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Even after assuring Ethan they’d leave soon, Sophia remained effortlessly wrapped in conversation, her laughter echoing through the grand ballroom as she floated from one group to the next. The glitz, the gossip, the glamour—it was her element. But for Ethan, it was suffocating.The night dragged on longer than Ethan had the patience for.With that he started drinking, savoring the burn of alcohol as it slid down his throat. A small conversation sparked with the bartender—just casual talk about his drink, and different types of liquor, nothing forced or superficial. It was the most normal, unpretentious exchange he had all night.At first, just to take the edge off. A sip of whiskey here, a glass of scotch there. But the more he drank, the easier it became to drown out the meaningless chatter, the fake smiles.The weight pressed against his chest regarding, Sherah’s date with Eliot on her birthday. Her lack of concern towards him.The way she blocked him in all possible means of c
Without hesitation, Ethan booked the earliest flight back to New York.After 24 grueling hours, he arrived at JFK International Airport, exhausted yet resolute. His secretary, Noel, was already waiting, expecting to drive him to Farwell Villa. But to his surprise, Ethan ordered the driver to take him straight to Farwell Manor instead.As the car pulled up to the grand estate, Ethan stepped out, his jaw tight, his exhaustion drowned out by sheer determination. He had been away for weeks, but now that he was back, he wasn’t wasting any time.Inside, Madam Rosalie Farwell sat in her favorite sunroom, a book resting on her lap, her silver hair perfectly styled, her expression unreadable. She had always been a step ahead of him—today was no different."You look tired," Madam Farwell remarked, flipping a page. "Traveling across the world, chasing the past, will do that to a man."Ethan clenched his jaw and took a step forward. "I’m done playing your games, Grandma." His voice was sharp, unwa
The Farwell Villa became oppressive, and he had no choice but to drive to the only place he could take his mind off things, his office—The Farwell Group.Inside his office. Ethan sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his fingers pressed against his temples as he tried to drown out the suffocating silence in the room. He glanced around only to see that Sherah had cleaned his office.The knitted cupholder neatly arranged near the coffee maker is gone. The yellow smiley stress ball on his table that he loves squeezing is nowhere to be found.The cactus that Sherah purchased from the farmers' market that she insisted would add color to his office was missing in its usual place.Even the throw pillow on the sofa is different.As he sniffs the air, it smells unfamiliar, different from the bamboo mint scent Sherah uses in the air purifier. Work was supposed to clear his mind, but no amount of reports, meetings, or endless numbers could distract him from the emptiness that followed him like
"Sherah!"Sherah almost let go of the canned food in her hands when she heard Ethan’s cold dominant voice. “Ethan, what are you doing here?” She questioned.“I want to speak to you.” He answered immediately. She nodded and then pointed at the door. Outside.The silence stretches between them.Ethan’s eyes observed every inch of her body. He sighs deeply, breaking the silence, “Your hair and nails. You cut them.” He commented offendedly. She finger-combed her hair, “I did. I can’t continue maintaining long hair anymore and my manicured nails don’t belong here anymore. I need to live the way I should have been,” she explains. He scoffed. “Is that the reason why you sold my gifts to you?” he asks.She nods. “Those items don’t belong to my world anymore. I hope you don’t mind, you insist on giving them to me after all.” He nods in defeat. “You’re right. I insist on giving them to you, and you can do whatever you want with them, but Sherah… why must you remove everything?” She gasped
Ethan arrived at the pet grooming salon with a swift goal and departed just as quickly.Sherah stared blankly at the street. She could still smell the smoke his car emitted. She couldn’t help but wonder where Ethan was getting the audacity to ask her for favors.Her thoughts were soon disturbed by a message from Ethan, “Before I forget happy 25th b-day Sherah.”She scoffed and didn't respond. "It's my 26th, not the 25th b-day." She said to herself.She continued removing her apron and rode her bike to her next part-time job.Clueless that someone is diligently observing everything that had happened earlier. Taking notes on every subtle movement, they made, and making sure everything was well documented. MEANWHILE, in New York Medical HospitalEliot found Harlene waiting in the quiet corner of the community center lounge, her eyes downcast as if weighed down by regret. He wants to continue avoiding her, but sadness and defeat in her eyes is unbearable. He sighed deeply and settled i
Sherah's mouth fell open as she gasped, "What's up with these men randomly visiting me and asking me to do things for them?" she asked, her breathing coming in hitched bursts.She shook her head as she walked to the employee area of the pizza place. “I really need to leave New York. I just hope Ethan signs the paper so he can leave me alone.” The last sentence made her chest tighten, and she couldn’t help but stroke her chest as if calming the storm brewing inside her heart. “Good god you arrive early, Sher.” Dylan, one of the mid-shift waitresses, greeted her.She smiled and gave a slight nod. “Is there something wrong?” she asked, noticing Dylan following her.“Yeah, I have an early exam tomorrow morning and I need to study,” Dylan explained. “I hope you don’t mind if you clock in early.” She added while giving a pleading look. “No problem. Good luck with your exams.” She replied softly. Dylan jumped onto her and gave Sherah a warm hug, “Thanks!” She uttered while removing her uni
In the quiet study of their upscale home, Eliot braced himself for a round of his father’s lectures. Instead of the expected rebuke, Anders leaned forward and, with an uncharacteristic gentleness, said, "I think Sherah and Harlene could be friends. Let her meet Harlene for dinner." Eliot’s eyes twitched in disbelief as he gripped the back of his neck, feeling as though he were caught in a dream, uncertain whether to rejoice or recoil at this unexpected kindness.Meanwhile, under the dim glow of Brooklyn streetlights, Sherah pedaled her bike home after a long, exhausting shift. Despite feeling dizzy, she pushed through the pain, determined to reach her apartment safely. But as she unlocked the door, she was met by Ethan lying on his side on her floor mattress unmoving. Her blanket neatly wraps around his body, he seems to be deeply asleep. His tailored expensive suit looked out of place in her small apartment.She rubs her eyes as if she can’t believe what she is seeing is real. “H…ho
The next evening...At JFK Airport’s arrivals terminal, Sophia and her parents stepped off the plane with heavy steps and haunted expressions. Her forced return was a bitter pill to swallow—Australian authorities had grilled her relentlessly, questioning her prolonged stay and the illegal jewelry she had smuggled into the country.The intricately crafted pieces, made from exotic African seeds designed to resemble beads, were strictly forbidden under Biosecurity regulations for their potential to introduce dangerous pests and diseases that could devastate Australia’s unique ecosystem. With her sudden exit from Australia, Sophia lost everything she had built there; she knew that if she hadn’t left, the authorities would have detained her, and this time Ethan could no longer help her since every detail of her case had been documented and escalated to the proper channels.Clutching her bag with a mix of dread and resignation, she navigated through the bustling crowd, each exhausted step we
Thirty minutes had gone by, and Nathan Kingsley was still nowhere to be seen.Nathan’s carefree, happy-go-lucky attitude infuriated Ethan. The man had confirmed his attendance a month ago and reconfirmed the time and place just 24 hours earlier.These seats weren’t ceremonial—they were crucial. The bidding event was one of the most significant deals in Farwell Group's recent history.Had Nathan declined in advance, the next largest investor would've taken his seat. At events like this, there was a strict protocol to follow: the President or Vice President must be present, along with the top six investors. Together, they represented over 40–55% of the company's total shares, ensuring that decisions weren’t made unilaterally.Ethan himself held an 18% share, followed by others holding 10%, 9%, 8%, 5%, and so on.At precisely 3:05 PM, Ethan had already welcomed everyone. The first presenter had just risen to speak when the door opened, stealing everyone's attention.In walked Nathan.He w
Madam Farwell had been unsettled by Fallon Kingsley’s sudden presence in her life. There was a powerful, inexplicable urge to keep the young woman close. Her maternal instincts screamed to protect Fallon—yet she couldn’t understand why.The thought gnawed at her mind, making it nearly impossible to focus on her day-to-day routines. At one point, she found herself standing motionless in her room, unsure of what she was even supposed to be doing.Her gaze drifted to the framed photo on her dresser—A photo of her, Ethan, and Sherah on the young couple's wedding day.Sherah was wearing an elegant white dress. She was all smiles, while Ethan looked unsure why he was there.“Stupid boy,” the Madam scoffed.And then, suddenly, the mystery unraveled."It was the eyes." She mumbled to herself as she stared at Sherah's eyes intensely.Fallon’s eyes were almost identical to Sherah’s—but colder. Hardened. As if they had seen something unspeakably horrific. A woman who had not just endured grief…
“Don’t tell her about the extent of her injuries.” Rebecca strictly demanded to all the doctors and nurses, and instead of urging the police to solve the crime committed against her daughter, she paid a hefty amount for them to hush it out.To let it vanish among the mountain of unsolved assault cases.Weeks passed, and Sophia returned home, oblivious to the truth. She knew she’d bled, but assumed it was menstrual blood mingled with the mystery woman’s brutality.No one had told her otherwise, and she never asked. All she remembered was being bound and gagged, struck again and again, her face and the inside of her mouth cut to ribbons.But tonight is different. Tonight, memories pour in like an unforgiving flood.She went to bed early, trying to sleep off the exhaustion and disappointment, knowing that the cut on her forehead would never heal. The doctor specifically told her that the perpetrator used a chemical to worsen her scar and turn it into an ugly keloid. The only consolation
“Do you know, Nathan… one of them called my child a naked mole rat after yanking my baby out of me,” Fallon muttered, seated before the vanity mirror.Nathan walked up behind her and nuzzled her neck.“What they said doesn’t matter now, does it?”She smiled eerily, staring blankly at her reflection.“No. Their voices are starting to fade. Like their lives hang in the balance… wishing I’ll have mercy and finally let them die. But still, the memories— they follow me like shadows.”He noticed how vacant her gaze had become, how lost she looked.“By the way, Mother called. She has already sent the package you forgot to bring,” he said, smoothly shifting the topic, grounding her back to their mission.Her lips curled with renewed determination.“I need to call her and thank her,” she murmured, cupping Nathan’s cheek as he rested his head on her shoulder.“No need,” he whispered gently, kissing her neck.“Just focus on winning Madam Farwell's favor for us... Okay?”She stared at him through
In the Farwell Group… Ethan stood still before the floor-to-ceiling window of his office.Their closeness had faded long ago, but even so, Ethan knew what happened to Sophia was beyond anything anyone should endure.He turned to Brooke, his tone clipped and cold. “Start digging. Begin where the car hit mine—look for a black Camry. I want surveillance, plate numbers, anything.”Brooke nodded, sensing the urgency in Ethan's voice, he hurried off.Ethan then called the hospital.As the nurse relayed Sophia’s condition, carefully omitting the full extent of her injuries, his grip on the phone tightened.By the time the call ended, he sat in stunned silence.A rare flicker of pity crossed his otherwise impenetrable expression.He sighed, “Maybe I’ll visit her. After I visit Sherah and Sean.”It was Sherah and Sean’s fourth death anniversary. Every year, the pain twisted deeper, but this time, something felt…off.At the cemetery, the crisp wind rustled fallen leaves as Ethan approached thei
In the middle of Sophia’s disappearance.Ethan indifferently sat at a bar with his friends James and Allan, each nursing a drink. The air buzzed with quiet music and low conversation.“Tomorrow will be the fourth year of Sherah and Sean's death. I think it’s time you started dating again,” Allan suggested, breaking the awkward silence. Ethan shot him a cold look—the kind that could stop a heart.Allan quickly backed off, raised his hands in surrender, but added carefully, “Man, you need to get yourself out there. I don’t think Sher would mind. She wanted you to be happy, remember?” His eyes darted towards James, silently begging for backup.Ethan nearly choked on his beer.James glanced away, letting Allan dig his own grave. “I don’t want to be part of this.” He murmured to himself as he quietly took a sip of his drink. “What about Sophia?” Allan asked curiously."What about her?" James challenged coldly, squinting his eyes, watching Ethan’s reaction closely.“I saw the news… she nee
On a deserted road, one hour outside of New York City.A black van entered a vacant plot of land. Inside the vehicle were two people wearing pure black clothing and matching caps and face masks to hide their faces. Nathan, in the driver’s seat, vibed to music playing softly on the radio while Fallon, seated in the front passenger seat, stared out the window, fixated on the stars. Nathan noticed it.“Are you into constellations?” he asked while glancing at her discreetly.“No,” Fallon replied flatly.Nathan gestured upward. “That one’s Orion,” he said, pointing toward a cluster of stars.“Orion.” The word stirred something inside her, faint, nostalgic—but she couldn’t place it.“It means ‘THE HUNTER, ’” he added as his face turned serious. He then grinned devilishly. “Shall we begin Phase Two?” He asked, changing the topic and shifting the mood inside the car to something malevolent. Soon, the van rolled to a stop. At the end of the road was an abandoned rice mill. They stepped out of
The Next Day...Ethan began his morning buried in paperwork, reviewing proposals for the upcoming bidding. The Farwell Group was searching for a company capable of creating unique software for their newest TV model—something cutting-edge yet cost-effective. The decision carried significant weight; the chosen vendor would receive a massive downpayment, which made Ethan adamant about strict qualifications. The company needed to be well-established with at least four years of clean financial standing. As he skimmed through each folder, some proposals were immediately discarded—too risky, too young, or too ambitious with nothing to back it up. By the time he finished the initial screening, a large portion of the submissions lay crumpled in the bin. Still, a sense of satisfaction settled over him. It had been a productive day. Wanting to share the moment—his success, his thoughts, the rare lightness in his chest—he drove to the cemetery. Two baskets of flowers rested on the passenger s
Nathan ran out, scanning the area as he weaved through guests and staff in disarray. He finally spotted her in the parking lot, waiting in the passenger seat of the car, her face pale under the dim lights.He rushed to her side and opened the door."What happened? Did Ethan catch you?" he asked, breathless.She slowly shook her head."No." Her voice was faint. She didn’t look at him.Nathan’s face softened. "I thought something bad had happened to you." He extended his hand and gently caressed her face."My head hurts," she murmured, pressing her fingers to her temple.He knelt beside her and gently pulled her into his arms. Her body felt cold, like she’d been holding her breath the entire time."Come on," he said softly. "Let’s go home… and watch how this disaster unfolds."He smiled as he closed the car door, casting one last glance at the chaos behind them."They’ll be talking about this for weeks or even months." He said proudly.As Nathan drove away from the chaos, Fallon leaned h