Episode 003
1040 Words
CHAPTER 003
ALEXANDER REID'S POINT OF VIEW
I can't take my eyes off the file in front of me. The name that makes my chest ache sharply is there, in black and white. Monroe, Clara.
I was aware that there was something concerning about this case. I've In my role as CEO of ReidTech, I've handled a ton of files, but this one feels particularly personal.w can this be? How did her name end up here?
With my mind racing, I slam the folder onto the desk. Something sinister is associated with Clara, the woman I haven't given much thought to in years. Slowly, the pieces come together as my mind races to make sense of the impossibility. This cannot be ignored. I won't overlook this.
Her name. Her face. The twins I believed I had lost forever—the baby she carried.
I try to ignore the memories by rubbing my eyes and reclining in my chair. HoweMoreover, they refuse to leave.y never do. On tthe day I learned she was gone; she left the hospital with our kids. My entire world seemed to fall apart in a flash. I never got any answers.
However, I have a lead now. A document. A hint.
I don't waste time. I must locate her. I require answers.
When I pull up to the clinic, the air is heavy with fog. It's a serene, secluded area of Victoria. ClarClara Monroe was nowhere to be found. Not After all these years of searching and hoping, she was nowhere to be found.ever, she is now employed as a nurse. The woman I knew had changed. Or maybe she is.
I step out of my car and walk toward the entrance with purpose, trying to keep my mind from racing too far ahead. But The closer I get to the door, the more my heart pounds. Is this real? this real?
The bell above the door jingles softly as I step inside, the scent of antiseptic and lavender filling my nose. I scan the room, eyes darting from face to face, until I see her.
Clara. She She looks exactly the same, but different, as if the years have worn her down in ways I didn't anticipate. Her hair is now shorter and darker. hair is shorter now, darker. However, her eyes remain the same. I used to lose myself in those eyes.
She is initially preoccupied with a patient and doesn't notice me. She turns, though, and I can see the shock on her face. It's short, but sufficient. She She is familiar with me. recalls.
I say, "Clara," as her name sounds strange to me.
Her expression hardens after a moment of freezing.
Her voice is cold and tight as she says, "I—I don't know who you are."
I ignore the warning signs in her eyes and take a step closer. “You don’t recognize me? after a long period of time?
She crosses her arms to quickly conceal the slight trembling in her hands. "I don't know you," I said.
Her words hurt, but I ignore it. I anticipated this. She has been fleeing from everything, including me.
I try to reach her by saying, "Clara, I need answers," in a softer voice. "How did the babies fare? They're where? Whatever became of us?
My words cause her to wince, and for a brief moment, I swear I see pain flash across her face.
She narrows her eyes. "That is not your place to ask. You vanished as well. When I needed you; you didn't come looking for me.u showed no concern at all.
I wasn't prepared for the depth of her words. She has a valid reason to be upset. But right now, I can't stop.
"You believe I didn't give a damn? I looked for you, Clara. I—
She stops me by raising a hand. "No. You didn't. And I've finished all of this.
I think she might break for a second as her voice cracks. She quickly recovers, however, and wears a cold mask to hide her feelings.
Desperate, I take a step forward". Please, Clara. I must know the truth. Please. I must know whether our children are still alive.
She swallows forcefully as her face goes a little pale. "I don't know," she whispers, her lips quivering. I have no idea where they are.
We are silent, and her eyes bear the weight of years of suffering. She is concealing something. However, what?
I say, more to myself than to her, "You're lying." You're aware of something. I see it in your eyes.
She quickly brushes past me and turns away, her voice trembling with emotion. "This is not something I can do. You must go.
Before I can stop myself, my fingers curl around her skin as I reach out and grab her wrist. "PleDon't ignore me, Clara. I'must know the truth. What became of us?
Anger flashing in her eyes, she abruptly pulls her arm away. "Leave! Now!" I said.
As I stand there, frozen, a knot twists in my chest. I can't get in touch with her, and she's disintegrating in front of me.
She spits out, "You think you can just come back into my life after all these years and demand answers?" "You don't know what I've endured. I have no idea what I had to give up in order to live.
I want to grasp her and help her comprehend. I know I can't, though. Not just yet. I haven't earned the privilege.
I say in a low voice, "I never stopped looking for you." "I never gave up hope."
Her gaze hardens. "That is untrue."
She then storms off, vanishing down the hallway. I stand there with a thousand questions racing through my head. How did she end up? How did the babies fare?
I have no answers. Not just yet. I'm not giving up, though. I won't.
My phone buzzes in my pocket as I turn to go.
Daniel sent the text.
I didn't anticipate seeing it.
“Project Helix… We discovered something.
My heart stops. What does this signify? What have they discovered?
What have I discovered? What does Clara conceal?
- Writer
