FAZER LOGINFive years later “Taylah, our master’s degree ends today, I mean we are officially graduated. What are you going to do now?” Theodore Lyle draped his arm around Taylah’s neck. “Don’t choke me, man and I don't know.” Taylah said, smacking Theodore on the head. Johan Seth and Alice Davidson chuckled at the two of them. The trio had met Taylah when she first joined college for her undergraduate studies, and they had remained close ever since even through their master’s program. Five years had already passed, and she had now completed her master’s degree in business management as well. If anyone had been the quiet pillars supporting her all these years, it was the three of them, standing by her side when she was drowning in despair and on the verge of breaking down. “Hey, kids. Having fun?” Alice’s mother walked up to them, holding a bunch of flowers in her hands. “Mom! I didn’t expect you to be here. You clearly told me you were busy with your weekend piled up with documents,” Alic
That eveningThe bright lights of the bustling bar stung Taylah’s eyes. Louis and Dicentra had arranged a small get-together for her.“Bottoms up, guys!” Dicentra said, taking a shot before hissing at the sharp taste that hit her tongue.“Slow down, Di. Can you even handle the hangover tomorrow?” Louis tried to take the glass from her, but she quickly dodged him. “My girl finally got her freedom, so I’m going to celebrate as much as I can!” Dicentra did a little dance before wrapping Taylah in a hug, making her chuckle.Louis shook his head before turning his gaze to Taylah. “We’re sorry we couldn’t come to your grandparents’ funeral. We didn’t hear the news until a few days later.”“It’s okay. I really don’t want you two feeling sad for me. And Laurence helped me with everything,” Taylah said. Dicentra’s expression shifted to concern.“We were worried. Part of this hangout is to cheer you up. And it’s a good thing that bastard gave you a divorce, or I would’ve kicked his ass,” Dicent
Winona approached Taylah with a mischievous smile. “All alone? Where is your so-called mother’s friend?”Taylah’s face tightened at the sight of her. All her life, while Dextor abused her openly, Winona had tormented her in silence. Winona sat beside her and let out a soft sigh.“Let me tell you a little secret,” she whispered.“All these years, Dextor hated you, didn’t he? Do you really think he had no reason for it? No…”Taylah’s expression shifted. For the first time, she desperately wanted to know the reason behind all the misery she had endured.Her own father had never cared about his late wife or the daughter she left behind. People used to say they were deeply in love but what had come of it?Winona cleared her throat dramatically and continued, “Your father believes you’re Laurence’s daughter. After all, he knew how close your mother and Laurence were.”She went on, “Not to mention how much you resemble him.”No. Taylah refused to believe it. She was certain she wasn’t Lauren
The news spread fast. By morning, everyone in the city knew.“The Russell couple passed away.”The funeral hall was filled with the smell of incense and murmurs.Taylah stood near the front, dressed in black, her fingers clenched so tight they were almost pale. She didn’t cry. She felt like if she did, she would never stop.Laurence handled everything.He spoke to the priest. He signed papers. He answered condolences. His face was calm, yet Taylah knew he was holding it together. Because they were almost like a parent to him. People came one after another.“I’m so sorry for your loss.”“They were such good people.”“Be strong, child.”Taylah only nodded. That's when she noticed them, the Edwards and the Davier family. Her jaw tightened."I'm sorry for your lose, Taylah" Hannah hugged the younger, caressing it gently. John Davier was talking to Laurence meanwhile the brothers stood there, eyes held pity in them. Winona Edwards dabbed her eyes dramatically with a handkerchief, even th
Taylah spent most of her time with her grandparents, though now and then her thoughts drifted back to what had happened at the bar. One afternoon, while she was in the study searching for a book that might catch her interest, she received a call from Laurence. “Can we have dinner together?” he asked. Taylah chuckled softly and hummed in agreement. “Then Leon will pick you up this evening,” Laurence said, and she responded with another quiet hum. Taylah let out a small sigh, Laurence seemed overly concerned about her, yet she found herself liking it. She wished it could last forever. For the first time, she felt her life was turning toward something brighter, and she chose to live it for herself. Taylah twirled her phone in her hand, wondering what she should wear for the evening. Then it occurred to her that she should inform her grandparents first. She tried calling them, but it went to voicemail. After quickly sending a message, she went to get ready. Laurence had said Leon
Taylah and Charlotte were playing when Zane joined them shortly after. That was when they were interrupted by someone. it was the Davier family, who had come to the cemetery.Arjan and Ethan had arrived there with their parents. Taylah’s expression turned bitter. How could they even have the nerve to come here?“Are you okay, Taylah?” Zane asked, glancing between her and the Davier family.“Aren’t you quite attentive for your age? It’s nothing. I’m totally fine.” Taylah patted the younger boy’s head and sighed.Zane shrugged and turned his gaze toward the crowd. The Davier family greeted the elderly couple and then stood in front of Evelyn’s grave.Taylah watched them as well, all the surrounding sounds slowly fading into the distance. Hannah took something out of her pocket and placed it on the grave. was that a locket? It certainly looked like one.Soon after, Hannah walked toward her. Taylah gestured to Zane to take his sister and step away for a moment. The younger one, quite unde







