Alessia bit her lip. ‘Marriage? Logan, we’ve been through a lot, and I appreciate the sentiment, but marriage is a big step. And it just feels too soon.’‘I know, Alessia. But think about it, for Arlie and Milo. They deserve a stable family, with parents who are committed to each other.’Alessia was hesitant. ‘I understand, but I’m still dealing with the aftermath of the whole thing, and there’s also my grandma’s ashes that I need to take care of.’Logan said softly, ‘I get it. I don’t want to rush you. How about we compromise? We can register for marriage first, just make it official, and then we can plan the big wedding ceremony for later when things settle down.’Alessia pondered this. ‘Register first? That could work.’It would give her time to handle everything else.And to be honest, though she still felt uncertain about tying the knot with Logan, there wasn’t really anyone else she wanted to marry.Logan held her hand. ‘Exactly. We’ll take it one step at a time. The important t

Minutes after Logan left, a yellow taxi slid to a stop in front of Ralph and Naomi’s house.The engine hummed as the door swung open, revealing a pair of long, toned legs gracefully stepping onto the pavement.The woman emerging from the taxi was a vision of confidence and mystery.Ralph and Naomi, who had been sitting out on the terrace, couldn’t believe their eyes.Their daughter, presumed lost to the world five years ago, was standing before them, alive and well.Sirena waved at them. ‘Hi, Mom and Dad, I’m back!’The coffee mugs clinked against each other, forgotten, as they rushed to embrace Sirena.‘Sweetheart, is it really you?’ Naomi exclaimed, tears streaming down her face.Ralph was equally overwhelmed, wrapping Sirena in a tight bear hug.Sirena grinned, a glint of mischief in her eyes. ‘Surprise, Mom, Dad. Missed me?’‘Missed you? We thought we’d lost you forever!’ Ralph said, his voice cracking with emotion.‘I’ve been through some stuff,’ Sirena replied mysteriously, pull

Logan committed the name to memory. ‘Nomsa could be a crucial lead. Do you have any contact information for her?’Elaine nodded. ‘I do. Let me find it for you.’She searched through her papers. ‘Here it is. Nomsa’s contact information. I hope she can provide some insight.’She hesitated, then added, ‘I was busy with my own work back then. You really should be talking to Sirena’s parents. They were involved in the investigation every step along the way, even flew to Sierra Landa.’‘They probably don’t want to see me right now.’Logan explained that he just visited them earlier, trying to get a copy of Sirena’s death certificate to prove she was really deceased, so his marriage to her could be voided, then he could marry Alessia.Elaine’s eyes widened. ‘Of course Naomi and Ralph would be mad. You were forcing them to confront the reality of Sirena’s death.’‘But they should have closure, and this investigation would bring it to them,’ Logan said defensively. ‘It’s not just for me; it’s

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

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