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Chapter 39
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Shadows Of Deception Chapter 40
(IVY POV ) I turned the key in the lock, feeling the cool metal bite against my palm. Lily was a fragile weight in my arms, her head resting against my shoulder. She was too quiet, and every few seconds I glanced down at her, trying to catch any sign of discomfort or pain. “Just a little longer, sweetheart,” I murmured to her as I jiggled the gate to make sure it was securely fastened. Ethan stood beside me, his small hand slipping into mine, his face a mixture of worry and curiosity, glancing up at me with those questioning blue eyes of his.With a sigh, I squeezed his hand gently. “Come on, buddy,” I said, adjusting Lily’s position in my arms and guiding him toward the car. The taxi driver watched us with mild interest, his head poking out of the window, eyes calm but alert. He had one of those faces that gave nothing away not a hint of a smile, just a sort of steady patience."Do you know Maplewood Junction?" I asked when we were close enough, feeling the tightness in my
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 41
(IVY POV)Dr. Collins stared at me, her face a mask of bewilderment, and her eyes searching mine for something anything that made sense of my words. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice wavering as she tried to make sense of what I was saying. "I'm at a loss here. How do I help? I dont …I don't even know him, thought it was Caleb" I felt the tightness in my chest intensify. My gaze shifted once more to the table where my twins sat. I had to protect them from the weight of this truth. At least for now. After then I t turned back to Dr. Collins, I folded my arms, pulling them tightly against my chest as if to keep myself from shattering. "It’s not Caleb," I whispered, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice. It would be the first time I will be talking about this in years.My words hung in the air, heavy and uncertain. Dr. Collins leaned in closer, her eyes boring into mine, urging me to continue.Finally my lips parted. "You still remember how I used to be back at
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 42
(IVY POV)Dr. Collins’s car rolled to a stop just outside a quaint little shop. The sun was beginning to dip,I stepped out, and looked over to see Ethan and Lily in the backseat, pressing their noses against the glass. Lily was looking some much healthier now so much more energetic. Their eyes sparkled with that innocent excitement only children seemed capable of. “We’ll be right back, kids!”. I called to them, giving a little wave.Ethan nodded, his face scrunched up in mock impatience, while Lily grinned and wiggled her fingers back at me. The car door closed with a soft thud, and I walked alongside Dr. Collins toward the small shop. A bell jingled as we pushed the door open, the scent of freshly baked bread and cinnamon swirling around us. We grabbed a couple of snacks, some colorful juice boxes, and a small bag of pretzels. Dr. Collins reached for a pack of chocolate chip cookies, glancing over at me with a smile. "A little treat never hurt anyone," she said with a wink.
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 43
Third POVIvy blinked, her expression a mix of surprise and disbelief as she stared at Dr. Collins. Her arms folded defensively across her chest, she took a step closer, voice taut. “You? How do you mean?”She glanced back over her shoulder at her children, who were still playing in the car a short distance away.Their laughter a stark contrast to the tension settling between the two women.Dr. Collins gave a small smile, her arms folding in a mirroring stance. She moved a little closer, nodding in reassurance. "Yes I’ll go to him," she suggested gently, "I want you to watch and observe from a distance. We need to be cautious... We don’t know if he’s genuinely trying to help you or just handing you over to those men." Her tone held a subtle edge of concern, the words carefully measured. “We can’t afford to think like amateurs,Like I said they think like gamers ."Ivy inhaled sharply, her chest rising as her arms tightened around her torso.She still wasn't convinced, her eyes d
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 44
(IVY POV)I sat on my seat , my fingers tapping anxiously on my knee, trying to mask the tension building inside me. I could see Ethan and Lily exchanging curious glances from the corner of my eye. They were bound to ask questions sooner or later. And I had hoped it would be later."Mum, why are we here?" Ethan finally broke the silence, his voice innocent and probing.I tried to smile, keeping my tone light. "Nothing really just some catch ups with another friend"Lily leaned forward, her big eyes narrowed with curiosity. "What other friend, Mummy? And why this place?"I checked my watch for the hundredth time, forcing a chuckle. "Another old friend, honey. We're just… helping out." I kept my eyes fixed on the building across the street, where Dr. Collins was supposed to be.The small talk continued. I answered their questions about the building, trying to distract them with playful answers. But my eyes kept darting back to the entrance, my heart thumping in my chest. I was
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 45
(THIRD POV)Vanessa stood still, her hand on the cold brass handle of the study door. She listened, straining to catch any sound in the silence. Her heart was pounding against her ribcage, and she felt the rush of adrenaline in her veins. She took a deep breath, then turned slightly, checking the hallway behind her. The coast was clear.She turned back to the door, her hand tightening around the handle. She knew she had to be sure absolutely sure that she was alone. She waited a few moments longer, allowing the silence to settle around her. Then, with a sense of newfound confidence, she slowly pushed the door open, just wide enough to slip through. Her movements were careful, deliberate.She entered the room and gently pushed the door half-closed behind her.Standing in the center of the room, she folded her arms across her chest and observed her surroundings. The study was dimly lit, with the late afternoon sun glowing through heavy drapes, casting shadows on the floor. A m
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 46
(THIRD POV)Vanessa’s heart pounded in her chest as the footsteps grew louder, echoing ominously through the narrow corridor outside.She could feel the cold sweat running down her back, her breaths becoming shallow and erratic. She bit down hard on her lower lip, silently cursing herself for taking such a stupid risk. Why did I do this? she thought, panic coursing through her veins. Why did I think I could outsmart Maxwell? Her imagination ran wild, conjuring images of what he would do if he found her here his cold, She imagined his devious face, his cold expression.The footsteps stopped just outside the door, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence. Vanessa’s pulse quickened. Maybe they’ll leave. Maybe they’ll think it’s empty and move on, she tried to reassure herself, but she knew better. Her hand gripped the edge of the desk tightly, her knuckles white with tension.Then came the first knock, it was soft, almost tentative, but it sent a jolt through her entire body.
Shadows Of Deception Chapter 47
(THIRD POV)The air inside the car felt thick.Ethan and Lily were still staring at their mother from the backseat, their eyes wide and expectant. They had just asked her about the man who had driven away so abruptly.Ivy gasped softly, quickly masking her anxiety with a forced, shaky laugh. "Yeah... I mean, no," she stammered. "I actually thought I did. He just looked really familiar."Her eyes darted to the side, and she forced a smile, but the nervous quiver in her gaze was unmistakable. Ethan caught it, his eyes dimming. Lily nudged him with her elbow, and they shared a glance to say their mom was hiding something.Dr. Collins, who had been standing outside, finally opened the car door and slipped into the passenger seat. The kids readjusted themselves, subtly bracing to eavesdrop on whatever would follow between the women.Maybe they would hear something more about this strange "doppelgänger."But instead of speaking, the two women exchanged looks, their lips sealed. Ethan
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