Chapter 2 Return After Five Years

Katherine's POV

"Is she a model?"

"Must be someone important..."

"She looks gorgeous!"

I just adjust my sunglasses and pull out my phone, dialing a number I've memorized over countless sleepless nights.

"I'll be there in an hour," I whispered. "King County Detention Center. Yes, I understand the visiting hours."

I end the call, my hand trembling. Kevin—my brother, my unwavering ally through Mom's death and Dad's remarriage—now faces rape charges, and I know it's a setup.

Thoughts of our father fill me with despair. Once my hero, he now feels like a stranger. Our last argument haunts me—his cold dismissal of my fears and my desperate pleas for him to see the truth. Sarah's mother presence has shattered our family, and each memory of his indifference cuts deep.

As Kevin's plight deepens my anguish, I feel helpless, desperately seeking the truth amid the chaos.

The airport's massive display screens catch my attention, and suddenly my whole body goes cold. There, splashed across Seattle's local news: Hudson Financial CEO Alexander Hudson to Wed Socialite Sarah Porter at Four Seasons Today.

A surge of anger courses through me, my fingers curling into fists, nails digging into my palms. "How could he?" I mutter, the words trembling on my lips, tinged with bitter irony.

Five years ago, I was meant to be dead—crushed in a staged car accident after discovering my husband with my sister. Instead, I survived, fled to Europe, and gave birth to our triplets.

Now, standing in the airport, memories of that betrayal ignite my resolve. As I weave through the crowd, each step reminds me of how far I've come and the life I've forged against all odds.

Alexander's POV

A wedding report flashing across the airport screen instantly sours my mood. In that same moment, a familiar silhouette catches my eye, freezing me in place. But she vanishes into the crowd before I can be sure. I'm still searching when my phone rings.

"What do you mean William's in trouble? What the hell is going on?!" I practically shout, my voice booming through the glass walls, each word laced with raw panic.

My butler replied, "Sir, he's having an attack and is having difficulty breathing. He keeps calling out "Dad" from his mouth."

"How could this happen? Wasn't he perfectly fine just two days ago?" My heart pounds violently in my chest, and my hands start to shake. "Fine. I'm on my way. I'll be there as fast as I can. Just... just make sure he's okay until I arrive!"

As I rush to the Four Seasons, a mix of dread and disbelief washes over me. The grand ballroom comes into view, its opulence overshadowed by the heavy scent of roses and desperation. There, in the center, stands Sarah in her white wedding dress, perfectly made up, every inch the blushing bride. The sight hits me like a punch to the gut, turning my stomach.

"Alex!" She rushes forward with genuine enthusiasm, her eyes shining brightly with what seems to be pure love. "Can you believe it's finally happening? After all these years of waiting, we're finally going to be together forever!"

I say nothing, but she continues, reaching up to adjust my tie with practiced intimacy. "The Ballroom looks perfect, doesn't it? The flowers, the champagne, the string quartet... Everything's exactly as we planned. As I always dreamed it would be."

Her happiness feels like acid in my gut. For five years, my connection with her has been solely through William.

"I'm so sorry about the confusion with William earlier," she adds quickly, noticing my silence. "But nothing can ruin this day. Our day."

"I just wanna ask about William. Is he all right?" I cut her off, scanning the room packed with Seattle's finest.

"Well, he wasn't feeling well earlier. He had an excruciating headache, a queasy stomach, and was struggling to breathe. He could barely get out of bed this morning. But after taking some medicine and having a good rest, he is okay now. He's even managed to eat a bit of food and seems to have regained some of his energy."

"So he's already okay. Then why did you lie to me and bring me to the wedding venue? You manipulated this entire situation. Sarah!"

"The guests are already here," she says softly, her manicured hand on my arm, desperation creeping into her voice. "The press is waiting. Think of the headlines if you leave now. Please, Alexander. We deserve this happiness."

Happiness. The word tastes bitter. But she's right about one thing - the press would have a field day if I left now. Hudson Financial Group can't afford another scandal.

That's when everything... stops. Just for a moment, barely a heartbeat, but I could swear the champagne bubbles freeze mid-rise, the ambient chatter cuts out like someone hit mute. When reality snaps back, a small commotion erupts near the entrance. A little girl in a pink dress bursts through the crowd, tears streaming down her face.

"Daddy!" she cries out, running straight for me. "Daddy, why did you leave us?"

The girl—she can't be more than four—stands before me, her features hauntingly familiar. Time seems to hiccup again, just for a split second, but I dismiss it as stress.

"Mommy's been so sick," she sobs. "She said you didn't want us anymore!"

Cameras flash. I catch GeekWire reporters already typing on their phones. Sarah's face has gone ghostly pale.

"Who put you up to this?" I demand, grabbing the girl's arm. She's tiny, delicate, but something in her eyes...

A sharp pain explodes in my lower back. I stumble, my grip loosening. The girl sinks her teeth into my hand, then bolts with impossible speed. Another figure dashes in the opposite direction, barely registering in my peripheral vision. For a fraction of a second, I could swear everything around them moves in slow motion, but that's ridiculous.

"Stop her!" I roar, but Sarah's screech drowns me out.

"No! This can't be happening! You little brat, you've ruined everything!" she screams, her voice shrill and desperate.

Her eyes are wild with panic as she flails her arms, first swiping at a nearby table in a fit of rage, sending a crystal vase crashing to the ground.

In a futile attempt to regain her balance, she stumbles backward, her hands clawing at the air. In her frantic struggle, she grasps the tablecloth, yanking it hard. The custom fabric of her gown rips with a loud, jarring sound.

Just as I'm about to rush after the fleeing children, my phone rings shrilly in my pocket, cutting through the chaos of the room.

"Sir," my security chief's voice is tense. "Someone's trying to bail out Kevin Jordan."

My blood runs cold. "Block it. Block it now."

I can't let Kevin out of my sight. I quickly hung up the phone, only to realize that the girl was already gone.