PART 2: I WAS NEVER THE SUBSTITUTE
I stared at Sebastian. “Don’t ever say that to me again.” His expression changed. “What?” “That you won’t let me leave.” For several seconds, neither of us…
PART 2: THE HOUSE HE COULDN’T STEAL
Daniel Reed arrived forty minutes later. He did not ask me whether I was sure. He did not tell me to calm down. He simply took the…
PART 2: THERE WAS NO “LATER”
Marcus stared at me. “You’re really canceling the wedding?” “Yes.” “Miss Harper, Mr. Cole is probably just overwhelmed.” I looked at the hospital report in my hand….
PART 2: THE SON HE NEVER KNEW
For several seconds, Daniel forgot there were hundreds of people watching him. Leo stood in front of him, waiting for the medal. The principal smiled uncertainly. “Mr….
PART 2: HE CAME BACK TO AN EMPTY HOUSE
Half a month later, Richard returned carrying two Dacron dresses. One red. One pale blue. He entered the neighborhood smiling, with a Shanghai-brand watch hidden in his…
PART 2: HE KNEW WHO I WAS ALL ALONG
Tham Trach’s hand stopped. For the first time since I entered the clinic, that perfectly calm face showed a crack. “You were from University D?” I immediately…
PART 2: THE GROOM HE NEVER EXPECTED
Alexander stopped in front of me. For several seconds, nobody spoke. Nathaniel was the first to recover. He stepped between us. “What are you doing here?” Alexander…
PART 2: THE WIFE HE DIDN’T NOTICE HAD COME HOME
I left the hospital without looking back. Outside, the afternoon sun was painfully bright. I stood on the steps for several seconds, holding the medical folder I…
PART 2: THE EMAIL HE NEVER KNEW EXISTED
The email arrived just as the boarding announcement sounded. I almost ignored it. Then I saw the sender. Emma Miller. My own name. The message had been…
PART 2: THE 100TH PHOTO
Dominic’s eyes remained fixed on my stomach. “How many months are you?” “Six.” His face changed. I could almost see him calculating. The divorce. My departure. My…