Game of fate

MI

a mask, desperately trying not to crumble. The gala buzz faded into background noise as conversations swirled around me. Stocks and exotic trips were the predictable currency, exchang

a lifeline in a s

s Adora. Just her name sparked a warmth in my chest, a

ed to a deserted corridor. "Speak of the devil," I typed back, the corner of my mouth finally twitching w

he playful annoyance practically radiating from her text.

ecret, a sly remark that felt more honest than anything I'd heard all

, "about our big birthday

he upcoming night pressing down on me. I had the perfect gift for her, something unique and thoughtful, a reflection of how special she felt

expecting fireworks, Gemini. Literal fireworks would be

ictured her, whoever this witty texter was, with eyes that sparkled with the same w

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ng the world outside into an impressionist painting. I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles white, my heart a pounding drum against my ribs. The day had been a suffocating bl

rport, flying from London

owards me, accelerating like a predator closing in on its prey. Panic, cold and sharp, flooded my veins. I slammed on the brakes, but the

s wail, and the sickening crunch of impact echoed in my ears long after it was over. My head snapped back against the headrest, blood d

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of the heart monitor was a reminder of my own vulnerability as a person. A dull ache puls

, her voice laced with concern. Relief washed

Adora?" The words tumb

" she scrapped the question and proceeded to say, "Mr. Dominic,

were fragmented images and flashes of piercing green eyes and a glimpse of red stiletto heels beneath a mangled car frame. A wave of nausea

t to myself, the question tumb

furrowed. "What w

ng to anchor the memory firmly in my mind. "In the car... before ever

eized me with an overwhelming intensity, leaving my heart racing and my thoughts scattered. Whoe

ws. But it was the woman following him that sent a jolt through my spine. Vivian, my stepmother,

s; it was as if I could see through her facade. In that moment, with the fragmented memory and Vivian's unsettling presence, a seed of doubt was planted. Was this accident truly an

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AO

twirled the stem of my champagne flute for the hundredth time, the bubbles long gone and the festive clinking sound no

Two missed ca

anges that left me breathless with laughter, and stolen moments daydreaming about the man behind the messages-all culminating

r table, their laughter a stark contrast to the growing storm within me, were discreetly stealing glances m

mpty chair beside me, my voice laced with

onversations from the remaining patrons. Tears welled up in my eyes, hot and stingin

d, Isabella. The first ring felt like an

up to?" Isa's voice, bright and cheerful,

voice thick with emoti

, then a comforting sigh.

iry lights into a kaleidoscope of shimmering sadness. "He d

re really looking forward to this. But listen to me, this doesn't define you, Adora Wilson. You are

gh. "You always know what to say, Isa. Thank

, how about I come over? We'll trash some takeout, watch che

e corners of my lips. "Dea

ytale ending I'd envisioned, but with a supportive friend by my side and a che

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MI

to piece together the fragments of my lost memory. The strange woman I saw with my dad turned

ed through the recesses of my mind, stirring a profound mix of nostalgia and longing. Who is Adaora? The question linge

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