Sophie was excited as she prepared to head to the market, looking forward to some fresh air and a break from the whirlwind of recent events. However, on her way, she was intercepted by masked men and forcibly taken to an abandoned warehouse. As she struggled, a chilling voice echoed through the room.
"You're finally here, Sophie Davis," said Celeste Rivers, stepping into the light.
Sophie's eyes widened in shock. Standing before her was her identical twin, the sister she had been searching for. "Celeste? Is it really you?" Sophie's voice quivered with a mix of joy and disbelief.
"Yes, it's me," Celeste replied coldly, her expression unreadable. "The sister you abandoned, the life you forgot."
Tears welled up in Sophie's eyes. "I didn't abandon you! I didn't even know you existed until recently. Please, let's talk—"
"Talk?" Celeste interrupted with a bitter laugh. "Do you know what I've endured all these years? While you lived in comfort, I suffered in silence. You were the chosen one, Sophie. I was left to rot."
Sophie shook her head. "I had no idea. If I'd known, I would have—"
"Spare me your pity!" Celeste snapped, her voice rising. "Do you know what it feels like to be unwanted? To be a pawn in someone else's game? Mason raised me to be his weapon, and now I'll use that power to take back what's mine."
Sophie took a step forward, her hands trembling. "Celeste, please, we're sisters. We can fix this. Whatever pain you've felt, we can heal it together."
Celeste's face twisted in anger. "Heal? It's too late for that. I've already made my move. Your father, Jack Davis? He has paid for his sins."
Sophie froze. "What do you mean?"
"I kill him," Celeste said, her tone chillingly calm. "But I made sure he'll never hurt anyone again. And even our mother killed by me ."
Sophie's knees buckled, and she fell to the floor. "How could you…?"
Celeste crouched down to meet Sophie's tearful gaze. "It's simple. Pain is the only language people like him understand."
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the warehouse. Aiden burst in, his eyes blazing with fury. "Let her go, Celeste."
Celeste smirked. "Ah, the knight in shining armor. How predictable."
Aiden stepped closer, his fists clenched. "This ends now. You're coming with me."
Celeste pulled a knife from her belt and pointed it at Sophie. "One more step, and she'll regret it."
Sophie looked at her sister, her heart breaking. "Celeste, please, don't do this. I forgive you. Whatever Mason made you do, we can find a way out together."
For a moment, Celeste's hand wavered. Her eyes softened, and a flicker of doubt crossed her face. But before she could act, Aiden lunged forward, disarming her and pinning her to the ground.
The police arrived moments later, taking Celeste into custody. As she was led away, she locked eyes with Sophie. "This isn't over," she said, her voice low and venomous.
Sophie, overwhelmed by the confrontation, fainted in Aiden's arms. He scooped her up and carried her to the car, his heart aching at the sight of her pale face.
Later that night
Aiden sat by Sophie's bedside, watching over her as she slept. His mind raced with thoughts of what could have happened if he hadn't arrived in time. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his resolve hardening. "I won't let anyone hurt you again," he whispered.
When Sophie woke the next morning, she found Aiden still by her side. "You stayed all night?" she asked, her voice hoarse.
"I couldn't leave you," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'm so sorry for everything you've been through. I promise I'll protect you, no matter what."
Sophie reached for his hand, her eyes glistening with tears. "Thank you, Aiden. For always being there."
As the sunlight streamed through the window, Sophie felt a glimmer of hope. Though the road ahead would be difficult, she knew she wouldn't have to face it alone.
....