The waves crashed gently against the shore as Zane sat on the warm sand, staring at the endless expanse of the ocean. The soft breeze carried the salty scent of the sea, calming his restless thoughts.
"Enjoying the view?" Ella's voice broke the silence.
Zane turned his head, smiling faintly. "It's peaceful here. A good place to think."
Ella settled beside him, her hands resting on her lap. "It reminds me of our childhood. The five of us—me, you, Sophie, Kai, and Zara. We were inseparable back then."
Zane chuckled softly. "Those were simpler times. No responsibilities, just dreams and laughter."
Ella nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "I miss those days. I miss us, Zane."
He didn't respond immediately, his focus remaining on the waves.
Ella continued, her voice tinged with sadness. "I've tried to move on, but no matter what, I can't seem to let go of you."
Zane sighed deeply, his expression unreadable. The silence between them stretched, filled only by the sound of the ocean.
In his office, Aiden hung up the phone, his face lighting up with a mix of relief and determination. He had finally uncovered a lead on Sophie's family—a distant relative from her mother's side.
He immediately dialed Sophie.
"Aiden?" Sophie answered, her voice curious.
"I've found something," Aiden said. "You have a relative—his name is Ethan Carter. He's agreed to meet you. He's flying in from New Zealand today."
Sophie's breath caught. "Ethan Carter? I... I didn't know I had anyone left."
"You do," Aiden reassured her. "I'll pick you up, and we'll go to the airport together."
The airport was bustling with activity, but Sophie felt as though time had slowed. She clutched Aiden's arm tightly as they scanned the arrivals.
"There he is," Aiden said, pointing to a tall man in his early thirties with sharp features and a warm smile.
Ethan Carter approached them, his eyes softening as he took in Sophie's familiar features.
"You must be Sophie," he said, extending his hand.
Sophie hesitated for a moment before shaking it. "Yes. And you're Ethan?"
He nodded. "It's good to finally meet you. You look so much like your mother."
Tears welled in Sophie's eyes as she struggled to find her voice. "Thank you for coming."
Aiden stepped forward, offering his hand. "I'm Aiden, Sophie's boyfriend. Thank you for making the trip."
"It's my pleasure," Ethan replied. "Family is important, and I'm glad I could be here for Sophie."
Back at Sophie's apartment, Ethan sat in the living room while Sophie prepared tea. Lucas, now fully settled after returning from rehab, joined them.
As they sipped their drinks, Ethan cleared his throat. "There's something I need to tell you, Sophie. It's about your mother."
Sophie set her cup down, her heart racing. "What is it?"
Ethan hesitated before speaking. "When your mother gave birth to you, she had twins. But due to circumstances I don't fully understand, she had to leave your sister at an orphanage. She was devastated, but she believed it was the only way to give both of you a chance at life."
Sophie's eyes widened in shock. "I... I have a twin sister?"
Ethan nodded solemnly. "Yes. I've been trying to locate her, but it's been challenging. I promise I won't stop searching."
Lucas placed a comforting hand on Sophie's shoulder. "We'll find her, Sophie. We're a family, and we'll get through this together."
Sophie nodded, her emotions a mix of hope and sorrow.
That evening, Sophie and Aiden sat on the rooftop of his house, the city lights twinkling in the distance. The night was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Sophie leaned against Aiden's shoulder, her thoughts swirling. The day had been overwhelming, filled with revelations and emotions she hadn't been prepared for.
Aiden wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. He didn't need words to comfort her; his presence was enough.
As the stars above bore silent witness, Sophie felt a sense of peace wash over her. Despite the challenges ahead, she knew she wasn't alone.
...