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Sarah Amir orchestrated the arrangement for Grandpa Mitchell's chauffeur to await my arrival at the bustling Dubai airport, effortlessly sparing me of any travel hassles. From Highland Hills, I had informed my family of my forthcoming visit to the stately mansion. Exhaustion enveloped me like a heavy cloak, and the yearning for sleep permeated every fiber of my being. Despite flying business class, I was utterly drained and craving sleep. The flight had been tiring, especially with my mind in such turmoil. As I stepped through the mansion's grand entrance, weary from travel, Amir's welcoming presence enveloped me. Despite the late hour, his warm greeting reassured me of being home. Amanda stood beside him, wearing a welcoming smile. "Are you alright?" Amir asked worriedly as I got out of the car. I wasn't sure if I should talk to him after he told Jessica what happened between me and Marcus. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Amir crossed his arms and voiced his assumption. "This tri
Sarah "Grandpa, what do you mean she's my mother's twin?" Amir asked, clearly surprised by the revelation. The furrowed lines on his brow revealed that he, too, had been utterly unaware our mother had an identical twin sibling. Grandpa Mitchell let out a weary sigh before delving into the story. "Back when my business and youth consumed me, I dedicated all my time to work, inadvertently creating a divide between my wife and me. After a misunderstanding, we agreed to separate; your mom stayed with me while Marietta went with her mother. "In those days, I maintained a connection with Marietta and continued to support her. My wife remarried, and I thought everything had settled. Little did I realize the simmering jealousy Marietta harbored toward your mom. Despite my efforts, they never seemed to get along. As time passed, both my daughters pursued their education. Your mom excelled, becoming a licensed accountant and eventually an economist like myself, which filled me with pride. "
Sarah "Miss, are you okay?" Amanda asked, her voice laced with concern as she noticed my silence while we stood together in the garden. The commotion from Dr. Morgan's incident had just subsided. I couldn't bring myself to answer her inquiry about my well-being. Reflecting on Grandpa Mitchell's wish for me to join his business, I understood his reasons. However, deep down, I knew his desire was for me to marry Bronn. I looked at the vibrant red flowers, then let my eyes drift to the setting sun, seeking solace in its fading light. "I miss my baby…" I murmured, the words escaping my lips like a sorrowful gasp. My child proves that Philip and I are not meant for each other. "I don't want people's prying eyes. I've made so many wrong decisions in my life. That's why I chose a job where I can conceal myself. But I'm questioning if I'm truly happy. Am I really content with the life I chose? Maybe Dr. Morgan is right; I am losing my grip on reality." "Oh, Miss! The feelings you're exp
Sarah I fell silent momentarily, carefully considering the mysterious person on the motorcycle. He was clad in a black leather jacket, which made me doubtful it could be Philip. My former husband would never don such rebellious attire. Philip had also never brandished a gun before. The only thing my ex-husband did was perv on me. That mysterious man's behavior is far from Philip's personality. However, when I looked more closely at the person's body shape and height, an unsettling thought crept into my mind: it could indeed be Philip. "How did you connect or think that person was Philip?" I asked Jakob. "Because of this." Jakob showed me surveillance footage of the motorcycle passing through a particular street. "That road leads to Dr. Ethan Vanderbilt's mansion. I also got a clear shot of the motorcycle's plate number, and guess what, the motorcycle is registered to Philip Cornell." My lips parted involuntarily in a small grimace of shock. "Before you think your rescuer migh
Philip [The other night] An encrypted message from Mariano blinked on my screen, summoning me to meet at the secluded Neon River location. Despite still fuming from a heated argument with Sarah during our last encounter, I knew better than to defy Mariano's call. I rearranged my entire afternoon schedule to make it happen. From Ethan's mansion, I drove to Neon River. Usually, I met with Mariano alone, without bodyguards, to maintain a low profile. Most people in Highland Hills know me, and drawing unwanted attention to Neon River could implicate me in unpleasant speculation. Mariano's jet-black Aston Martin emerged from the shadows as I approached in a sleek silhouette. His assistant approached me and demanded, "Give me your keys." I didn't get along with this lowlife; he was probably jealous of Mariano's trust in me. Initially hesitant to relinquish control of my vehicle, my gaze shifted to Mariano seated inside, casually exhaling plumes of aromatic smoke through the partiall
Philip The GPS guided me to Sarah’s current location. A knot of dread formed in my gut as I twisted the throttle, pushing my motorcycle to dangerous speeds through the city streets. I had to reach her before Mariano's team. The sleek white van stayed behind, mimicking my vehicle's movements like a sinister shadow. Shit! Determined to catch up with Sarah's vehicle, I took a shortcut through a narrow alleyway. My motorcycle's tires screeched loudly as I abruptly stopped in the middle of the road, following my instincts while fear coursed through my veins. I anxiously waited for Sarah's approaching vehicle, and despite wearing my helmet, I could distinctly see her eyes widen in surprise as she rolled to a stop mere feet away from me, our vehicles separated by a hairbreadth. The driver's side window shattered in a spray of deadly glass shards. After making sure the bullet hit the driver, I got back on the motorcycle and sped off again before Sarah could recognize me. At least the van w
Sarah I was momentarily stunned into silence by the announcement of my unexpected visitors: Amir, Grandpa Mitchell, and a few helpers in the dining area were all staring at me. Seeing Philip's face was the last thing I wanted at that moment. He had lied to me and hurt me deeply! My friend Jakob warned me about him; letting Philip back into my life would only worsen things. He wasn't one to grant second chances at love, either. "What is that moron doing here?" Amir's accusatory tone cut through the air, aimed squarely at me. I grasped that he meant Philip. As much as I inwardly wondered the same thing, I replied, "I don't know." A troubling suspicion surfaced: could Philip have stumbled upon hints about my true identity and was now feigning ignorance, using it as a tactic to win me over again? Grandpa Mitchell's eyes narrowed in disapproval. "Ha! So your wretched ex-husband dares to come all the way here uninvited... You know better than to entertain his foolishness, Sarah. I exp
Sarah My bedroom remained cloaked in shadows, the darkness enveloping me like a comforting embrace as I sought solace within its confines—with only a faint light shining in from outside. I came here briefly to release the tears I've been holding back. Philip's words kept replaying in my mind: he never loved me, not in the past, not now. The realization cut deeper than any blade, even though a part of me already knew the truth. Yet I felt his heartbreak, which only added to my confusion. I felt so foolish! It felt like a second stabbing as if the initial wound had been reopened and salt poured mercilessly into the raw, exposed flesh. I couldn't breathe, my chest tightened, and my vision blurred from the pain. Nevertheless, I had to pull myself together, return to my original plans, and ensure Madam Cornell suffered! "Miss, are you alright?" Amanda asked worriedly as darkness engulfed me again. "I'm fine..." It's expected to be hurt again, right? This is my fault. I let myself
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