LOGINAlexander stared at the photograph on his desk.The little boy standing between Edward Kingston and Elena Harrison looked innocent. His small hand rested in Edward's, while Elena stood beside them with a smile that seemed almost too peaceful for someone whose life would later become a mystery.But it wasn't the photograph that troubled Alexander most.It was the name in Herald's report.Adrian.For years, Adrian had been part of Camella's life. He had been her first love, the man she once believed she would marry, and the person whose betrayal had nearly destroyed her.Now, somehow, his name was connected to a photograph taken decades ago.Alexander leaned back in his chair."Explain it again," he ordered.Herald opened the file."The photograph was taken at a private Kingston family event twenty-six years ago. The boy was listed in the original archive as Adrian's father, Michael's son."Alexander frowned."That doesn't make sense.""There's more. The archive was altered several year
Camella stared at Adrian.“Somewhere Alexander can't find you?”Her heart began pounding.“What does that mean?”Adrian kept his eyes on the road.“Don't panic.”“Don't panic?”Camella looked around.She didn't recognize the road anymore.“Stop the car.”“Camella—”“Stop the car!”Adrian finally pulled over.The moment the car stopped, Camella reached for the door.Adrian locked it.She turned toward him in disbelief.“Open the door.”“Just listen to me.”“I said open the door!”“I'm not going to hurt you.”“Then open it.”Adrian stared at her.His face was tense.“I didn't know how else to get you to listen.”“You lied to me.”“I know.”“You told me you were taking me to Saint Mary's Garden.”“I know.”“Then why are we here?”Adrian looked away.“Because I need to tell you something before it's too late.”Camella's anger was quickly replaced by fear.“About my mother?”“Yes.”“What?”Adrian reached into his jacket and pulled out an old envelope.Camella stared at it.“Where did you g
Camella couldn't take her eyes off the document.Her name was printed clearly across the top.CAMELLA HARRISON.But underneath it—Father: Edward Kingston.She looked at Alexander.Neither of them spoke.The room suddenly felt too small.“That's impossible,” Camella whispered.Alexander picked up the certificate.“Let's not jump to conclusions.”“How can I not?”Her voice trembled.“Your father is listed as my father.”“I know.”“And my mother never told me.”“I know.”Camella shook her head.“No. Something is wrong.”Alexander took her hand.“Then we'll find out what.”She looked at him.“You're not going to believe this?”“I believe that something doesn't make sense.”He pointed to the handwritten note.This is not the child you think it is.“That note changes everything.”Camella swallowed.“Or makes it even more confusing.”“Probably both.”She almost laughed.Almost.Instead, tears filled her eyes.“I don't want another mystery.”Alexander pulled her into his arms.“I know.”“I j
Camella couldn't move.Alexander stood in the doorway, watching her.His hair was slightly messy from sleep, and his shirt was half-buttoned.Normally, the sight of him would have made her smile.Not now.His eyes were fixed on the phone in her trembling hand.“What are you hiding from me?”Camella swallowed.“Nothing.”Alexander's expression changed.“Camella.”She looked away.He walked closer.“Don't do that.”“Do what?”“Look away from me when you're afraid.”Her eyes immediately filled with tears.“I don't know what to do.”Alexander stopped in front of her.“Then tell me.”She shook her head.“I don't want to hurt you.”“You can't protect me by keeping me in the dark.”His voice wasn't angry.That made it worse.He sounded hurt.Camella looked down at the phone.“I received another message.”Alexander's eyes moved to it.“Show me.”She hesitated.Then she handed him the phone.He read the message.His expression became serious.He looked at the photograph.His father stood besid
Camella woke before sunrise.For several seconds, she lay quietly, listening to Alexander's breathing beside her.His arm was still wrapped around her waist.She smiled.Then she remembered the message.I know what your mother did before she disappeared.Her smile faded.She slowly reached for her phone.The message was still there.She stared at it.Who was this person?And what did they know about her mother?More importantly, why were they contacting her now?Camella sat up carefully.She didn't want to wake Alexander.But the moment she moved, his arm tightened around her.“Where are you going?”His sleepy voice startled her.“Nowhere.”“You're awake.”“Yes.”“Why?”She looked at him.Because she couldn't tell him.Not yet.“I couldn't sleep.”Alexander opened his eyes.“Are you worried?”“No.”He studied her face.“You're lying.”Camella smiled weakly.“You're too observant.”“I know you.”He reached up and touched her cheek.“What's wrong?”She hesitated.Then she leaned down an
Camella stood outside Adrian's apartment.Her hand rested on the doorbell.She almost turned around.She didn't want to be there.She didn't want to see Adrian.But the message about her mother wouldn't leave her mind.It concerns something about your mother.That was enough to bring her there.She pressed the doorbell.The door opened almost immediately.Adrian stood there.He looked surprised.“Camella.”She stepped inside.“Why did you tell me you knew something about my mother?”Adrian closed the door.“I didn't say I knew something.”“You sent the message.”“I didn't.”She froze.“What?”Adrian pulled out his phone.“I was going to call you, but I didn't send that message.”Camella's heart sank.“Then why am I here?”Adrian stared at her.“I don't know.”She immediately turned toward the door.“I'm leaving.”“Wait.”She stopped.Adrian sighed.“Since you're here, there is something I need to tell you.”She looked at him suspiciously.“What?”He hesitated.“I've been trying to sta







