Logan nodded. ‘Yeah, I need to see her, talk to her. Figure out what the hell happened all these years.’Heath concurred. ‘Well, my friend, it looks like your life just got a whole lot more complicated. You do realise that with Sirena alive, your marriage with her still stands, right?’‘Then I’ll just have to get a divorce.’The next day, Logan approached the Barretts’ house with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.The last time he saw Sirena Barrett, she was a vivacious 21-year-old with a penchant for impulsive decisions.She loved fun and excitement, and had a way of always getting herself into trouble.Her relationship with Logan was on again, off again, interspersed with fights and make-ups and more fights.Try as he might, Logan couldn’t recall the reason for their last argument.As he stood at the doorstep, Logan’s memories collided with the present reality.The door swung open, and there stood Sirena, now 26 years old.‘Logan!’ she threw herself into his arms.The changes in
Ralph’s tone turned hostile, a father defending his daughter, wounded by the perceived abandonment.He’d hoped that once Logan saw Sirena again, he’d change his mind about the divorce.After all, back when they were dating, Logan was crazy about Sirena.Logan attempted to diffuse the tension. ‘I understand this is difficult. I’ll give you all some time to think.’Naomi, however, wasn’t ready to let him off the hook. ‘Time won’t erase the past, Logan. You owe Sirena an honest conversation, not just legal papers.’Ralph, still seething with anger, added, ‘And don’t think we’ll let you hurt her again.’Logan acknowledged the hostility but wasn’t one to back down. ‘I get it. Take the time you need. But know that I’m going through with the divorce.’After Logan left, Sirena’s emotions erupted in a fit of frustration and despair.She threw her coffee mug across the room and shrieked.Naomi and Ralph rushed to her side, attempting to calm her down and provide comfort.‘Sirena, sweetheart, yo
Logan returned to the study.Ignoring the digital chaos on his computer, Logan decided to abandon ship.He retrieved his laptop to set up a makeshift workspace on the study desk.Before he settled into work, he sent a quick text to Alessia, updating her on the night’s adventures with the twins.Alessia replied with a curt ‘noted.’She was, in fact, in daily contact with the twins.The three of them had a chat group.It was Logan who was kept out of the loop.Later that night, as darkness wrapped around the city, Logan’s phone rang, stirring him out of sleep.Naomi’s name flashed on the screen, and with a sense of urgency, he answered.‘Logan! There’s been an emergency. Sirena... she tried to kill herself. She’s in the hospital.’Logan’s heart skipped a beat, and without a second thought, he rushed to the hospital, the streets a blur beneath the wheels of his car.Arriving at the hospital, Logan found Ralph and Naomi anxiously pacing the waiting area.Their eyes, a mix of worry and acc
Alessia smiled, grateful for her sister’s support. ‘Thanks, V. I appreciate that. How are things with you, though? Met anyone fun?’As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Alessia decided that perhaps it was time to take a page from her sister’s book and get away from the city for a while.She took a quick shower, got dressed in pyjamas, then sat down in front of her desk to write an email.It was to her boss, Miss Hicks.In the morning, Alessia made her way to work.The bustling city around her seemed to mirror the chaotic state of her thoughts.Logan had assigned her a driver and a car, but she turned them down.As she stepped into the crowded subway car, she found herself pressed against a sea of strangers, the air heavy with a mix of scents and sounds.The train jolted unexpectedly, causing her to lose her balance and stumble into the person beside her.Alessia muttered a quick apology.However, instead of the usual understanding nods from fellow commuters, she was met with
‘Yeah, that’s exactly the way I reacted to the news,’ Veronica said. ‘I don’t know how she got my phone number, but she did. She called me about an hour ago, said she’s back in Veridian. She went to the old Jansen family residence but the house was empty.’Of course it was.Alessia and Veronica had moved out a long time ago, whereas Brayden and Connie, its current occupants, had taken up residence in the city’s detention centre.‘What does she want?’ Alessia asked.‘She’s been asking about you and wants to meet.’Alessia’s mind whirred with conflicting thoughts.Miranda, their elusive mother, had reappeared after all these years.Memories surfaced, echoing the unsettling details Connie had shared about their mother’s past.‘Dad divorced my mother and married yours,’ Connie had said. ‘Miranda only stayed with him long enough to give birth to you and Veronica, then eloped with another man the moment Dad fell sick.’And then she said something even more astonishing.The revelation that A
‘Why do I find that hard to believe?’ Alessia snorted.‘Why would I lie?’ Miranda sounded wounded.‘Because it’s your habit.’‘Do you have that little trust in me?’‘I barely know you.’Miranda threw up both hands, frustrated. ‘What can I do to make you believe me?’‘Nothing. And I think it’s best if you leave now.’‘You are chasing me out?’‘I’ve had a long day, and I’ve got work early in the morning.’‘Can’t I stay here?’ Saying that, Miranda couldn’t help scrunching up her nose as if smelling something foul.‘I’m afraid there’s no space here. And the place is obviously not up to your high standard.’Reluctantly, Miranda rose, her cup of coffee untouched. ‘I’ll be in touch.’‘I’d prefer if you won’t do that.’‘Oh, but Alessia, you are my daughter.’ Miranda batted her eyelashes. ‘How could I miss your wedding?’The way she said it left Alessia in no doubt—it was a promise, and a threat.The next day, Alessia picked up Milo and Arlie from Nova Heights Academy.The kids, always thrille
The hospital bustled with activity, nurses and doctors scurrying about, their footsteps echoing in the sterile halls.Visitors shuffled in and out, their hushed conversations a constant reminder of the life she desperately wanted to return to.As Sirena plotted her escape, she noticed a loose vent grille near the ceiling.She flung aside the quilt and stood on the bed, trying to reach the grille.Before she could examine her potential escape route, however, she heard the door lock beep.Quickly, she jumped down and laid back in bed, feigning sleep.The door slid open, and a doctor entered with a calm and composed demeanour.‘Hi, Sirena, how are you doing? I’m Dr Reynolds. I’m here to talk to you, to help you figure out your problems and provide the support you need.’‘I don’t need a shrink,’ Sirena said defiantly.‘Your Aunt Elaine is a friend of mine. She asked me to come. She’s worried about you.’ Dr Reynolds’ presence, though professional, carried an underlying warmth that aimed to
The security guards glanced up briefly but didn’t seem to pay her much attention.Now standing just outside the hospital, Sirena breathed in a lungful of air, tasting freedom.She glanced around for a means of transport.She had to act fast, before the hospital discovered she was gone and alerted her parents.***Alessia’s eyes fluttered open to the soft glow of morning light filtering through her curtains.She groggily reached for her phone, blinking away sleep, and checked the time.BuzzBeat awaited.A quick shower, a sleek power suit, and she was ready to face the day.Arriving at the office, she was greeted by a chorus of cheers.Colleagues surrounded her, their eyes dancing with excitement.Apparently, Albert’s announcement was still in the news.‘Congrats on the wedding, Alessia! We can’t wait!’They exchanged sly grins, fishing for an invitation.Alessia’s smile faltered.How could she tell them the wedding was off?Luckily, Lee’s arrival rescued her.The photographer handed Al