Sarah Dread washed over me like a storm cloud, dragging a wave of anxiety that clawed at my throat. My breaths grew shallow as Amir's group came closer, my eyes glued to them, unable to look away. "I've been observing your movements closely, Sarah. Perhaps you've conveniently forgotten, but I own the villa you reside in. I know precisely what you've been up to," Amir stated firmly. I approached him, pleading, "Amir, please…" I want to see Philip! But I didn't voice that aloud. He shook his head incredulously. "Sarah, seriously! What on earth do you think you're doing? Do you understand the danger you're carelessly putting yourself in?" Hot tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, slowly welling up as my chest constricted painfully with the weight of unspoken desires. Amir grasped my arm gently and spoke in a reassuring tone. "They are doing everything they can to find Philip. You're in danger; Mariano has targeted you, but I've done everything in my power to prevent that. So, I
Sarah "That doesn't make any sense!" Madam Olsen scoffed, shaking her head at Josh's statement. Josh remained resolute. "All I know for certain is that Mariano is a woman masquerading as a man, and Megan is that person." Madam Olsen's expression grew serious as she turned her penetrating gaze towards me. "Unbelievable! Are you sure about this, Sarah?" I met her stare without flinching, my face emotionless. "I apologize, Madam Olsen, but perhaps you've forgotten that I severed all romantic ties with Philip Cornell long ago." I clenched my jaw defiantly. "You!" She pointed an accusing finger at Josh. "You will come with us immediately. I intend to apprehend President Cornell because he's become an intolerable nuisance!" "You will not lay a hand on my bodyguard!" I warned Madam Olsen. "It's funny that you have more concern for your bodyguard than your husband." She sneered. "Ex-husband!" I corrected sharply. Amir guided me away from Madam Olsen's group. As I turned and walked awa
Sarah I've been feeling unwell for the past few days with dizziness, nausea, and occasional vomiting episodes. These symptoms have intensified recently, likely due to the early stages of my pregnancy. I want to see Philip, and in order to calm me, I keep thinking he's doing well. Will I remain hidden away in my grandfather's mansion for an entire year? I want my child to be safe, but should I let fear control me because of what happened before? Absolutely not! Jane has been providing regular updates, informing me that Philip remains unconscious, but his condition is no longer critical. I suppose I should let Philip regain consciousness naturally. I've heard his condition was terrible when he was rescued from Madam Olsen. I'm trying not to dwell on it for my mental well-being. In the meantime, I'm organizing my schedule. I have some important gatherings to attend before my pregnancy becomes noticeable. I've talked to Emily, and we have an important event in New York hosted by a
Sarah Serenity Pines Estate "You may now come in, Sarah." Ethan's voice was somber as he spoke. He stood next to another doctor, both looking serious after examining Philip. I entered the bedroom I had shared with Philip for three years. So much had happened here. This is where I experienced waiting for him as his wife, where I made him feel my overwhelming love. This room held everything, including the night we conceived our first child. Perhaps it was where we created the new life growing inside me. My lips formed a straight line when I saw him lying down. Ethan closed the door behind me, giving us privacy for whatever words might be spoken or left unsaid. I stood at the foot of the bed, taking in the sight of my husband surrounded by a tangle of machines and wires. 'See you soon, my love…' Those were the words Philip said the last time we saw each other in Las Vegas. The memory brought tears to my eyes. Legs shaking, I sat down beside him, staring intently at his pale lips, t
Sarah Madam Cornell informed me that she would hand over Jane once I transferred her the remaining 100 million dollars. Chairman Cornell prepared the initial 100 million in cash, already stashed in a van. Due to the cruise ship's vast size, we have yet to learn where Jane is hidden. However, the exchange is set for half an hour before the ship's scheduled departure, adding to the urgency and complexity of the situation. I will give the car key to Madam Cornell, who will have it inspected by her lackey. Following that, we will proceed to the next step: her handing Jane over to me in exchange for the additional 100 million dollars, which I will then transfer via EFT to various accounts. She strictly warned me that she would harm Jane if I didn't comply. She chose the cruise ship because of the many guests who could potentially get hurt. Bronn and Emily are pretending to be a honeymooning couple. Josh, Assistant Alex, and five additional bodyguards are with me. Jakob and another
Sarah In an attempt to melt away the stress crushing me, I squeezed my eyes shut and pressed my back against the tanning bed. My heart hammered in my chest, and sweat beaded on my forehead. Then, a wave of dizziness slammed into me as the room began to whirl. "Are you alright?" Josh asked, noticing the change in my demeanor. His brow was furrowed with worry. "Yeah, I'm fine!" I smiled at him, though the stress was overwhelming. My phone rang, snapping me back to reality. I needed to keep it together and finish this job. Seeing Trey's name on the caller ID, I answered and put the call on speakerphone. "Trey?" Josh and the others listened intently, awaiting his report about the man who took the van out of the cruise. "We've caught Madam Cornell's man who drove the van out. He claimed his mother was in an emergency, which is why the staff allowed him to leave. Chairman's men were waiting at the gate and alerted the authorities to retrieve the money. The cruise is about to depart,
Philip Sarah's anguished cries reverberated through my consciousness, her voice distorted as if echoing inside a vast, hollow drum. I yearned to chase after it, to pinpoint its source and find her. Her confession about the baby filled her voice with fear, and I wanted to hug her, but I was being pulled back into darkness until her voice disappeared. After what felt like an eternity suspended in silent darkness, a searing light began to pull at the edges of my awareness. Gradually, painfully, my eyelids flickered open. Sensations immediately assaulted me. A hundred thousand needles seemed to pierce my back while the room blazed with an intense brightness. My head throbbed with pain, and I winced, wanting to curse, but it felt like something was lodged in my throat. "B-boss!" a voice called out. It had to be Erwan. He quickly went to the door. "D-Dr. Ethan! Boss Philip has regained consciousness!" A rush of footsteps and urgent voices filled the hallway outside. I looked around
Sarah I regained consciousness lying in bed. The room was dark, with only a faint light from outside reflecting within. I touched my forehead and glanced around, realizing I was in a guest room at Serenity Pines Estate. Exhaling slowly, I recalled arms catching me and Philip's scent before I blacked out. Exhaustion must have overwhelmed me. Suddenly, a wave of panic hit me. "Oh no! Jane!" I shouted, remembering my friend was in trouble. As soon as my hand touched the cool metal of the doorknob, a deep voice from the open balcony made me freeze. "Where do you think you're going?" The unexpected sound sent a shiver down my spine. I spun around my heart racing, and saw Philip's tall figure against the starry night sky. The moonlight highlighted his broad shoulders and messy hair. “P-Philip?” I stammered. He walked towards me confidently, commanding the room with his presence. As he came closer, I saw the intensity in his deep, dark eyes—a blend of concern and a hint of somethin
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