My people, I’m telling you, life in LA hasn’t been easy at all. I’m down with a fever, wandering every day like a homeless person in search of answers. If I had known, I would have memorized Andrew’s number and called him as soon as I arrived. But I lost the paper with his and Liv’s numbers since I didn’t have a phone. I have memorized Nate’s number, though, and even in my sleep, I can repeat those numbers effortlessly. There were a few times I fought the urge to just call him and ask him to come get me. This isn’t easy at all. I finally settled in a refugee camp, and let me tell you, this place is hell. There are drug addicts, toxic people, and bitter women. The environment is far from conducive, contrary to what the organization portrays. I’ve been here for five days, wandering into the neighborhoods of the elite, looking for anyone who knows Liv. That’s my only lead; I remember Anne saying Live works for a billionaire in Visionary Island, an estate for the wealthy here in LA. I’
56, 57, 58... I counted exactly 6 dollars and 58 cents. That was all the money I had left. What do I do? Where do I start from? I squeezed the money back into my pocket and strolled around the cramped space.It's been a day since the incident with the Hawthorne man happened, and it is pointing toward one thing: I have little to no hope of finding Liv in this big city.So instead, I am on a job hunt. I hastily brushed my teeth, styled my hair in a bun, took a quick bath, and sprayed my body mist that was given by Sarah, a kind lady.After zipping my bag and locking it with a padlock, I stepped outside. You can't trust anyone here at the refugee camp. There are a lot of miserable people, addicts among them. I wouldn’t dare leave my few belongings unsecured.The sun blazed overhead, and I squinted, wiping the sweat off my brow. I better be fortunate today. But how could I make the money last? It wasn’t even enough to cover three meals, and after today and tomorrow, I’d be out of options
Nate’s POVDaphne? Daphne... wait, come back! I chase after the person I could swear on my life was Daphne, but she refuses to glance back.From the way her delicate eyes widen in surprise, I know she's my Daphne.She was declared dead by the doctor, but maybe not burying her myself made me hold onto the possibility that she could be alive.Fuck, I felt she was out there, alive.And now, confirming my doubt, I would go to any length to bring her back to me, her rightful owner. She is mine and mine alone. My wife, the mother of my child.She doesn't stop, so l halt, no longer chasing her, just watching her naive self. She'll come back to me, after all... a fisherman is never far from his rod no matter the distance between it and the water. FEW HOURS “Babe, safe journey ” Claire kisses me as I walk away. I feel the need to strangle this bitch in front of me, there’s just this anger I have whenever I look at her, she reminds me of Daphne, maybe it's the similarity or whatever. I hadn'
Daphne’s POV“FUCK, FUCK, FUCK, NO THIS CAN’T BE” I’m running like a mad woman, tears blurring my vision. This cannot be. Absolutely not, The familiar feeling of dread, reminded me of that night. I thought I had left my old life behind, I thought I was done with him, with them I thought……FLASHBACK I'm strolling through the compound after finishing my chores, with nothing better to do but watch Netflix, scroll through Instagram, and lie around. That's my life, my daily routine.I have no social life outside of my interactions with Nate. I also maintained anonymity on the internet using the name Zack404. I used it to follow people and stay updated on the latest trends and more.I went to the garden to water down the plants. My life may be boring and isolating, but I'm preferring it that way. After everything I've gone through, being alone is comforting. People... are overstimulating. Too much noise, too much chaos.After what felt like hours, I decided to go indoors and check my ph
The person holds me in place, refusing to let go for once. My stomach churns again, and this time, I can't control my body or my emotions. I release all the contents from my stomach, vomiting on his body and his clean shoes. “You did not—” the familiar voice says, unable to believe it. I look up to see the very familiar face of the Hawthorne guy. Could my day get any worse? And with that, I pass out. ********** FLASHBACK BEGINS “What do you mean you killed someone?” Nate semi-yells in shock, unable to hide his shock. “I… We… they…” I mutter a lot of nothing, just speaking in gibberish. He sighs and lifts me to my feet, setting me on the couch. All the while, my hands and feet keep trembling in fright. I can still remember that night etched into my brain. “Calm down, baby, drink up.” Nate hands me a glass of water and draws lazy circles on my back without saying a word. He stares at the TV screen, but his mind isn’t there. As I begin to calm down, I break the silence.
FLASHBACK CONTINUES TRIGGER WARNING, PROCEED WITH CAUTION I wrapped my hand around his throat, pouring every ounce of strength into the grip as if my very life depended on it. This was a matter of survival; I couldn’t allow myself to be defeated by a low scum. I refused to back down. He slapped me multiple times but that only fueled me, to give him a taste of his own medicine. Then he held me down with one hand choking me and the other at my intimate area. He fit his entire fist inside causing an agonizing pain to my already wounded organ. I claw at him, telling myself it was either me or him. One has to make it alive today and dying isn’t an option for me. So, I release his neck and poke his eyes, using my sharp fingernails to pluck and jab. He shrieks and the pain made him release me instantly, ‘Little bitch, he can't even handle the littlest pain of what he dishes out.’ Having no time to think, I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, with him chasing after me. Reach
It’s been four days since the last incident, and there hasn’t been much progress. Now, I’m left with only nine cents—not enough to afford anything. Hope is slipping away, and as I sit here, I wonder, ‘What was I thinking, coming to a big city like LA?’Right now, I’m knocking on doors, asking if anyone needs help with something—anything. I feel drained, exhausted, and utterly worn out, and it’s not fair to my baby. My health has worsened; I’m constantly fatigued and always hungry, but food is becoming harder to find.At the moment, I’m sitting in the alley where I usually rest. It’s a small refuge for me, a place I retreat to when the weight of everything becomes too much. And the sun is beginning to set.I hear someone coughing, but I ignore it, focusing on my own troubles. However, the coughing becomes more frequent and desperate, like the person is struggling to breathe. My conscience won’t allow me to ignore it any longer, so I decide to check, just in case it’s an emergency.I ap
I looked at her with a puzzled expression on my face. “How are you, dear?”“I’m… fine,” I replied. “ Oh, How’s.. your health?”“Oh, I’m feeling great now. It was just an asthma attack. Thank you so much for yesterday.”“Oh no, it was my pleasure. You needed help, and anyone would have done the same.” She stood up, and we chatted for several minutes before waving goodbye. I settled back into my spot when she returned.“I don’t mean to pry, but I’ve noticed you every time I pass this spot and looking a bit lost these past few days. Is something wrong at home?”I scoff. “Home? When there isn’t ?” For some reason, I began to open up to this stranger. “Life in LA is tough, I won't lie. I’ve been searching for a job since I got here, but luck hasn’t been on my side. Giving up isn’t an option, especially since life has given me a second chance.”She places her hand on my shoulder and says, “I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I can tell it’s a lot. Fortunately, we have a vacancy at ou
Charles soon turned, leaving the room with a chuckle, clearly enjoying the moment, thinking he might bag a contract by the end of the day. “Let go of me!” I screamed, thrashing with every ounce of strength I could muster. My nails clawed at his arms, my legs kicking out blindly. His grip only tightened, and I felt his hot, sour breath on my neck.“Stop fighting, Whore,” he growled, his tone laced with menace. His filthy hands roamed where they shouldn’t, and panic clawed at my chest. Fear flooded through me like a wildfire—not just for myself but for my unborn baby and Claire.Claire… Is this what she endured? I couldn't imagine her calling such a man Father, even after all he had put her through.I was always jealous of their relationship, always wondering why it couldn't be me, why he constantly chose her before me. I doubted myself, wondering if I acted a little bit more Claire, I would be more…loveable. If I perfected her tone, manner, and everything else. Tears blurred my visi
Sebastian’s POVThe first time I saw Daphne, something shifted in me. There was something about her—fragility masked by a fiery determination—that captivated me in a way I couldn’t explain. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was magnetic, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.But tonight, it wasn’t just her strength or her sharp tongue that caught my attention. It was her vulnerability, the way her body stiffened under the watchful eyes of those twisted old men in the room. Their gazes lingered on her like predators sizing up prey, and it took every ounce of self-control I had not to lose it there and then. I clenched my fists, fighting back the rage boiling inside me. This wasn’t the time or place. I had to play the part, no matter how much it sickened me. When the bidding began, I raised my paddle without hesitation. I wasn’t bidding for art; I was protecting her from the leering eyes of monsters.When the hammer fell and the art was “mine,” I felt a twisted mix of relief and disgust.
“Daphne? Don’t panic.”I tried to respond, but my voice came out raspy, my throat tightening as though invisible hands were choking me. I gasped, desperate for air, as the room began to spin. My mind slipped into the past—dark, horrifying memories clawing their way to the surface.I was back in the stone room, surrounded by cold, damp walls that whispered torment. We were tied, naked, and broken. We didn’t dare believe escape was possible. Our captors paraded us like art, like objects. They said they were bidding on portraits, but we knew better. They were bidding on lives.My legs refused to move. I stood rooted to the spot, my trembling hands betraying the anxiety creeping in. It felt as if taking even one step closer to reality would shatter the fragile illusion that I’d escaped that life. What if I never truly had? What if this life—my freedom, my hope, Sebastian—was all a lie? A cruel trick my mind played to survive?“Was I even real?” I whispered to myself. My breath hitched. “I
I stared at the mirror, barely recognizing the face reflected back at me. My skin was pale, my lips painted deep red, and my eyes hollow but sharp. I settled for a ball gown, enough to hide my baby bump. Elegant and dangerous, this wasn’t me. It couldn’t be. But tonight, I had to be someone else —I had to be Claire. “Daphne.” Sebastian’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. “Are you there?” He called out from the miniature transmitter he gave me in a pin form. “Nate will be there,” he said quietly. “Stay close, blend in, and follow my lead.” I nodded, forcing down the lump in my throat. I couldn’t mess this up. I went down to the living room my heard thundering, and heels clicking against the floor. I had threatened Claire to stay and pretend to be me. It was cold and silent, the ticking clock pounding in rhythm with my heartbeat. Every breath was tight in my chest as I waited, shoulders straight, fingers trembling at my sides. Footsteps echoed behind me. “Claire.”
“I… I…” My voice faltered as my breath hitched. “Daphne? Is everything alright?” Sebastian’s voice cut through the mic, steadying me. I straightened my posture, forcing control back into my trembling hands. “Richard?” I snapped, turning to face the butler. “You caught me off guard.” His eyes widened, and his hands shook slightly. “Miss Claire… I apologize. I didn’t mean to startle you.” He bowed his head respectfully. I bit back a laugh, savoring the rush of dominance. Since my return, I’d noticed Claire had dyed her hair back to brunette, making us nearly identical again. Apparently, not even Richard could tell the difference. Lifting my chin, I channeled Claire’s practiced poise and walked out of the room, heart drumming in my chest like a distant war drum. Back in my room, I locked the door and retrieved the stolen documents, snapping photos and sending them to Sebastian. His reply came quickly: We need to act fast. Time isn’t on our side. Collapsing onto the bed, I FaceTi
It was the next day already, I was left yet again alone in the house. Father and mother were invited by the Stones for a buisness negotiation, while Claire is out to see her “doctor.” I knew she was up to something.Currently standing outside my father’s office, my palms were slick with sweat. The hallway was deathly quiet, My heart pounded so hard I thought it might echo through the empty corridor.I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out the small lockpick set Sebastian insisted I carry. My fingers trembled as I held the cold metal. Memories of my father’s punishments clawed at my mind, the only times I came here was when I did something wrong or received scoldings. The slaps, harsh condescending words, and unforgiving eyes, always compare Claire and me. This was his space. I was never supposed to be here.Suddenly, Sebastian’s calm voice crackled in my ear through the tiny microphone he’d given me.“You’ve got this, Daphne. Slow breaths. In and out.”I inhaled sharply, holdi
“Yes, you heard me right. I’m six months pregnant… and it’s a boy.”The room went silent. The air felt heavy like the walls themselves were holding their breath. Claire’s face turned ashen, her eyes widening as she struggled back to sit up.“That’s… that’s not possible,” she whispered, her voice shaky. “But…”I folded my arms, keeping my voice steady though my chest felt tight. “What’s not possible, Claire? That I’m pregnant? Or that you all thought I couldn’t have children?”I turned to my father, who stood stiff and unreadable, as always. “Nathaniel is investigating Dr. Matthews. It seems he’s been deliberately giving us false results… like he’s working for someone.” I stepped forward, holding my father’s gaze. “So… please, Dad… I’ll need your help.”His expression darkened a bit, the sharp edge of suspicion flashed in his eyes, but he said nothing.Claire squirmed like a cornered animal, her hands trembling at her sides. “N-No… don’t.” Her voice was thin, almost a plea. She looked
She let out a blood-curdling scream, her voice echoing through the house as she gripped her ears, her body shaking. The smirk that had been playing on my lips vanished instantly, replaced by shock. “Miss Claire!” Richard rushed to her side, his face pale. “Claire… Are you okay?” “No! No! Stay the hell away from me!” she shouted, her voice frantic, her legs kicking as she writhed on the floor in a fit of hysteria. I could hear frantic footsteps pounding the hallway, and the door flew open. “What is—” Her sentence was cut short when she gasped, covering her mouth. “Daphne? You’re alive?” I could hardly believe it myself. “Mother, Father!” I cried, running to them. I fell into their arms, sobbing uncontrollably. “I never thought I’d see you again.” “Are you okay? What happened? How?” Father croaked, his voice strained as he looked me over, his gaze scanning me as though he couldn’t believe I was standing before him. “You… You’re alive.” “Yes, Father, I’m alive.” But before I could
“Please, take care of yourself, okay?” Maryam cried, pulling me into a tight hug. Her voice was shaky with concern as she wrapped her arms around me. “Eat well… and take care of Alex too.” “I will, I promise,” I whispered, squeezing her tightly. I couldn’t help but feel my heart break as I hugged her back. “Eww, get your snorty body off me,” I fake-gagged, making her laugh and slap my arms lightly. I turned to Ella, who was standing just behind Maryam. Kneeling down in front of her, I pulled her into a warm hug and kissed her forehead. “I’m going to miss you, my Ella bear. I’ll FaceTime you every day, okay?” “Okkkk,” she replied with a cheerful smile, wrapping her little arms around me. She wiped away the tears threatening to spill down my cheeks. “Big girls don’t cry, Daphne.” I pinched her cheek, dragging it playfully. “You’re right, I’m not a big girl,” I teased, giving her a wink. My heart ached at the thought of leaving her, but I knew I couldn’t back out now. After a brie