Revenge for the lost children

Sophie removed her clothes, revealing the scars on her pale back. She sank into the bathtub until her brown hair was submerged and briefly thought about the past.

The green eyes of the man she once loved still appeared in her thoughts, tempting her to fall in love again. If indeed she had truly lost that love.

Three years ago, Sophie had been an innocent young woman, in love with the one who taught her to become the best spy. Even though there were only a few years between them, Edward had taught her everything he knew. And she was deeply grateful.

However, that gratitude turned into love. And that should never have happened. The hotel room she was in now was very similar to the one from that day, even if the alcohol had blurred her memory a little.

She placed her hand on her belly, remembering when her baby was still there. Sophie wondered what the child would have been like. Would the baby have brown hair like hers? Or the father’s red hair? Would the eyes be brown, or green and deep like those that haunted her thoughts?

After putting on a white dress, the woman looked out the window at the city below her. The city she had returned to only for revenge. Now coldness inhabited her gaze, and her gentle smile could no longer be seen. After all, just by existing, some people were already hated.

Sophie clutched the crystal that had been set as a pendant on a simple chain. The only clue the killer had left was a small shiny object made from Miami’s sand. And that was why her feet were here today.

She went down to the lobby in the elevator, her hair tied in a high ponytail. Sunglasses hid her eyes. But still, few recognized her. The benefits of not being famous.

On the city streets, Edward’s image was plastered on posters and television screens. He was older now, just like her. But he was still handsome. Even though her heart still carried resentment, she couldn’t deny her attraction.

Her hair swayed as she walked toward the jewelry store. The jeweler, with already graying hair, greeted her with a smile.

“Good morning, sir.” Sophie greeted him.

The store was beautiful and well-lit, with large windows and filled with chandeliers and jewels displayed in glass-topped cases.

She was the only one in the store.

“Could you check this stone for me, please?” she asked, handing the necklace to the man.

“Hmm.” The man examined the crystal carefully under a light and said, “How curious. This is a unique crystal from here, made with Miami’s sands. Only the richest man in the city would have such a stone at his disposal.”

The richest—meaning Edward. Sophie took a step back, unsettled. She wasn’t surprised, since she already suspected him. But hearing that information shook her.

She tried to hide her discomfort. She needed to think clearly at this moment. Edward himself would never personally kill her child. He could only have sent someone.

Still, there was a gap—every leader needed an heir. It was no coincidence that Sophie had heard he had adopted a child.

Besides, if they were the same people from the past, why hadn’t Sophie been beaten instead of poisoned?

Her mind was clouded; there were so many pieces, but she knew they were connected somehow. She just had to figure out how.

“Sir, could this stone be part of a piece of jewelry? It seems too small to be given to someone on its own.”

“Oh yes,” the jeweler replied, looking at the stone again. “Certainly, this piece once belonged to something larger, perhaps a brooch or bracelet,” he stated.

“So, it was a gift then,” Sophie thought. After all, Edward himself didn’t usually wear jewelry.

But there were still pieces missing from the puzzle. Could it have been a woman? Deep inside, a pang of jealousy stirred in her chest. However, she couldn’t allow herself to be overtaken by such feelings.

Still, even if it was, if Sophie was already out of the way, why follow her to another country? To eliminate a future rival?

She sighed deeply as her hand trembled. Who was responsible for this? Who hated her enough to pursue her?

Sophie needed answers, and anger took hold of her when she didn’t find them immediately.

“Thank you, sir.” She thanked him and left.

Sophie thought she would find answers by returning to her homeland. But it seemed that the questions only kept piling up, and she would never find a solution to them.

Now the street was usually bustling. She took a step, but something stopped her feet from moving. A familiar scent she had once smelled back then. Even though it had been mixed with blood, that odor could never be forgotten.

Her brown eyes searched for the owner of that peculiar scent. She saw someone in black clothing with a dark hat crossing the street. Her mind locked onto discovering one of her tormentors.

Sophie took two steps to follow the unknown figure and didn’t hear the car horn. By the time her attention was drawn to the vehicle, the headlights were already too close.

There was no way to escape at that moment. But then she felt something on her arm—a grip pulling her away from the vehicle. The driver cursed, angry at someone standing in the street with the light green.

Sophie felt her heart racing and her breath quick from the scare. She looked up at her savior and held her breath when she saw those green eyes again, so close to her.

Her heart sped up, but the look of anger was also there. A mixture of emotions overwhelmed her, leaving her unsure of what to do.

Edward had his hands on her waist and a smile on his face. A smile he rarely gave to anyone.