Chapter 2 :The past revealed

Racheal didn't know if she had made the right choice. She rushed home, took a long shower, and sat on the small wooden chair in her modest living room. Her mind drifted back to the haunting memories of ten years ago.

"Miss Racheal, your parents died on their way back from New York," her neighbor had said to her on that cold night in 2004. He handed her photos of the accident scene, and she had cried herself hoarse, mourning them till dawn.

The very next morning, her uncle, Luke Anderson—her father’s elder brother—arrived with his wife and three children. They moved into the mansion as though they belonged there.

“We’re so sorry,” Luke had said, patting her shoulder, even as his family settled in like conquerors. Everyone gathered in her father's study for the reading of his will.

“Seventy percent of company shares go to his daughter, Racheal. The mansion, villa, and lands owned by Mr. Louis are to be inherited by Racheal. Three hundred million dollars in savings also go to his daughter, Racheal,” the lawyer read, folding the document carefully.

Luke choked. “Wait—what? Doesn’t she need a guardian? She’s not even eighteen.”

“Yes, Sir Luke,” the lawyer replied. “Since you’re the only surviving blood relative, you will serve as her legal guardian.” Then he left.

Rage burned in Luke’s eyes. His brother had left him nothing. Nothing for his children. Nothing for the years he claimed to have supported the business. He couldn’t stand the thought of being guardian to a girl who now owned everything. If he couldn’t have the company, he would get rid of her.

That night, as Racheal sat quietly under the large oak tree in the backyard, a gunshot rang out.

"Ahhh!" she screamed, clutching her bleeding shoulder. Panic surged through her veins as she scrambled into the bushes. Luke searched the grounds with a flashlight, but the neighbors had already been alerted by the gunshot.

Racheal slipped out through a small side gate—the same one her father used when chasing her around playfully. She ran and ran, not knowing where she was going, until she collapsed in exhaustion.

The next morning, she found herself in a part of the city she had never seen before. She went to the nearest police station and reported the incident, but nobody dared arrest Luke Anderson. Everyone knew he was ruthless and influential.

She was sent to a foster home. At first, things seemed fine, but darkness soon returned. She was abused, molested, and raped by her foster father. Carl, her younger brother, was with her through it all. They eventually ran away together, vowing never to be separated.

Racheal worked odd jobs to feed and clothe them. When Carl finished high school, she used her savings to send him to college. But life was hard, and soon stealing became her only way to survive. She never forgot the company that had been taken from her. She swore to reclaim it one day.

Lying on the couch now, she whispered to herself, "Just two months, right?" Then closed her eyes.

Meanwhile, Austin Daniels made a call to Sam.

“Look into Racheal. I need to know everything about her past,” he said. “Also, get a fake DNA test proving she’s Louis’ granddaughter. If we’re going to make this work, we’ll need proof.”

Austin knew he was taking a huge risk. If the truth came out, not only would Racheal be in danger, but so would he. Still, the thought of the joy on his grandfather’s face if he believed Anna had been found gave him the strength to continue.

He stepped out of his office and called Racheal.

“You need to learn everything about Anna. You can’t act like someone if you don’t know her life.”

“Like what?” Racheal asked.

“Her parents, her childhood, where she lived, who she was close to. Meet me at the Pakistan Café. I’ll bring the files.”

That evening, Racheal arrived in a mini skirt and a loose sweater, her hair let down. She wore light makeup and carried herself with grace. She took a seat by the window.

Austin walked in minutes later. Seeing her sitting there, legs crossed, radiant in the dim light, something stirred inside him. But he quickly suppressed it. There was no room for emotions.

He handed her a manila folder. Racheal opened it and studied the photo of a young girl with black hair and a round face—eerily similar to hers.

“She was beautiful,” Racheal commented.

“Well, that’s how we are in our family,” Austin said with a smirk.

Racheal chuckled. “Right.”

“She was American. Attended Stardom School. Dropped out in eighth grade after her parents died. She lived in London, Washington, and Paris at various points. A bright girl. Often represented her school in competitions.”

Austin couldn’t help but admire her. Her long legs, the curve of her lips, the intense eyes that seemed to hold secrets. He snapped out of it when she asked, “Is this all I need to know?”

“Yes,” he said quickly. “But you’ll be meeting my family on Saturday.”

“Alright,” she said, getting up and walking out with the folder.

She had seen the way he looked at her—she always saw it. She’d been looked at that way by too many men, too many predators. She had trained herself not to trust easily.

As Austin stood to leave, he was surprised to see his younger sister Lucy waiting by the door.

“Who’s the lucky girl?” she asked playfully.

“What are you doing here?” he replied cautiously.

“Just wanted to say I’ll be traveling for a month or two. Thought I’d drop by.”

“You’re 27, Lucy. You have your own life. Do whatever you want,” Austin said, brushing past her.

That night, Racheal studied every detail in the document. She was determined to play the part perfectly. Their lives were oddly similar—both orphaned, both survivors.

In three days, she’d be introduced to his family. The thought made her shiver.

Carl walked in and dropped his bag on the couch.

“I’ll be gone for two months,” Racheal said, looking serious. “It’s for business. A good one. If you hear or see anything about me… ignore it. I’m doing this for you. I love you.”

“Okay…” Carl said cautiously. He was used to her mysterious business trips, but two months was new.

“Please be careful,” he added, heading into his room.

Racheal grabbed her phone, heart pounding.

Whatever came next—betrayal, danger, or redemption—she was ready.