed in the stillness. I opened it, revealing the documents I needed. I carefully retrieved the papers and a flash drive, taking a moment to register the weight of what I was holding. This was my legacy—my father’s legacy—secured away from the hands of those who had betrayed me. Without delay, I left the bank and drove to the courier company. My godfather’s parcel had arrived, and I was desperate to get it. But as fate would have it, the company had already closed for the day. The frustration clawed at me, yet there was nothing I could do. I had no choice but to head home,
MARIANNETroy seemed stunned for a moment, then shook his head with a wry smile. "You’re something else, you know that?" "I’ll take that as a compliment," I replied, focusing on the syringe in my hand. "But please, slow down a little." Troy eased off the gas but kept glancing my way as I prepared the injection. "Eyes on the road, Troy," I warned when another car nearly grazed ours. With a frustrated sigh, he pulled over to the side of the road. "Where did you learn how to do that? You part of some secret criminal organization?" I scoffed without sparing him a glance, "Seriously? If you are going to harbour such thoughts about me Troy, then it's best for you to stay away until I'm done with my revenge. I never asked for your help in the first place." "Is that why you’re being rude to me right now?" His tone was clipped, obviously offended. I stopped what I was doing and turned to face him. Seeing the look on his face, I sighed. "I didn’t mean to be rude, Troy. It's just
Freya sat nervously in the corner of the small eatery. Her hands were clenched tightly in her lap. The place was warm and simple, with soft chatter and the clinking of plates filling the room. Across from her, Jonas leaned back in his chair, watching her closely. His gaze was sharp but didn’t feel mean. “Relax, Freya,” Jonas said, a small smile on his face. “You look like I called you here to yell at you.” Freya shifted in her seat, trying to smile back. “It’s not that… I just don’t know why you wanted to meet.” “Let’s start with dinner,” he said, pointing at the menu in front of them. Freya shook her head quickly. “I already ate. I’m not hungry.” Jonas raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. He set the menu aside and leaned forward, his face turning serious. “Alright, let’s get to the point. Freya, I was angry with you before. Because of what you did, I kept misunderstanding Alva, and things between us got bad.” Freya’s stomach twisted with guilt. She opened her mouth to apol
Freya’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she grabbed Alva’s hand tightly. “You’re incredible. I knew you were destined for greatness, Alva, but CEO? That’s next-level stuff. I’m so proud of you!” “Thank you,” Alva replied, squeezing her friend’s hand. “And when the time comes, you can come work with me in the company. We’ll run it together.” Freya’s lip quivered, and she blinked rapidly, trying to keep her tears in check. “Alva, you’re the best friend anyone could ask for. No, scratch that—you’re the best human being alive.” Alva giggled. “Don’t cry, Freya. Save the waterworks for the CEO inauguration.” “I can’t help it!” Freya wailed dramatically before pulling Alva into a bone-crushing hug. “I’m the luckiest person in the world to have you.” As Freya finally released her, she wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, smiling brightly. “So… can I come on this fancy business trip too? I’ll hide in your suitcase.” Alva shook her head, laughing. “No can do.” “Why not?
Thea’s fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her teeth ground against each other as she watched Alva bask in the warmth of everyone’s affection. The realization hit her like a slap to the face—Alva had planned this. She had the evidence all along and had played the helpless victim, crying her way into everyone’s hearts. And Thea? Thea had walked right into her trap. Her head began to spin as her mind screamed, 'I was outsmarted by her?' “How could I be so foolish?” Thea muttered under her breath, her voice so low only she could hear it. Karina’s voice snapped Thea out of her angry thoughts. “I will think of a befitting punishment for what you’ve done,” Karina said, her gaze icy as she looked down at her daughter sprawled on the floor, still feigning remorse. “Mom, I didn’t....” “You’re grounded for a month, for now, until I think of a much better punishment,” Karina declared firmly, cutting off Thea’s weak protest. Thea’s mouth dropped open. Grounded? She
Alva’s hands trembled as tears streamed down her cheeks, her voice barely audible. “Why does this always happen to me?” she whispered, clutching her chest as though trying to hold her breaking heart together. Vidar stepped closer, his voice steady yet soothing. “Don’t cry, Alva. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters here is that the jewelry is yours, and you have every right to take it whenever you want.” Her mother, Karina, nodded firmly, moving to stand beside Vidar. “He’s right, Alva. What’s mine is yours. You’re my daughter—feel free to take anything you need, anytime.” Karina’s voice held a protective tone, though her furrowed brows betrayed her inner conflict. Alva glanced at her mother, her lips quivering. “But I didn’t even know the jewelry existed until now.” Before Karina could respond, Nikolai interjected, his jaw tight with anger. “Alva didn’t put that jewelry there. Someone else did this, and I won’t spare them.” Vidar placed a firm hand on Nikolai’s shoulde
Thea's tears fell freely as she sobbed in the middle of the room, her voice trembling. “I can’t believe this is happening. I’ve only ever wanted the best for this family.....for us. And now, you’re all treating me like I’m an outsider.” She sniffled, glancing around the room with a pitiful expression. “I was only trying to help. Alva is my sister, and I just wanted to make sure she’s on the right path.” Alva softened her gaze. She stepped forward, her voice calm yet firm. “You’re right, Thea. Maybe you’re only doing this because you care.” The room fell silent, everyone staring at Alva as she faced Thea directly. “If you think this is your way of helping me, then I’ll prove to you that I don’t need saving,” Alva said gently. “What would it take for you to believe that I didn’t take the jewelry?” Thea hesitated, her lips twitching as if she was weighing her next words. Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with resolve. “If we searched your room and didn’t find the jewelry, I’d bel
The room was tense. The weight of Thea's accusations hung in the air like a storm cloud, thick and suffocating. Alva stood in the middle of the chaos, her face calm. “You’re all acting like I’m the villain here!” Thea’s voice cracked with frustration, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “I can’t just sit back and let Mom be wronged. I love Alva, she’s my sister. But it kills me to think that she could do something like this to the person who’s given her everything!”Alva scoffed but she didn’t respond. Thea turned to the others, her voice softening, as if she were pleading for their understanding. “Even if Alva wanted the jewelry, that wouldn’t have been a bad thing. Mom was already planning to give it to her. But stealing it? That’s what hurts. Seeing my sister hurt my mother is unbearable.We all know Alva didn't grow up with us. She had a rough life and no one knows how many times she must have stolen, just to survive. How can we help her if she doesn't acknowledge her pr
Freya’s gaze lingered on Nikolai like he was a piece of art she couldn’t quite stop admiring. Alva smirked, nudging her lightly with her elbow. “Hey, Freya." Freya’s eyes brimmed with tears, but before a single drop could fall, Alva held out her hand, stopping her. “Please, save me all the drama,” she teased, breaking the tension with her signature wit. Freya broke into a grin as Alva pulled her into a tight hug. It was like old times again, the invisible wall that had separated them melting away. “Have you forgiven me?” Freya asked, her voice tinged with excitement and nervousness. “How can I stay mad at my bestie?” Alva replied, though her tone softened. “What you did really hurt me, Freya. If you ever betray me again, I swear I’ll never forgive you.” Freya pulled back, shaking her head furiously. “I’ll never dare to betray you ever again. I promise.” Their heartfelt moment was interrupted by Nikolai’s voice. “What are you two whispering about?” he asked, his sharp ey
Alva finally found her grandfather’s room after wandering down the quiet hallways. The door creaked softly as she knocked and pushed it open, revealing him sitting upright in bed, a pair of reading glasses perched on his nose, and a thick book cradled in his hands. “Grandpa,” she whispered, a wave of relief washing over her. He looked up, his eyes twinkling with warmth. “Alva, sweetheart. What are you doing up this late?” “I wanted to check on you,” she said, limping over on her crutches. “Nikolai told me your blood pressure spiked earlier. I got worried.” He chuckled, setting the book aside. “That brother of yours is worse than a mother hen. He’s been fussing over me all day, insisting I stay in bed. I feel fine, truly.” Alva dropped onto a chair by his bed, her crutches leaning against the wall. “You can’t blame him. We all just want you to be okay.” Her grandfather reached out, taking her hand in his. “And I am okay, as long as I see you smiling. Come here.” He patted th
Alva’s breath caught as she took an instinctive step back, her hands tightening around the crutches she used for balance. The confident smile on her face melted away, replaced by an icy stare that she directed straight at Jonas. “What do you want?” she demanded, her voice sharp and unwavering. Jonas took a hesitant step closer, his hands raised as if to placate her. “I want to explain something to you,” he said, his tone earnest. “We didn’t finish our conversation earlier.” Alva snorted, the sound low and dismissive. She shifted her weight slightly, her crutches squeaking against the pavement. “I’m not interested in anything you have to say,” she said coldly, brushing past him with deliberate indifference. The tap of her crutches against the ground echoed with her resolve as she began to walk away. “I don’t love Emilie,” Jonas’s voice suddenly broke through the tension, the words striking her like a thunderclap. “It’s you, Alva.” She froze. The night air seemed to thicken, wrappi