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Philip As I sat on the hotel's third floor, engaged in a meeting and enjoying a cup of coffee, my attention was drawn to Sarah and Jane, visible through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Positioned in the open-air restaurant nestled within the garden below, I had a clear line of sight of my ex-wife. Moments later, Bronn Martin appeared, clutching a bouquet. Witnessing Sarah accept the floral gesture with evident delight, I couldn't help but clench my jaw. "President Cornell?" The private investigator I had hired pulled me from my reverie. "Boss?" echoed Alex, detecting my distraction. Snapping back to attention, I turned to face them. "My apologies. What were you saying?" Clearing his throat, the investigator continued, "Here are the files you requested. According to my sources, Madam Cornell and Dr. Smith have known each other for over two decades. They hail from the same hometown." I reached out and accepted the thick envelope containing the compiled information. "And
Sarah "Hi, Ms. Mitchell!" the woman greeted me, her voice tinged with relief and a hint of embarrassment. She was a brunette with intelligent hazel eyes, probably older than me by a couple of years, dressed in a crisp navy blazer and matching pencil skirt. "I'm really sorry. Here's your identification," she added, handing me the sleek, laminated card. "Thank God! You're here!" I approached her and introduced myself. "I'm Sarah Mitchell. Just call me Sarah." "Emily!" We shook hands. I should have waited for you in the lobby to prevent any problems. I'm genuinely sorry for the inconvenience." We entered the building together. The three receptionists stood at their posts, avoiding eye contact with Mr. Johnson. The president glanced at me while the three widened their eyes, clearly terrified. "President Johnson," I said with a frown as I approached. "Ms. Mitchell!" "President Johnson, I believe it's time to reconsider your staffing choices in this lobby," I stated. "M-Ms. Mitchell
Sarah "Let's go inside," I urged Josh. Josh's jaw clenched, the muscles tightening under his tanned skin. His eyes, usually a warm hazel, now darkened with a mix of anger, frustration, and something deeper and more complex. Despite his agitation, I didn't feel threatened. There was an odd sense of safety in his presence, contradicting how he appeared. After a moment's hesitation, he unclenched his hands and followed me in. "Everything alright, Sarah?" Jane asked. "Hi, Josh!" I guided him through the spacious living room to the dining area. I placed the water before him, hoping the cool drink would help calm his nerves. He needed to relax. "Talk!" he demanded. "Ms. Sarah, is everything okay here?" the guard asked, still uneasy with Josh after seeing him shout at me earlier. "No problem at all. Please wait outside. We need to discuss something privately," I requested of the guard, assuring him I was safe. The man complied. "I'll be just outside." I looked back at Jos
Philip Sitting beside a mahogany-framed square window, I gazed out at the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea. The water, a mesmerizing blend of azure and turquoise, stretched to the horizon, its gentle waves kissing the pristine white sands of St. Barts. This tranquil paradise starkly contrasted with the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind. I kept asking myself if what I was about to do was right. Would I be cast as the black sheep, the ungrateful son who turned against his mother? But then I remembered how she always tried to control things, didn't seem to care about anyone's feelings, and only cared about being powerful. It felt like I was just a pawn to my parents. After finalizing my thoughts, I exhaled heavily and reviewed the long article again. Then, I picked up the phone and called Bronn. He answered immediately. "President Cornell, what a surprise!" I got straight to the point. "I heard you were looking for investors for your LoveLogic game app. I'd like to get involv
Sarah The darkness enveloped me, and I didn't know how long I was unconscious. When I finally woke up, I found myself in my bedroom. The first thing I saw was Josh, concentrating as he checked my pulse. Around him were worried faces: Amanda and Pepper, looking tense; and Jane, with tear-streaked cheeks. Even the usually stoic guards looked uneasy. "Are you alright, Sarah?" Jane asked with concern. "Ms. Sarah, you finally regained consciousness!" Amanda exclaimed. "We were all so worried," Pepper muttered. I tried to sit up, but my body felt heavy, and my mind was still spinning from the panic attack that had knocked me out. "Yeah… I'm sorry for worrying you..." I murmured. "Mr. Benner called your phone while you were unconscious," she said, glancing nervously between me and the others. "We didn't answer, so we wouldn't say anything that might worry him," Jane informed me. Jane had some idea about my true relationship with the Benners, especially since Amanda and Pepp
Sarah My expression darkened as the vehicle past the woman outside Serenity Pines, my mind preoccupied with the urge to splurge. It had been too long since I treated myself, and with upcoming business engagements and travel plans, I knew I needed to indulge. Before long, we reached Eternal Elegance’s boutique. In the grand lobby, we were met with a scene straight out of a magazine. Socialites filled the space, lounging on luxurious couches, and flipping through glossy brochures with care. The air was rich with the scent of pricey perfumes and the soft murmurs of the well-to-do. Amidst them, I spotted Rebecca with Megan. "Goodness gracious!" Jane muttered as she caught sight of the venomous duo. "Four o’clock..." she murmured. As the two approached us, Rebecca's disdain was palpable. "Well, well… Can you believe it, Megan? They let trash in here now," she sneered, a smirk playing on her lips. "Really? Funny you mention that, considering you're the one I see," Jane retorted. Rebe
SarahAn elegant boutique on the upper floor greeted us warmly. Pausing to soak in the ambiance, I admired the rich burgundy velvet walls that served as a luxurious backdrop to the gleaming glass display cases showcasing glittering jewelry.
Sarah Bronn and Jakob welcomed us at the airport. BM Technologies is located in a nearby metropolitan area. The presentation and launch of LoveLogic are set to take place in a hotel-casino, and Bronn has invited numerous personalities. Amanda accompanied me on the trip while Pepper was left in Jane's care at Amir's villa in Highland Hills. This is part of a long list of business trips my assistant and I will attend. As we walked, Jakob explained, "The launch date for LoveLogic has been pushed up. It's a strategic move. It's better to introduce it to the market now than to face potential accusations of plagiarism later. Bronn says we've got significant backing—venture firms, and angel investors. They pulled strings to get us a prime slot at the launch." I nodded, understanding the pressure. Me and Jakob have been working round the clock. "We've wrapped up five phases, laying a strong foundation that should captivate players for a few months. However, there's no time to pause. As
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