FIVE YEARS LATER
ELLE'S POV
I walked out of the airport, holding Amelia's hand protectively. We can't trust those who move around in the airport, especially when the kidnapping of little children has become rampant.
It's been five years. Five years since I left behind my life and everything to start afresh with a new identity. Five years since the betrayal of my sister, Victoria. Five years since my miraculous survival.
I don't know what happened to me after I was pushed down by them. All I remembered was waking up in a hospital far away from Seattle.
No one would tell me anything about it, and all Damien said was that the person who dropped me off said he never wanted to see me again in Seattle and that I should live my life in secret. My gut feeling tells me he lied.
Right now, I am back in Seattle. Back with my darling daughter. It might be disturbing and create a lot of questions as to why I am back, even after being warned five years ago, and not just alone, but with my daughter, too.
I do have a reason why I came back, and this time, I am ready to face off my enemies. I am ready to bite them hard where they least expect it.
"Mummy," Amelia tugged my hand, bringing my attention to her. "Are you alright?"
My lips curled up as I nodded. "Yes, baby. Mummy is fine." I sighed and looked around, searching for the one who was supposed to welcome us.
Where was he?
My phone rang, distracting me momentarily. I let go of her tiny hands and reached out for it in my purse. A call from my manager.
I rolled my eyes and stretched my hand to hold Amelia, but she wasn't there anymore. Amelia wasn't near me or nearby. My heart flew into my mouth at the thought of losing my baby.
"Amelia!" I called, looking around.
Do I have to make mistakes all the time? I can't lose my baby. With a racing heart, I searched around, going crazy not seeing her.
---
JORDAN'S POV
I looked at my wristwatch for the hundredth time that evening before I took my gaze back to my assistant, who didn't look a bit bothered about the delay.
"When did you say she is coming again?"
"She should be here by now. Maybe she is searching around for us, sir," he answered and looked around too, but didn't see a sign of her.
My sister, Caroline, would be arriving in Seattle that day, but she was delaying, knowing quite well I've got a business to attend to.
Was she doing it on purpose? She had always complained about me being too busy with work all the time and was ready to do anything to make sure I reduce the way I work. An impossible mission of hers.
I stomped my feet and stood up. "I can't wait any longer. Caroline would have to find her way back home." I was made to leave, but he stopped me.
"Sir, she just sent a message." I faced him again and saw him looking at his screen. "She said she would be with us in ten minutes; she just wants to do something quick before she leaves the airport."
I rolled my eyes and sat back down. What other choice do I have?
I leaned back and crossed my legs, tapping on the couch while trying to be patient. Suddenly, a little girl walked up to me with her lips pouted.
"Can I ask a favor?" she said, staring straight at my face.
She looked so cute that I wanted to carry her, but then her parent could be around anywhere and would wonder if I kidnapped her. Why was she alone anyway?
"What favor, darling?"
"I just wanted to see Barney dancing, but when I turned, I didn't see my mother again. I don't know where she is, and I am scared." She said with her head lowered.
I could tell she was crying, and I felt pity for the little girl.
I pressed forward and questioned, "What is your name, sweetheart?"
"I am Amelia."
"What is your mother's name?"
"Layla."
My heart skipped a beat. Layla? That name had since haunted me. That name that I dreamt of for over a year before I started going for a therapy session.
The name of my ex-wife, who is dead. She was murdered, and if only I had paid attention, she wouldn't have died.
Guilt had since consumed me. Guilt with no redemption except that she forgives me. But can the dead forgive? I would have to live with that guilt all the rest of my life.
But then, I drew closer to the little girl. "Where was she before you both lost each other?"
She shook her head. "I don't know."
Her case seemed hopeless, but I got immediately stuck with her face. That face looks so familiar, and that's because it was my face.
She looked so much like me when I was younger, and that frightened me.
"What do you say your mother's name is again?"
"Layla."