In Birmingham, inside the expansive Alora mansion, Lucy had taken a stroll around the sprawling property. Behind the house lay a massive estate filled with numerous rooms, a garage housing eight luxury cars, a private driveway for Aunt Madison's car, a terrace, and a wooden staircase leading to a cozy, relaxed retreat room. There was also a storage room, a greenhouse, and Madison's beautiful garden. Lucy was genuinely glad to see her aunt leading such a prosperous, wealthy life.
At her apartment, Elsa and Lucy was lounging on her bed under a warm duvet, leaning against the cushioned headboard while chatting on her phone with Lucy.
Lucy:I met some neighbours, and they thought I was my aunt. A bright smile lit up Lucy's face as she typed out the message.
Elsa:(smiley and funny emoji)
Lucy:They thought so because they believed my aunt dyed her hair black, and they said we look remarkably alike.
Elsa:You should send me a picture of your aunt so I can see it and compare the differences to your resemblance. Elsa typed to Lucy, she had already met Lucy's aunt previously and knew they shared similar eyes and features.
Lucy:On it.
Moments later, Elsa received the photos. Studying them closely, she realized she could barely tell them apart beyond Madison's older age. She quickly typed back:
Elsa:You two look so much alike—the eyes, the face, the mouth! You're practically twins, except she's older, which you only notice upon a closer look.
Lucy:Yeah, everyone says the same!
Elsa:Okay, and how is Birmingham?
Lucy:It's interesting! And you know Sammy? She's so cute, fluffy, and very obedient, too, and I explored every where and my aunt is super wealthy,
Elsa: that's good that means I could come visit and spend my holidays with you soon
Lucy: yep,
The two friends continued chatting warmly about their day well into the night.
Days later, inside a sunlit cafe where a few patrons worked quietly or sipped coffee, Catelyn entred into the cafe sh sat at a middle-table toward the back. She took a sip from her coffee cup, and then set it down to resume looking at her pictures on her phone. The morning sun brilliantly lit the horizon. Minutes later, her thoughts drifted to Silas. Pausing over the screen, she imagined the comfort of being held in Silas hands and resting against his arms. Looking out the window, she felt an overwhelming sense that Silas was her home—a poignant feeling that gnawed at her heart, convincing her that he truly belonged to her.
Back in Elsa's city, she arrived home a short while later, unlocking the front door to an empty house since Lucy was away. A contented smile curved her lips, knowing her friend was safe and living well. Elsa headed to her room to freshen up, keeping busy with her newly started driving lessons and brainstorming ideas for a clothing business she hoped to launch soon.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Switzerland, Lucas Logan sat in his high-rise modern office with its sleek black marble desk. Surrounded by business papers and a computer, he absently twirled a pen between his fingers. He couldn't stop thinking about Jane Jude. He remained entirely drawn to her reserved, gentle, and good-natured presence. Lucas had never been one to chase after women; usually, they were the ones pursuing him. Yet Jane was entirely different—special, good, and enticing. He felt an intense desire to protect, cherish, and keep her close ever since their evening encounter at Author Norman's event. Dressed in that stunning green dress, she had looked like an absolute princess, radiating a gentle, bright light that captured his heart. Stunned by her grace, he knew in his soul he wanted her as his lifelong companion. He was determined to find her, learn what she liked, and shower her with love.
Picking up his phone, Lucas dialed his assistant's contact.
"Book me a plane ticket for tomorrow morning to the United States," Lucas instructed.
"Okay, boss," Arias replied.
Lucas placed his phone down with a happy smile, thrilled at the prospect of seeing Jane again. Since he had already gathered all her details—including her job and where she lived—finding her would be easy peasy.
Back at Crescent Company, Jane sat in her spacious office. Her large desk was covered with a laptop, paperwork, a pen, and notebooks as she focused intently on the assignment Lauren had given her. Working late into the evening, she remained completely unaware that Lucas Logan held such deep, affectionate love for her in his heart and soul—a love that would mark a wonderful new beginning in her life.
The next morning broke bright and clear. In her cream-peach-colored room, Lucy's eyes fluttered open. Reaching for her phone on the bedside table—a habitual morning routine—she saw Elsa's overnight texts, prompting a cheerful morning chat between the two sisters. After finishing up, Lucy got up to freshen up while Elsa sat at her dining table for breakfast. Elsa had rescheduled her bookstore shift for the afternoon, planning to head straight to driving school for her lessons after eating.
It took Lucy fifteen minutes to brush her teeth and take a refreshing shower. Afterward, she opened her wardrobe, selected a casual plain green top and a pair of blue jeans, and slipped them on before heading down the stairs. As she descended, her aunt was stepping out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee in hand.
"Good morning, Lucy! Did you sleep well?" Madison asked, looking up at her niece with a warm smile.
"Yes, Aunt. What about you?" Lucy replied.
"I slept well, honey," Madison answered, her voice carrying a comforting, motherly tone that Lucy deeply cherished. "Your breakfast is in the kitchen."
As Madison spoke, she observed Lucy's outfit. While it looked fine, she secretly wanted her niece to wear something a bit prettier and more special.
"Okay, thanks, Aunty," Lucy said, heading into the kitchen.
"Sorry Lucy I have something to do I'm my study room, is it fine that I wouldn't be joining you for breakfast,
"No aunt it's fine, I'm fine with it thanks, Lucy said.
"Okay then, Madison said.
Meanwhile, Madison went upstairs to her personal study. Inside the kitchen, Lucy served herself a strawberry smoothie and a large club ham sandwich—realizing her aunt must have thoughtfully prepared it while she was still asleep. Sitting down at the table, she took a satisfying bite of the sandwich and began pondering how to spend her day, debating whether to explore the local area or chat further with Elsa.
A short while later, Lucy finished eating and washed her plate. When she stepped back out of the kitchen, she noticed Madison sitting in the living area holding a handbag, clearly preparing to head out.
"We should both head to the shops to get you some new clothes," Madison said, looking over at Lucy with an encouraging smile. "I'd love for you to have some new things."
Lucy, who had initially planned to spend the day exploring, readily agreed with a bright smile. "Okay, Aunty."
"Let's go," Madison said.
Lucy followed her outside to the Lexus parked in the driveway. Sitting together in the front seat, Lucy buckled her seatbelt while Madison started the ignition, ready for their shopping trip.