The twins had never been happier. Their mother was with them. Their father laughed again. Their home was filled with warmth and light. And with a new sibling on the way, they spent hours writing name ideas in their notebooks, imagining the future with joy.
Sara felt peace—but not without shadows.
The past, though pushed aside, lingered like a quiet whisper at the back of her mind. That afternoon, they were sitting at one of the most elegant cafés in the city. It had become a little ritual of theirs—to go out as a family, to reclaim simple joys. The air was sweet with pastries and spring flowers.
While Nick played with the twins at the table, Sara excused herself to the restroom.
She didn't expect what awaited her.
As she stepped toward the door to leave, a tall, broad-shouldered woman stepped in, blocking her path. A second figure emerged from one of the stalls, calmly drying her hands with a paper towel.
—"You haven't forgotten us, have you, Sara?"
Sara froze.
Her hands trembled. Her breath hitched. The sound of that voice—cold, unyielding—dragged her mind back to a place she had tried to bury.
—"You've been back with your darling husband for months. We kept our promise," the woman continued, her tone casual, almost mocking. "But you haven't kept yours."
—"I—I didn't have the chance... I haven't said anything to anyone... I swear," Sara whispered, backing away slowly.
The woman stepped closer, smiling coolly.
—"Then give us the name of your husband's legal advisor—the one helping him dig too deep. After that, you can go back to your little dream life. But if you don't… well, we won't touch your twins, we've made that promise. But the baby you're carrying... is still fair game."
Tears welled in Sara's eyes.
Her body trembled.
—"Please... I've stayed quiet. I've kept my vow."
—"You have," said the woman, brushing her fingers across Sara's cheek, in a gesture meant to feel gentle—but heavy with threat. "You've been obedient, loyal. Now, continue being so. Speak the name. And walk free."
Sara's tears dried.
Her trembling ceased.
Something in her gaze shifted—a sharpness behind the violet.
She was done being afraid.
—"You think you still own me," she said softly, dangerously. "But you don't. You're not gods. You're cowards hiding behind masks, destroying lives. And it's time someone stopped you."
The woman blinked, startled. But before she could speak again, Sara took two steps back.
Another woman entered the room quietly—Lucy, an old friend from her past, dressed in civilian clothes. Their eyes met. A silent understanding passed between them.
Sara stepped toward her.
Lucy handed her a fresh blouse, identical to the one she wore.
The two women disappeared together down the service hallway, leaving the confrontation—and its consequences—behind. Karin was waiting near the alley exit, her face pale but calm. She, too, had once served the agency... but had chosen to walk away and help Sara.
—"You should tell him the truth," Karin murmured as they helped Sara fix her hair.
Sara paused.
Her hands clenched.
—"What truth? That I lost my mind? That I was turned into a shadow of myself? That I was broken beyond recognition and someone... something... was taken from me?"
Her voice cracked.
—"How could I ever say that to Nick? How could I tell the man who gave me light that I once believed I was nothing?"
—"He'd understand," Lucy said gently. "But we understand too. And that's enough—for now. Go back to your family. Heal. We'll take care of the rest."
Sara nodded slowly.
She returned to the café just a few minutes later, where Nick greeted her with a warm smile and Ana reached out her arms.
—"Are you okay?" Nick asked, sensing something in her eyes.
Sara looked at him with deep love.
—"I'm fine," she said softly. "I was just thinking how much I love you."
They returned home as a family, and that night, as the twins played in the living room and Nick prepared tea, Sara received a message from Lucy.
Everything is handled. No trace.
She replied with a simple thank you, then closed her phone and walked over to Anthony, scooping him into her arms and kissing his cheeks until he squealed with laughter.
Ana giggled and climbed onto Nick's lap.
They were safe. They were together.
And deep in her heart, Sara whispered a silent vow:
I will never let anyone hurt them again.
Let the world believe she was fragile. Let the agency believe she had given in.
But Sara knew the truth.
They had no idea who they were dealing with.