Five years later…I finally come back to my hometown five years later. As I push the luggage cart out of the airport, I inhale deeply, feeling the air of the place where I was born and brought up. Bittersweet memories fill my mind.Those people who hurt me back then didn’t exist in my life anymore. I return only to meet my parents and I will go. When I left the city, I vowed to reach out to my parents once I made sure of my and my babies' safety.Five years before, I changed my identity and started my life anew. I am now a successful fashion designer, known as Mist, with plenty of work in hand. My children are now five years old.As the years pass, I find strength in my new identity and the love I share with my children. I continue to grow as a person, finding joy in my work and the beauty of life. The pain of the past never completely fades, but it becomes a part of my story, shaping me into the person I am today.Michael remains a distant memory, a Chapter of my life that I keep clo
As Evan examines the photos of George more closely, his mind starts to race with thoughts and questions. The resemblance between himself and this man, George, is striking, and Evan can't help but wonder if there is a genetic connection between them. Could George really be his father?The possibility fills Evan's mind with curiosity and excitement. He has always wondered about his biological father, and now, seeing this resemblance, the idea that George might be his dad seems both thrilling and intimidating.Evan's heart pounds with a mixture of emotions as he contemplates the implications of such a discovery.He knows that his mother has kept the details of his father a secret, and Evan can't help but feel a sense of urgency to find out the truth. Perhaps this is the opportunity he has been waiting for—a chance to learn more about his past and his biological family.Evan's determination to uncover the truth intensifies with every passing moment. The possibility that George might be hi
It is Saturday morning. While Abigail is still asleep, Evan and Barbe steal away from their hotel room, eager to embark on an adventure. Hand in hand, they stroll down the street, searching for a taxi to take them to their mysterious destination. Despite Barbe's growing unease, Evan remains calm and collected.As they wait for a taxi, Barbe's curiosity gets the better of her. "Evan, where are we going?" she asks, her voice laced with anticipation."To the church," replies Evan casually, his eyes scanning the road."Why?" Barbe asks in surprise, innocently blinking."George Stanley is getting married today," Evan says. "Have you forgotten about that?""Oh, so, today is his wedding! What are we going to do there? Are we going to stop the wedding?" Barbe is getting more and more curious.Evan contemplates her words and says, "I will let you know. Just do as I say, okay?"Okay." She nods and beams."Now we need to hail a taxi. We can’t be late there." With that, Evan stops a cab.The cab
Vivian’s shock is palpable, her emotions swirling in a mix of confusion and disbelief. She had never imagined that her past would collide with her present in such a surreal and unexpected way.Seeing George and Megan together, about to embark on a new Chapter of their lives, and she intruding unexpectedly, fills her with a sense of bewilderment.As Vivian stands frozen in her spot, George's eyes lock onto hers, and she feels a wave of emotions crashing over her. Memories of their past together and the pain she endured come rushing back, mingling with her uncertainty about the present situation.Time seems to stand still. Vivian can sense the weight of George's penetrating gaze, but his expression remains unreadable. Is it surprise, guilt, or something else hidden behind those eyes? She cannot tell.Meanwhile, the other guests exchange curious glances, whispering amongst themselves, trying to figure out the cause of the interruption. The priest himself looks a little flustered, unsure
Once they're ready, we hurry back to the lobby and check out of the hotel. I glance around, half-expecting to see someone watching us, but I can't sense any immediate threat. We hail a taxi and head to the airport.The taxi comes to a halt at the entrance of the airport, and we hastily step out onto the curb. My heart races as I look around frantically. The cool breeze blows through my hair, and I shiver despite the warmth of the sun."Mommy, why are you so agitated?" Evan asks, tugging at my hand. His big eyes were filled with concern. "Is it because of the man at the wedding? Are we in danger? Do you know Mr. George?"His question catches me off guard and irritates me further. It is all because of his adventurous mind that we are in trouble."Who asked you to leave the hotel without informing me?" I scold him. "You could have fallen into danger. And you, little girl." I turn my sharp glare at Barbe. "Why didn’t you tell me? Do you enjoy troubling your mother?"Barbe pouts, her eyes
I am even more taken aback when I hear him plead with me. I will never make the same mistake of putting my faith in him, and going back to him is not an option. Using all my strength, I pull my arm back and level the glare with him."I am not going to fall into your trap again," I snarl. "So, stop fooling me and leave me alone."I try to walk away, only to be pulled back to him. George towers over me, and his piercing eyes seem to bore into my very soul. I can feel his gaze lingering on me, making my skin crawl with discomfort."Do you think you can get away from me?" he asks menacingly. "Take a look around you, sweetheart."I glance around with apprehension. It is only at this point that I notice several men in black suits stationed here and there in the terminal. I am sure his men are also inside the airport.I feel a wave of despair washes over me, threatening to consume me whole. My thoughts are a jumble of fear and uncertainty.George is right. I can’t escape him, no matter how h
I have been watching Evan and Barbe play in the garden, which is when a familiar voice from the hall catches my attention."George… Where are you hiding? Come out right away.""Grandma!" My eyebrows crease slightly. Hearing her angry roar, I can tell how furious she is.Of course, she will be mad at me. I did something today that would anger everyone in the family. But what could I do other than cancel the wedding?I had yet to let go of Vivian’s memory, even though I couldn’t find her all those years. Still, I believed that I would find her out someday. That belief, however, started to waver as time passed, and Megan continued to urge me to marry her. So, I thought I should move on and start over with Megan. Deep down, I yearned for Vivian.How could I just marry Megan when Vivian appeared in front of me? This time, she brought two kids—my kids. I could never let her go. I will do anything to keep them by my side."George… Do you think you can hide from me after what you did?" Grandm
Several days later…The news of George leaving his bride on the altar and canceling the wedding has sent shockwaves through social media, and it seems like everyone is talking about it. Entertainment magazines are having a field day, speculating about the reasons behind his decision and painting elaborate scenarios of what might have driven him to leave his bride-to-be high and dry.But I am not interested. I have better things to do than waste my time on gossip and hearsay. My focus is on my work, and I need to keep my mind sharp and focused in order to meet the deadlines looming ahead of me.I don’t care what people have been saying about George or Megan. All I am looking for is the right moment to get away from here. Until then, I will keep my focus on my work.I take a deep breath and try to concentrate on the task at hand, but my mind keeps wandering back to the news that has captured everyone's attention. I can't understand why people are so fascinated by the personal lives of c
A few months later…The narrator’s POV…The sun bathed the elegant garden in a soft, golden glow as George and Vivian stood beneath a pristine white gazebo, surrounded by a sea of vibrant flowers.The venue for their wedding was nothing short of breathtaking, with its lavish decorations and stunning floral arrangements that seemed to burst with color and life. It was as if the very earth itself was celebrating their union.Vivian, radiant in her ivory lace wedding gown, held a bouquet of exquisite roses in various shades of pink and white, their delicate fragrance filling the air. George, in his dashing black tuxedo, looked every bit the handsome groom, a broad smile gracing his lips.The gazebo was adorned with billowing white fabric, which fluttered gently in the warm breeze. Crystal chandeliers hung from above, casting a soft, enchanting glow over the entire scene. The aisle was strewn with rose petals, creating a path of delicate beauty for Vivian to walk down.As Vivian took her
In the meantime, Evan and Barbe enter. Their faces light up with a grin when they see me awake."Mommy!" The voices that reach my ears are filled with excitement and pure delight. They rush over to me.With open arms, I welcome them eagerly. The warmth of their tiny bodies envelops me, and tears of joy stream down my cheeks. Their presence is a balm to my soul, soothing away the lingering echoes of fear and pain. I hold them close, cherishing every moment of their embrace."My babies," I murmur, my voice quivering with emotion. "Mommy is here. Mommy is fine."Evan's eyes glisten with unshed tears as he speaks, his voice trembling with a mixture of relief and lingering anxiety. "You scared us," he admits, his emotions raw and unfiltered. "Barbe has been crying a lot."I brush away their tears, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Shhh, my darlings. Mommy is fine. Look, I'm smiling. Give me your precious smiles."Their grins are like radiant sunshine, and I revel in the warmth of their lo
The guards had been looking for the man who sprayed the powder on the wedding gowns. They finally caught him and interrogated him, and he revealed that Michael had paid him to do that to frame me.He confessed everything to the police.I ordered the PR department to make a statement. Finally, the crisis in the company has been resolved, but Vivian is still unconscious.Thirty-six long hours have elapsed, and her continued unconsciousness gnaws at my very core. I sit by her bedside, my hand clutching hers as if it could coax her back to consciousness. I long for her to awaken, to see those beautiful eyes once again, to hear her voice, and to feel her presence fill the room.Evan and Barbe are worried as well. Tears stain their young faces as they grapple with the fear that their mother may never awaken. It breaks my heart to see them in such despair, and I pull them close, enveloping them in a desperate attempt to offer solace."Why is she not waking up?" Barbe's voice trembles as she
On the way, I receive a video message on my phone from the chief security officer. It is the video recorded on the pendant.As the video message unfolds on my phone's screen, I am drawn into a vortex of shocking revelations. The images and sounds contained within this digital tape serve as a bitter pill to swallow, awakening me to the harsh truth that I've been living a carefully crafted lie for years.My eyes widen in disbelief. The guilt and regret that surge within me is like a turbulent sea, threatening to overwhelm my senses.Vivian, the woman who has always been there for me and who has loved me unconditionally, emerges as the true heroine of that fateful kidnapping incident.I thought it was Megan who saved me from the kidnappers back then, but it was Vivian. Megan twisted the facts and acted as if she risked her life to save me. In reality, she ran away, leaving me in danger while Vivian fought back with the goons. She even partially lost her memory.Tears well up in my eyes,
My body twists and jerks in an attempt to evade the blows, but her strikes find their mark, the impact sending shockwaves of agony through me.Blood drips down my face. I cry out in pain and fear. Each blow feels like a stab of darkness, threatening to extinguish any hope of survival.Megan has gone crazy. She won’t stop until she kills me. But I don’t want to die, not like this, until I punish her. I need to tell George everything."George…" My voice is a raw scream of pain as I plead for George, hoping that somehow my cry will reach him and that he will come to my rescue.Everything is turning black. My eyes are getting closed. I feel a sense of lightness as if I am flying."Vivian…" His voice echoes in my ears, a lifeline that seems just out of reach. Is he truly here, or is he a mirage born from my desperation?The room blurs and the edges of my vision grow hazy as if reality is slipping through my fingers. My body is weakening with every passing minute. I feel like I am leaving t
All the scenes are playing as a recording in front of my eyes. I feel like I am reliving the terror of the past.The goons take us to an abandoned house on the hilltop. They throw us on the cold floor and close the door. The room we're trapped in feels like a desolate prison, cold and damp. The muffled sounds of the outside world barely penetrate the thick walls.George is still unconscious. His forehead is bleeding. I'm driven by a fierce determination to protect him. I tear my dress with my teeth and use the fabric as an impromptu bandage to staunch the bleeding. His vulnerability, lying there unconscious, tugs at my heartstrings.I glance around the room, my eyes landing on the meager comforts of a mattress and a blanket. Gently, I drag George over to the mattress, huddling close to him and pulling the blanket around us, seeking whatever warmth and reassurance it can provide.As the night wears on, George's condition worsens. His fever rises, and he trembles in his fitful sleep.In
Her eyes blazed with a mad intensity, her pupils dilating as she spoke. "I loved him since I was a child," she said, her voice low and even. "I always wanted to be around him, play with him, and marry him. But he liked to play with you. I hated you for grabbing his attention."Megan's confession is both unsettling and tragic. Her childhood infatuation with George has festered into a twisted obsession, and her jealousy of my connection with him has fueled her hatred. Her admission paints a grim picture of her psyche, revealing the depths of her delusion.I feel a cold dread creeping up my spine as she continues to speak. Her words are laced with venom, her anger and resentment palpable.Why is she saying such things? Has she mistaken me for someone else?I have no recollection of playing with George. George and I had never met before high school. I narrow my eyes, trying to process her words.I struggle again, trying to break free from her grasp. But Megan is too strong, her hold too s
As my consciousness gradually returns, the world around me materializes in fragments. The grimy, dilapidated surroundings of the room come into focus, casting an eerie atmosphere that matches the unsettling situation I'm in. Cobwebs cling to corners; shadows dance on the walls of my vision.My head feels heavy, and my ears still ring from the blow I received. I blink, trying to clear my vision, and my heart skips a beat when I realize I'm bound to a chair.The voices, hushed but audible, pierce through the haze in my mind. My senses sharpen, and I strain to listen, piecing together the conversation unfolding before me."I told you to stay away from here. Why did you come here?"I squint as I find this voice familiar. It’s Michael’s voice. Who is he talking with?"Ugh…" I groan and try to free my hands from the ropes that are restraining me.A second voice joins the conversation, and my heart sinks as I recognize it.Megan.The pieces fall into place, and I'm struck by the cruel revela
A few days later…Megan visits me when Vivian is away. I can't help but feel a wave of annoyance wash over me.She is so shameless. She has the nerve to show up in front of me again."George, oh, my God. Look at you, how badly you have been injured." She comes closer to me with tears in her eyes.I used to feel sad whenever I saw her cry. But now I can see through her malicious nature hidden beneath this pitiful exterior. Megan is pretentious. Her tears and sweet words can’t change my perception of her anymore. I now know how cunning she is.She tries to reach out and touch my face, but I swat her hand away instinctively. I don't want her touching me; doesn't she understand that? I glare at her, my eyes flashing with warning."I have completely lost my patience with you, Megan," I growl, my voice low and menacing. "Stop trying to get closer to me. Get lost."She gives me a hurt look as if she is the one who has been wronged. "How could you say such a thing to me?" she asks, her voice