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Sarah "Who are you?!" I exclaimed, my drowsiness evaporating as the door swung open abruptly, revealing three imposing figures barging into the room. The space felt constricting, leaving me nowhere to escape. Panic surged through me as they closed in and seized me. "Help!" I cried out, but my plea was silenced as one of them clamped a hand over my mouth, his breath reeking really bad. "Hey there, babe! We're just here for your belongings," one of them smirked. 'Babe, my foot!' My struggles against his iron grip proved futile as his fingers clamped down, imprisoning me further. "Someone tipped us off that the contents of your bag are valuable," another interjected, snatching my luggage. Desperation fueled my resistance as I writhed in the grasp of one of the men. No! Their eyes darted around the room, searching for any other valuable items they could seize before the man who had snatched my luggage made his exit. 'No! My medicine is in there!' "Let's get out of here!" anoth
Sarah After lunch, I made my way to BM Technologies. Jakob's surprise was palpable when I walked into the office, especially since it had been too long since he had seen me clad in bright green—a stark departure from my usual black attire. I couldn't help it; Philip bought me the outfit. "Let me catch my breath first. We can delve into the questions and answers later," I declared to Jakob. He simply shrugged, offering me a seat and a glass of water as I settled into the swivel chair, allowing me a moment to compose myself. "So," he prompted. "I was robbed last night," I began. "What? Where? What happened?" Jakob fired off questions in quick succession. "It was Philip! He played a prank on me!" I recounted the events of the previous night, including the rejection by major hotels due to my tumultuous past with my ex-husband. "I couldn't even call you to figure out what was going on with the accommodation app. Everything was down last night, and it was all over social m
Sarah I clenched my fist in a surge of anger so intense that it felt like it was suffocating me. The symptoms I frequently experience—difficulty breathing, dizziness, shortness of breath—are all manifestations of panic attacks. They don't signify heart failure. As I stood on the balcony, desperately gasping for air amidst the storm of emotions raging inside me, the glass door suddenly slid open, unveiling Bronn. The unexpected encounter caught us both off guard. "What a surprise, Sarah! Hang on, are you crying?" Bronn's concern was evident. I hastily wiped away my tears, attempting to dismiss them with a wave of my hand. "It's nothing! I'm just pissed!" Rage consumes me like a blazing inferno! It's as if I've learned absolutely nothing from enduring three agonizing years of manipulation! "By the way, you look good in green!" Bronn offered a compliment. "Thank you," I managed to say, though tears threatened to spill once more. For a year now, I've worn black as a constant remin
Sarah I reluctantly agreed to Josh's demands, which led me to tolerate Philip's shenanigans. Now, I'm stuck with the scoundrel in apartment number 5. A chef from a local hotel came by to prepare dinner for us, sparking my curiosity about Megan's absence. Where had she been these past days, not accompanying Philip? Unable to suppress my curiosity, I asked, "Where is Megan?" Philip's expression soured before he replied curtly, "She's at the hotel." Perplexed, I probed further, "Why didn't you accompany her? Your presence here seems unnecessary. Aren't you concerned for her safety at the hotel?" My question wasn't driven by genuine concern for Megan; instead, I was simply puzzled. Philip proceeded to pour soup into my cup, deflecting the conversation. "Eat more," he urged. His actions spoke volumes—he clearly didn't want to discuss Megan. Shifting the topic, I inquired, "Why are you still in Henderson? Do you not intend to return to Luminary Productions?" "I am still handling
Sarah I could not resist the intoxicating sensations coursing through me as Philip's gentle caresses danced across my skin. His lips, the soft breath escaping them, and the gentle caress igniting every nerve ending on my skin all conspired to engulf my consciousness. "Sarah..." His voice, whispering my name, stirred me further. Just as I leaned in toward him, Megan's voice pierced through the air, shattering the moment like icy water dousing a flame. "Move! I want to see Philip! Why won't you let Philip out?" Megan's demand reverberated through the living room. "Damn it!" Philip's frustration was palpable as he retreated to the bed. "I'll handle the commotion outside." "Send Megan back to the hotel if you want to avoid trouble," I interjected casually, turning away from Philip. Confusion and turmoil waged a fierce battle within me. I reluctantly acknowledge the persistent ember of affection that smolders in the depths of my heart for Philip, an affection I thought extin
Philip "Wait, what?" Ethan's call took me by surprise as he relayed that Sarah was at Highland Hills with bodyguard Josh. I'm puzzled because Alex got reassurance from Josh that everything was fine. He's supposedly with Sarah—unless they're both in Highland Hills. "Yeah, I saw Sarah. She didn't notice me; she seemed preoccupied with work. She was at the coffee shop with your bodyguard," Ethan added. My fist tightened with frustration. That woman is brazenly pushing boundaries with every step she takes. "I also found out why she's here. Apparently, she had some medication checked at the laboratory," Ethan explained. "Medication?" I furrowed my brow in confusion. "Yes. I'm unsure whose medication it is or why she chose to have it checked here in Highland Hills when there are larger hospitals in Henderson. Maybe the medication originated from here?" Ethan speculated. I massaged my temples, feeling the onset of a pounding headache courtesy of Sarah's antics. Damn it! The
Sarah "Is it true? Are you suffering from depression?" Philip inquired, his concern palpable in his voice. Caught off guard, I grappled with how to respond. What aspect of his question should I address first? Yes, I had battled depression, a struggle exacerbated by the profound loss of my baby—a loss for which I held the Cornell Family responsible. Yet, the medical diagnosis I received was heart failure. "See? I told you she's unstable! Ending your relationship with Sarah was the right decision, Philip. Your presidential aspirations can't afford such complications," Madam Cornell interjected, her tone laced with disdain. Anger trembled within me as I turned to meet Madam Cornell's gaze, then Philip's. "Mr. Cornell, it's better to heed your mother's advice. Ms. Mitchell appears to be in an unstable state," the doctor interjected, fueling the already tense situation. Philip's response was curt and dismissive, further igniting my resolve. "Am I asking for your opinion?" he sn
Philip I missed Sarah's presence in our villa—that's what I was certain of. While I was conversing with Ethan over the phone in the library, Sarah was taking a bath in our room. All her clothes were still neatly arranged, ensuring she wouldn't encounter any inconvenience. Ethan began his explanation, "I conducted a small investigation into Dr. Morgan. I needed to apply some pressure to get him to talk... Last year, Mr. Amir Benner took Sarah to Dr. Morgan's clinic in Dubai for a check-up. Months later, Dr. Morgan received two offers—one from Mr. Benner's girlfriend, Jessica Woods, and the other from Serena Blake. "Dr. Morgan opted to accept Serena Blake's offer to manipulate Sarah's medication... Your ex-wife was grappling with panic attacks and severe depression. Yet, Dr. Morgan erroneously diagnosed her with a heart condition. It appears Sarah may have become reliant on the medication. It would be advisable for you to bring her to my clinic tomorrow. I'll arrange for her to
Jane "Jane!" Brody's voice echoed through the hallway, making me freeze. Oh no! He was really here. My heart raced as I approached the door and peeked through the peephole. Brody was on the other side, his broad shoulders filling the frame. His usual neat look was a bit messy—his necktie was crooked, his top button undone, and a hint of stubble darkened his jaw. Should I open the door? "I know you're there, Jane," he said, his voice low and steady. Taking a deep breath, I slowly turned the lock. The click felt loud in the quiet. When the door opened, our eyes met, and the months apart vanished instantly. Brody's eyes scanned my face, lingering on my swollen eyes that showed I'd been crying. I saw a mix of emotions pass over his face: concern, guilt, and something more intense. Without a word, he stepped inside. The scent of his cologne enveloped me as he pushed the heavy oak door closed with his foot. Before I could gather my thoughts, his hands cupped my face, thumbs gentl
Jane When did I genuinely start falling for him so deeply? It was that night four years ago, during a crisp autumn in London. Brody was abroad on a business trip. I was overworked and sick at the time. I had just returned from Paris, feeling dizzy as I stepped into our penthouse in Mayfair. I sneezed as I texted him. Me: 'Just got back from a business trip. What do you want for dinner?' Almost instantly, Brody replied: 'I'm on a business trip in New York. You didn't tell me you were coming back today.' I had wanted to surprise him, so I kept my return a secret. But he hadn't mentioned his trip to me either. Me: 'Alright! Take care!' My nose, already raw and red from constant sneezing, throbbed as I hit send. I dragged myself to the ensuite bathroom, leaving a trail of discarded clothes behind me. The hot shower offered momentary relief, but the room began to spin uncontrollably as I stepped out, wrapped in Brody's oversized bathrobe. I collapsed onto our king-sized bed. The e
Jane Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched Philip and Sarah's fairy-tale wedding. We were in Dubai, at Grandpa Mitchell's mansion, surrounded by a small circle of close friends and family, all gathered to witness the couple's intimate vows. Yet, as they exchanged their promises of love, a deep sense of incompleteness washed over me. Perhaps there's truth in the saying that when life becomes a cycle of repetition—office, work, the Cornell mansion, and back again—you start to feel like something important is missing. After the ceremony, I embraced Sarah tightly, tears threatening to spill. "Congratulations, love!" The celebration continued, but my thoughts were elsewhere. I knew I needed to return to London to calm my churning emotions. "Auntie Jane, are you alright?" Iris asked, her voice full of concern as she sat beside me at the round table with Rowan by her side. I plastered on a smile, hoping it looked genuine. "Yes, sweetheart. Why do you ask?" "You look sad." I manage
Sarah My father, Mr. Benner, contacted me again. After years of estrangement, I decided it was time to meet him and finally confront our tumultuous past. Accompanied by Trey, I arrived at the hotel suite where he was staying. His assistant, a woman in her thirties, greeted us at the door with a smile. "Good afternoon, Ms. Mitchell!" she said warmly. "Hello," I managed. "Please, come in," she said, stepping aside to let me enter. I walked across the plush carpet until I saw Mr. Benner. My father, once a towering figure of authority, now sat in a wheelchair. His once jet-black hair had faded to steel gray, and deep lines etched his face. It had been a long time since he had disowned me. "I'm so happy to see you, Sarah," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "You've lost so much weight, my dear…" 'My dear…' I approached him, extending a carefully wrapped package. "I brought you something," I said, "Three first editions by Haruki Murakami. Your favorite." He smiled appreci
Sarah Philip gently removed my simple white dress, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and concern as he took in my changed appearance. "W-why are you doing this? Philip, I just came out of a coma. I'm not ready for anything... physical." I said honestly. After nearly two years of medical interventions, my body was still fragile, and I had only been recovering for a month. His gaze softened immediately. "Oh, Sarah, no. That's not why… I'm not trying to take advantage of you. It's just that…" He examined my skin and my arm, which had thinned considerably. I felt a bit uncomfortable with what he was doing. "You've lost so much weight." A flicker of insecurity flashed through me. I pouted and squinted at him. "What do you mean by that? Do you find me unattractive?" "No, no. No, babe!" he vehemently denied. "That's not what I meant. It's just…" It took a while before Philip continued. "I vividly remember the day Marcus shot you. Your last appearance is etched in my mind. I
Philip I'm here at Serenity Pines Estate, seeking a bit of solitude before midnight passes. Despite weeks of working nonstop, Sarah's presence lingered everywhere. Her hold on my heart hasn't faded with time or distance. As soon as I stepped through the door, it felt like I could see a younger Sarah sitting on the couch, waiting for me. In my mind's eye, she stood, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Have you eaten?" Reality hit hard as my fist clenched. These were just memories, as delicate as spun glass. I walked to the kitchen, where the marble countertops glowed in the moonlight. My hands shook as I reached for the crystal decanter, pouring a generous amount of aged scotch. The amber liquid shimmered, offering a brief escape from my thoughts. I bought Serenity Pines on the second night Sarah and I were married, ensuring it had top-notch security. Sarah might not have noticed, but every part of this home was a tribute to her—from the soft cream bedroom walls to the handcrafted boo
Sarah When asked about my first destination, I pointed towards the school, my heart racing with anticipation. I love Philip deeply, and today is his birthday, but nothing could surpass the joy of reuniting with my children. The school bell rang, and a flood of children poured out of the ornate iron gates. The twins emerged from the gate precisely as planned, followed closely by Josh, who ensured their safety. At first, they didn't recognize me. I felt like a stranger in my own skin, having lost nearly fifty pounds since we last met. Their confused looks tugged at my heart, but I understood. I always will. Iris clutched her beloved rabbit doll, and Rowan had their lunchbox. Tears began to well up in my eyes, but I wiped them away to see the twins more clearly. There was a noticeable difference in how they've changed. They're taller now. Rowan wears glasses, and Iris's skin has lightened. My beautiful, growing children... "Kids, your mom…" I read Josh's lips. His eyes widened
Sarah It felt like drifting through an endless dream, each moment stretching into eternity. After my firstborn's death, grief enveloped me like a suffocating shroud. I retreated, closing my heart and mind to the outside world. Joy became a foreign concept, a distant memory I could no longer grasp. Nothing could penetrate the fog of my sorrow because deep down, I knew I was fundamentally broken—I was not okay. Just like then, my mind feels closed off, wrapped in a thick layer of ice. Driving aimlessly, stopping several times to watch the setting sun. I'm heading into darkness, but whenever I hear my children's voices... Philip... these beloved sounds tug at me, urging me to turn back towards the fading light. But why did I also hear my mother's voice? I resume my journey. The world around me has been leached of color as if a cosmic artist has erased all pigment from the canvas of reality. I'm traveling through an endless road surrounded by empty deserts. The monotony should be
Philip A week passed, then two, then three… Ethan eventually had to ask me to leave, as some patients needed the hospital's facilities more. "I can visit you at Serenity Pines, or even drop by Luminary Productions if you need someone to clean your wounds," Ethan offered. I remained silent. I wanted to stay at the hospital because Sarah was here. Fear gnawed at my chest, making sleep impossible. I was paralyzed by the terror of receiving the devastating news that my wife had passed away, that her body had finally given out, or any other heart-wrenching update while she was out of my reach. As much as I wanted to stay by Sarah's side, I couldn't longer ignore our children's needs. Iris and Rowan needed stability and a bit of normalcy. The hospital, with its sick patients and germs, wasn't a good place for a four-year-old to stay. Rowan's small voice interrupted my thoughts while I changed into a clean t-shirt in my ward, trying to gather the energy to face another day. "Uncle Eth