A second chance for glory

CHAPTER 2

Secret Exposed

“You’re home, Sarah.” Michael had a very serene voice.

Sarah held her coat firmly as she stood at the entrance to their luxurious home. Her dead and frigid eyes scanned the room. Even though everything seemed to be the same, she suddenly felt unfamiliar.

Michael approached, seeming unperturbed, as if nothing had occurred. Reaching for her hand, he said, "How are you feeling?"

Sarah retreated, moving off from him. "How would you say I feel?"

Michael frowned. "It was difficult, but the abortion was necessary for our future. You are aware of it, correct?

Sarah felt her heart race. For what is ahead for us? How could he say something so lightly, as if it were unimportant? Her thoughts quickly returned to the icy, disinterested voice of the doctor: "This is all for the sister."

She stared Michael in the eyes, pushing herself to be calm. "Why did the doctor bring up Elena, Michael?"

There was barely a brief flash of his face, but it was enough. Sarah took note. He got back up immediately and grinned gently. "Elena? What topic are you discussing?

Sarah continued, her voice level but her anger building, "I heard them talking." They maintained it had nothing to do with me. It has to do with her.

Michael's grin vanished. His voice lowered, and he took a step closer. Sarah, you're having hallucinations. You most likely misheard, since you were under a lot of stress. Please don't be too excited.

Though Sarah's hands were clenched, she kept them hidden. Now she was aware. He was telling a falsehood. But she was still unable to approach him. Not until she had evidence.

Sarah murmured, attempting to sound frustrated, "I guess you're right." "I'm simply exhausted."

Michael smiled again, touching her shoulder. That's all there is to it. All you have to do is relax. Everything will work out OK.

Sarah attempted a faint smile. "I'm going to get some water."

With her pulse pounding, she turned and headed for his office. I need to locate something. Nothing at all.

She entered the office and began quietly but quickly going through drawers. Documents, invoices—nothing special. That is until she pulled out a little, lockable drawer on his desk. Beneath the other papers, there was a folder concealed inside.

Her hands shivered when she removed them. Her heart stopped as she cautiously opened it and realized what was inside.

An agreement. A false pregnancy contract. Between Elena and Michael.

Sarah felt her breath catch. Although the words were unclear to her, they were nonetheless understood. Elena is expecting a child, Michael.

Her legs felt shaky, but she stood up straight, biting her lip to prevent her from shouting. What they have been concealing is this. They desired this.

Sarah, her hands balled up at her sides, charged inside the Evans family house. It was time for her to face Elena. She needs clarification.

When the opulent doors opened, there she was: Elena, seated elegantly in the living room, resplendent in her opulent gown, and seeming like the ideal daughter.

"Sarah!" With a false grin, Elena shouted and got to her feet. "You seem shallow. Are you okay?

Sarah's jaw became tense. "Elena, stop playing pretend with me."

Elena maintained her grin. "What are you trying to say? All I'm concerned about is you.

"Are you worried?" Sarah lost her temper. “You were behind it all, weren’t you?”

Elena, unflappable, lifted an eyebrow. "What's behind it? You're not making sense, Sarah.

"Don't act foolish!" Sarah sounded irate in her voice. "I found the agreement. You are carrying Michael's kid!

Although Elena's grin dimmed a little, she didn't seem startled. "Sarah, your thinking is hazy."

"I think perfectly fine," Sarah growled. "You want me to disappear. You want me to be absent so that Michael and you can have everything!

Their parents entered the room before Elena could reply.

"What is happening here?" their father said, his expression severe.

Sarah turned to look at them. "Mom, you need to pay attention, Dad! You've all been duped by Elena. She is expecting Michael's kid! This had been planned behind my back by them!

Their mother was startled, but before she could say anything, Elena moved closer and spoke in a kind, endearing tone. "I know you're unhappy, Sarah. However, this isn't true. I would never treat you that way.

Sarah's gaze expanded. "You're not telling the truth!"

Faux tears welled up in Elena's eyes. "Please, I understand how much you're going through. All of us found the baby's loss difficult, but it's unfair to accuse me in this way.

Their dad scowled. "Sarah, please settle down."

“Calm down?!” Sarah's voice broke. "She has been using all of you as tools! Are you unable to perceive it?

Her folks, however, shook their heads. "Elena has consistently been a virtuous daughter," her father said. "We won't allow you to accuse her without evidence, we promise."

With a wave of astonishment, Sarah gazed at them. Evidence? Even though she had the contract, they were, as usual, siding with Elena.

Elena moved in closer, meeting Sarah's gaze. Her voice became so quiet that only Sarah could hear it. "This is only the start."

Sarah felt her heart race. "What?"

Elena grinned, hate shining in her eyes. "You believe you are an expert? You've only just begun to explore. Everything you owned, including Michael, is now mine.

Sarah’s gut twisted with wrath, but she couldn’t respond. Not quite yet.

Elena grinned more broadly. “You’ll never win. Not on my side, with our parents. They will always love me more than they have. You’re nothing but a shadow.”

Sarah balled her hands, trying to contain the tears that were about to fall. "You won't get away with this," I said.

Elena grinned icily. "I have done so already."

Sarah's thoughts were racing. This had all been arranged by Elena. Everything had been planned by her, including the abortion. Sarah was the reason her child had disappeared. Furthermore, Elena's parents were unaware that she was carrying Michael's child at that point.

Elena wiped away her phony tears and turned back to face their parents. I apologize, but I believe Sarah needs assistance. She's been experiencing a lot of stress.

With a gentle voice, their mother approached Sarah. It's OK, Sarah, my dear. You need to rest, but we're here for you.

Sarah backed away and shook her head. "No, no, you're not understanding."

Her dad let out a sigh. "Sarah, you cannot be allowed to harm your sister in this manner. You must become tranquil.

Sarah turned to face Elena, who was grinning triumphantly as she stood there. It's only the beginning, Elena had stated.

Sarah felt powerless and angry at the same time. She needed to leave that place. She had to prepare and reflect.

However, one thing was certain, this battle was far from ended.