SYDNEY'S POV

As soon as I returned to the airport, I could already see Grace waving eagerly at me from the other side. Enthusiastic smiles and grins curled up my lips the closer I got to her. My short trip had come to an end, and might I say that those were the happiest three months of my life in a very long time.

I wheeled my suitcase faster behind me and rushed, also waving back at Grace and rushing to meet her where she was standing. I hadn't noticed for a second at first, but someone familiar walked quickly past me. I couldn't help stopping to turn; I could swear I knew that back. No one could tell me otherwise, it had to be Mark. It was him.

I was right, I confirmed with myself when I actually stopped and turned back to look at the person. It was Mark, I couldn't have missed it, walking with those fast strides of his as usual. He probably didn't see me? Or if he maybe didn't recognize me again? I'd been gone for just three months, but if that was enough time for him not to know who I was again, from just a glance, then it meant that I'd done a fantastic job with erasing that woman he used to know from my life. Sure. I wouldn't look like his ex-wife with the way I looked now.

My outfit was different from what I used to wear (that style he was familiar with), changed my hair, they weren't in those ugly buns and up-styles anymore. My hair was down in long luscious waves. My face shone elegantly bright with both good skin care; also had some makeup on. A right red body-con dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. In all, I was looking like a better and beautiful version of that self I left behind as "Mrs. Torres". I chuckled, proudly and pushed my sunglasses down from my hair, down to my face, before swinging my head back to the direction I was heading at and pulling my suitcase behind me again. By this time Grace was already walking towards me, so I had to let go of the suitcase and wrap my hands happily around her.

"Jeez, girl. I missed you so freaking much!" She squeaked as she squeezed me.

"Me too!" I cooed, sighing when. We disengaged and I brushed off some strands from my face. "I almost didn't want to return," I added.

"You must be joking," Grace jokingly frowned, "so you meant to not return today?"

"The plain truth," I shrugged with a giggle.

"Then I probably would've had to come drag you back here myself," Grace said, smiling. She leaned down to pull my suitcase for me. "Come on, let's go."

We both walked to Grace's car where it was parked. It was a different car from what she'd dropped me off with the last time; a black jeep.

"You got another car?" I asked on our way to it.

"Yeah," she answered gladly like she'd been waiting for me to pop the question. "Glorious isn't it?" She added.

"It sure is glorious," I commented. "Should probably get a new one too," I added.

"F*ck you mean probably? You're definitely getting a new one."

her and laughed a little incredulously, "Gosh you're

tomorrow. It's almost

the car remote before

some distance from the entrance of the airport when I finally broke the news to Grace, although the most casual way,

"Mark."

Maybe it was because she was trying

practically brushed past each other while I was busy

practically gliding. I could see

you?" She chuckled, "Man, why am I so happy to hear that?" Her

noticed too. I must have been looking too good

talks and laughs, we finally drove up the winding road to

just drop you off here, darling,"

I asked her and

was invited to this party. Not the most enthusiastic about it, but I just have to attend

I nodded, unclicking the

I'd be back to hear you tell me every single detail about your trip!" She piped at me when I got out of the

bet!" I smiled, shutting the door after me and pulling out my suitcase, before

gazed up at the imposing structure of our home. It was a stunning residence halfway up a mountain overlooking the sea; a playground for the wealthy elite of the city. It was so good to be back home. I'd missed everything so much.

our house. The cool evening air brushed against my skin as I reached for the doorknob, pushing the front door open

could fully immerse myself in the familiarity of everything I'd returned to, a shot of fear danced its way sharply through my veins. I felt it before I saw it;

couldn't see it. It was more like a gut feeling. "Don't make a

realized then that the man behind me was injured. That metallic tang of blood was in the air. I instinctively raised my hands in surrender as a silent plea for mercy. I knew that any sudden movements could provoke him further, so I stood there with my eyes closed, trying to steady my breathing. I didn't dare look at his face. Seeing the face of a criminal often meant being silenced, permanently.

over me. The dark

"Open up," he snarled.

what he meant, so I

to see his figure outlined in front of me against the dim light filtering through the

and the trail of blood marred the fabric of his shirt. Then my

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