It was a typical Wednesday afternoon in the college student union, with students bustling about, studying, or chatting with friends. Sarah and her friends, Alex, Emily, and Jack, sat at a table, surrounded by notes and laptops, brainstorming ideas for the upcoming charity gala.Sarah, still reeling from her earlier conversation with Nicholas, tried to focus on the task at hand. But her mind kept wandering back to the pain and hurt she had seen in his eyes."Okay, so we need to decide on a theme," Emily said, pulling Sarah back to reality."How about a masquerade ball?" Alex suggested.Sarah shook her head. "I don't know, guys. That's been done before. Can't we come up with something more original?"But as they tossed around ideas, Sarah realized that everyone was still fixated on Nicholas's idea—a silent auction with exclusive items donated by local businesses, paired with a live performance by a popular artist."I don't know why we're still considering this idea," Sarah said, frustra
The next day, Sarah and her friends gathered again to plan the charity event. They decided to go with Nicholas' idea, but Sarah made it clear she didn't want his help."Alright, so we're doing a talent show," Emily said. "But who are the talented students?"Sarah hesitated, not wanting to ask Nicholas for help, but he spoke up anyway."Julia is Sarah's friend, and she's an amazing singer. Maybe she can help us find more people," Nicholas said, standing by the door.Sarah glanced at him, then quickly turned away, her expression neutral."I think Nicholas is right," Alex said. "Julia is incredibly talented. And since she's friends with Sarah, maybe she can help us find others."Sarah nodded reluctantly, knowing Julia's singing skills were unmatched. "Fine, let's ask Julia to perform. But who else can we get?"The group brainstormed, throwing out names of students with exceptional talents.Moving on to the auction, Josh asked, "What are we going to auction off?""We need something unique
Sarah's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, her emotions in turmoil. She couldn't shake off the image of Nicholas with Leena—the way he had smiled at her, the way he had held her hand. It made her feel uneasy, worried, and restless.Maybe she had been too harsh on him, too quick to judge. But the thought of Nicholas marrying Leena was unbearable. She couldn't imagine him with anyone else; she couldn't imagine him loving someone else.Sarah tried to convince herself that all rich boys were the same, that they were all players, all users. But her heart refused to believe it. Nicholas was different; she knew it. He was kind, genuine, and caring. He had shown her a side of himself that she knew he didn't show to many people.But then there was her family, her father's warning, his promise to kill himself if she ever saw Nicholas again. She was torn, caught between her love for Nicholas and her duty to her family.Sarah felt like she was being pulled in two different directions, like she was
Sarah was busy hanging colorful streamers and balloons, her friends Emily, Alex, Josh, Mia, and Jack chatting and laughing as they worked on the event decorations."I can't believe we're doing this again," Emily said, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. "I swear, Sarah, you and your events are going to be the death of me."Sarah grinned. "Hey, someone's got to keep you guys busy."Alex, who was blowing up balloons, chimed in. "Yeah, and it might as well be Sarah. She's the queen of events."Josh, who was setting up the sound system, snorted. "Queen of events? More like queen of stress."Sarah playfully threw a decoration at him. "Hey, watch it."Mia, who was arranging flowers, spoke up. "So, Sarah, have you heard from Nicholas lately?"Sarah's expression turned wistful. "Not recently. We've been...complicated."Jack, who was hanging up a banner, raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? That's code for 'we're secretly in love but can't be together'."The group laughed, and Emily teased, "Jack, yo
The evening of the charity gala had finally arrived, and the grand ballroom was bathed in a warm, golden light. Sarah stood in the center of the room, surveying the decorations with a sense of pride. The masquerade ball theme, conceived by Nicholas, was brought to life with intricate masks, lavish candelabras, and a sea of black and gold balloons. The black tie optional dress code, also Nicholas' idea, would ensure a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, perfect for the high-society guests who would be attending."Wow, Nicholas really outdid himself with this," Emily said, eyeing the buffet table laden with hors d'oeuvres and canapés. "I can't believe how much work he put into this."Sarah nodded in agreement. "Yes, Nicholas was the mastermind behind this entire event. I'm just glad I could help bring his vision to life."As they chatted, Emily couldn't help but admire the posters and decorations. "Sarah, these posters are stunning! You're so talented."Sarah smiled, feeling proud of
Sarah clung to Nicholas; her mind raced with questions. Who was the gray-eyed stranger, and why had he saved her three times? Who were the attackers, and what did they want from her?Nicholas held her close, trying to comfort her. "We'll figure it out, Sarah whispered. "I promise. You're safe now."But Sarah's fear and confusion lingered. She couldn't shake the feeling that her life was in danger and that the gray-eyed stranger was the only one who could protect her.As they stood there, holding each other, Sarah realized that she had to tell Nicholas about the stranger. She took a deep breath and pulled back, looking up at him."There's something I need to tell you," she said, her voice trembling. "Someone else saved me tonight. A man with gray eyes. He's saved me three times now."Nicholas's expression changed from concern to surprise. "What? Who is he?"Sarah shook her head. "I don't know. But I think he's trying to protect me from those attackers. And I think we need to find out w
Nicholas pulled out his phone and dialed Sarah's number, his heart racing with excitement. "Hey, beautiful," he said when she answered. "I was thinking, how about hanging out today?"Sarah's voice was music to his ears. "That sounds amazing! I'd love to.""Great!" Nicholas exclaimed. "I'll pick you up at 11?""Can't wait," Sarah replied, her voice barely above a whisper.Nicholas grinned, feeling like the luckiest man alive. He arrived at Sarah's house, his luxury car gleaming in the sunlight. Sarah's eyes widened as she took in the sleek vehicle."Wow, this is incredible!" she exclaimed, running her hand over the hood.Nicholas chuckled, feeling proud to show off his lifestyle. "Glad you like it," he said, opening the door for her.As they cruised through the town's picturesque streets, Nicholas gestured to a majestic building overlooking the marina. "That's our family's yacht club," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "I spent countless summers sailing and swimming there."Sarah'
Sarah gasped, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Wow, this is incredible!" she exclaimed. The high ceilings, marble floors, and lavish furnishings exuded opulence and sophistication.Nicholas smiled, pleased to share his home with her. "Welcome to my beachside retreat," he said, offering her a tour.They strolled through the expansive rooms, each one more impressive than the last. The gourmet kitchen, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, led out to a spacious dining area with a stunning ocean view.Upstairs, the lavish master suite boasted a private balcony overlooking the beach, a spa-like en-suite bathroom, and a walk-in closet that rivaled a boutique.As they explored, Sarah couldn't help but notice the impeccable taste and attention to detail that went into designing the house. "This is truly a dream home," she said, her eyes shining with admiration.Nicholas beamed with pride, happy to share his sanctuary with the woman he cared about. "I'm glad you like it," he said, his v
The weekend passed in a blur of quality time with Nicholas and romantic moments with Sarah.On Monday morning, Nicholas reminded Sarah of an upcoming family business party."Next Saturday, we need to attend the Smith's annual gala," Nicholas said, sipping his coffee.Sarah nodded, checking her calendar. "I remember. It's a big event for your family's business."Nicholas smiled. "We'll make it a family affair. Mom, Jace, and us."Sarah's eyes sparkled. "I'll make sure to get a new dress."Nicholas chuckled. "You'll stun them all."***************************The day of the party arrived. Nicholas and Jace waited in the living room, dressed to impress.Jace, in a miniature tuxedo, giggled as Nicholas tied his own bow tie."Daddy's going to be the most handsome man there," Nicholas whispered, making Jace chuckle.Sarah emerged from their bedroom, breathtaking in a red evening gown.Nicholas's jaw dropped. "Wow."Jace cooed, reaching out for Sarah.Sarah smiled, taking Jace from Nicholas.
Every Saturday and Sunday, Olivia, Nicholas's mother, visited Jace.She'd spend hours cuddling, playing, and reading to her beloved grandson.Olivia's eyes sparkled as she entered the nursery, filled with toys and colorful mobiles."Hello, my little prince!" she exclaimed, scooping up Jace in her arms.Jace giggled, and Olivia's heart melted.Nicholas and Sarah watched, smiling, as Olivia showered Jace with love."Mom, you're spoiling him rotten," Nicholas teased.Olivia chuckled. "That's what grandmas are for!"Sarah laughed. "We don't mind. Jace loves his grandma time."As Olivia played with Jace, Nicholas couldn't help but notice the resemblance between his mother and son.The same bright smile.The same sparkling eyes."Mom, do you remember Dad's stories?" Nicholas asked, his voice filled with nostalgia.Olivia's expression softened. "Of course, sweetie. Your father was an amazing storyteller."Nicholas smiled. "I want to pass those stories down to Jace."Olivia's eyes welled up w
Nicholas and Sarah sat in their opulent living room, surrounded by plush furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. Baby books and prenatal guides littered the coffee table, a testament to their excitement. They had just confirmed the pregnancy, and the air was electric.Sarah's hands cradled her barely visible bump, a soft smile on her face. "We're going to be parents."Nicholas's eyes sparkled, his hand covering hers. "We're going to be amazing parents."Their luxurious lifestyle ensured every possible comfort for their growing family.Their private estate, nestled in the heart of the city, would soon welcome its newest member.But as the reality of parenthood set in, anxiety crept in.Sarah worried about balancing her thriving art career and motherhood. "What if I'm not good enough?"Nicholas reassured her, "You'll be an incredible mom. We'll figure it out together. We'll hire the best nannies and staff to support us."Nicholas, meanwhile, fretted about
Sarah's face fell as she told Nicholas about the betrayal. "The head of my project, Alex, sold all the details to our rival company, Bluebird. And on the same night of your accident, Bluebird's owner, Marcus, burned down Alex's house and killed him and his family."Nicholas's eyes widened in shock. "What? Why didn't anyone do anything?"Sarah shook her head. "Andrew investigated, but there wasn't enough evidence to prove anything. Hill Cop suffered huge losses and is now bankrupt."Nicholas sighed, feeling a sense of responsibility. "I wasn't there to prevent it. This is why Hill Cop fell."Sarah looked crestfallen, but Nicholas took her hand. "Hey, business is like this. We'll start something new. How about a new cafe chain?"Sarah's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! We can make it happen."Nicholas smiled. "We will. We'll make it bigger and better than Hill Cop. And we'll do it together."Sarah nodded, a determined look on her face. "Let's do it. Let's show them that we won't give
Dr. Smith's eyes locked onto Sarah's, his expression empathetic. "Sarah, what Nicholas experienced is called confabulation. It's a phenomenon where the brain creates false memories or stories, often due to traumatic brain injury or other forms of brain damage."Sarah's brow furrowed, her eyes filled with concern. "So, you're saying Nicholas's memories weren't real?"Dr. Smith nodded. "Exactly. When Nicholas suffered the accident, his brain's ability to process and store memories was affected. As a result, his brain started to fill in gaps in his memory with fictional information, creating false narratives that he believed to be true."Sarah's gaze drifted to Nicholas, her heart aching. "But why? Why would his brain do that?"Dr. Smith's expression softened. "Confabulation is a coping mechanism. The brain tries to make sense of missing information by creating new stories. In Nicholas's case, his brain wove a tale of time travel, a son, and a future that never existed. It was his brain'
Sarah's thoughts drifted back to the past, to the accident that had changed everything. She had forgotten her resentment towards Nicholas's family; her anger and hurt were replaced by a deep concern for him. She missed him, his laughter, his teasing, and his flirtatious smile. She missed the way he made her feel, like she was the only person in the world.As she sat there, lost in thought, Sarah realized that she had been unfair to James and Olivia. They, too, had suffered, waiting for their son to wake up. They, too, had been hurt by her harsh words, but they never retaliated. They had borne it all, for Nicholas's sake.Sarah's gaze fell on her father's grave, and she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Time heals all wounds, she thought. And who am I to hold onto grudges when the person I love is fighting for his life?With a newfound sense of resolve, Sarah decided to let go of the past. She would forgive James and Olivia and start anew. For Nicholas's sake, for their sake, she wo
Nicholas's eyes fluttered open to the sound of beeping machines. He groggily sat up on the hospital bed, his mind foggy and disoriented. The nurse standing beside him took a step back, her eyes widening in surprise."Mr. Nicholas, you're awake!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with a mix of shock and curiosity.Nicholas rubbed his temples, trying to clear the haze from his mind. He looked around the hospital room, but nothing seemed familiar. He was already confused, and the nurse's reaction only added to his bewilderment."Wha...what happened?" Nicholas stammered, his throat dry and sore.The nurse's expression turned from surprise to concern. "You've been in an accident, Mr. Nicholas. You need to lie back down."But Nicholas was already throwing off the covers, his mind racing with questions. Had he traveled back in time again? Was this some kind of déjà vu?The nurse rushed to his side, trying to gently push him back onto the bed. "Mr. Nicholas, please, you need to rest."But Nichol
Griffin's eyes darted wildly, and he swiftly opened the drawer, pulling out a gun. He pointed it at the group, his hand shaking with desperation. "Stay back! I won't let you take him from me!"Sarah's eyes widened in horror, her voice trembling. "Griffin, please. Don't do this. You're scaring me."Griffin's gaze locked onto Sarah, his eyes pleading. "You don't understand, Sarah. I won't lose him. I won't lose Jace."Sarah took a step forward, her hands outstretched. "Griffin, listen to me. This isn't you. You're not a monster. You're kind, gentle...my friend."Griffin's face twisted, his voice cracking. "You don't know me, Sarah. You never knew me."Leena sneered. "Yes, Griffin, you're a monster. You kidnapped Jace, and now you're threatening us with a gun."Griffin's attention was focused on Sarah; his gun was still trained on the group. He didn't notice Nicholas slowly creeping up behind him, his eyes fixed on the gun.Sarah's words were a distraction, a diversion. And Griffin, blin
Griffin sat on the couch, playing with Jace's toy cars, completely absorbed in the little boy's world. He had never felt this way before, so carefree and happy. Jace's laughter and smiles had captured him, and for the first time in his life, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.Griffin's mind wandered back to his plans for revenge against Nicholas. But for the first time, he felt a twinge of doubt. Was it really worth it? Was his desire for revenge more important than the happiness he felt in this moment?Jace looked up at him, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Griffin, look! I built a castle!"Griffin smiled, feeling his heart melt. "That's amazing, Jace. You're so talented."Griffin realized he had forgotten all about his plans for revenge. He had forgotten about Nicholas, forgotten about the past, forgotten about everything except for this little boy and the joy he brought him.But little did Griffin know, his world was about to be turned upside down. Nicholas a