I cannot wait to hear Elizalde’s excuses. But his call for security came too quickly, and before I knew it, two guards were dragging me out of his office. My fury burned hot as I stumbled out, but the world suddenly seemed colder when my phone buzzed in my hand. An unknown number flashed on the screen.
“Ana,” he said, his voice urgent. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you? Where are you?”
“I’m fine,” I snapped, brushing away the tears threatening to fall. “You? How are you? I-It’s been a while.”
Gabriel’s silence lasted a second too long before he dropped the bombshell. “I found her. I know where your twin sister is.”
My legs almost gave out. “You… found her? Are you sure? Where is she? I need to see her right now!” My words tumbled out in a frantic rush.
Gabriel hesitated. “It’s not safe. Let me handle this first. Elizalde might catch on if you make any sudden moves.”
“Gabriel, no.” I wasn’t about to let him sideline me, not after everything I’d endured. “She’s my sister afterall. I-I’m… I’m going with you. You don’t get to decide for me.”
After a long pause, he sighed in defeat. “Fine. But we need to move carefully. Meet me tomorrow. Will text ya the address. I’ll take you from there.”
That night, I visited Koleen in the hospital. Her small frame looked fragile, her breathing steady but shallow. I leaned down and kissed her forehead, fighting the lump in my throat.
“I’ll be back soon,” I whispered. “Stay strong for me, okay?”
The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed. Sure Elizalde didn’t come home, probably off with Brittany or handling whatever shady deals consumed his days. I didn’t care anymore. I packed a small bag, grabbed my coat, and left.
The drive to the abandoned house felt endless. Gabriel was already there, leaning against his car, arms crossed.
“Are you ready for this?” he asked as I approached.
I nodded. “More than ever.”
We set off in his car, driving for hours through winding roads and increasingly remote areas. Finally, we reached a narrow dirt path that led to a secluded beach. The air was thick with salt and the distant sound of waves.
Waiting for us was a small speedboat. My heart raced, and not in a good way. Memories of the yacht explosion that had almost taken my life came flooding back. My hands trembled as I stared at the boat, frozen in place.
“Anastasia,” Gabriel said softly, noticing my hesitation. “You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready.”
I shook my head, forcing myself to move. “N-No, I’m going. I’ve come this far.”
The ride was rough, the boat bouncing over the waves, but I held on. Every second felt like an eternity. When we finally reached the other side, I let out a shaky breath.
An elderly woman greeted us as we stepped onto the shore. She wore a faded house dress and a kind, weathered expression.
“A-Are you the ones looking for Emily?” she asked, her voice gentle but firm.
I frowned. Emily?
Gabriel nodded. “Yes. We’re looking for her.”
“Come with me,” she said, leading us down a narrow path to a small wooden house tucked away behind the trees.
The house was modest, almost shabby, but it radiated a strange sense of peace. As we entered, my breath caught in my throat.
There she was.
My twin.
Her frame was thinner, her face pale and gaunt. But it was unmistakably her. She looked up as we stepped inside, her eyes wide with confusion and something else—fear.
“Sis,” I said softly, taking a hesitant step forward. “It’s me. Anastasia. Your long lost sister.”
Her gaze flickered between me and Gabriel, distrust clouding her features.
“I… we thought you were dead,” I said, tears spilling down my cheeks. “Your family needs you.”
The old woman interjected gently, explaining how they had found Emily floating in the ocean, wearing a life vest. “It was a miracle she survived,” she said. “She’s been here ever since, recovering. Her name is Emily, we decide for her name. We found her on the seashore, unconcious. She has a lot of bruises and wound around her body.”
Emily didn’t say a word. She just stared at me, her expression unreadable.
“E-Emily, it’s me,” I tried again, my voice cracking. I stepped closer, desperate to close the gap between us. “We’ve been looking for you for the past weeks. I d-didn’t know that I have a sister…”
But when I reached out to hug her, she recoiled violently.
“Don’t touch me!” she screamed, pushing me away with surprising strength.
“Emily, please—”
“Stay back!” Her voice was high-pitched, panicked. She clutched her arms around herself, backing away like a cornered animal.
“Emily, what’s wrong? Tell me.” Gabriel asked, stepping in to help calm her down.
She shook her head frantically, tears streaming down her face. “Y-You’re here. You found me. You’ll kill me.”
“W-What? No!” I asked, my heart breaking at the sight of her so distraught. “Emily, what are you talking about?”
Her lips trembled as she muttered a name.
“B-Brittany…”
And just like that, the room fell silent.
