"Isn't that Evelyn? I heard she just got out of prison," one of the passersby whispered.

"Tsk, she's probably done for in the community now," another replied.

"Someone like her should've left the fashion industry ages ago," a third chimed in. "And she's still acting like a queen?"

I ignored their sneers, and stumbled all the way home.

It had been two years. Would there still be any warmth left in the house? Had Zachary grown taller? Did he cry himself to sleep at night, missing his mother's embrace?

And Ethan-was he busy at work? Was he still pulling all-nighters, skipping meals?

The more I thought about it, the heavier my heart became. Tears streamed down my face, and my legs felt like they might give out. I nearly collapsed under the weight of it all.

Finally, I reached the door to our home. My hands trembled as I punched in the familiar code. The door clicked open. The house was dark. It was silent and lifeless.

"Zach? Ethan? Are you here?" My voice wavered, echoing through the vast, empty space. The only response was silence.

I collapsed onto the floor, utterly drained. Tears spilled freely, a torrent that I couldn't hold back. They weren't here. None of them were here.

My child, my husband-my dearest family, the ones who consumed my every thought-were gone, with no sign of where they could be.

A desperate scream tore from my throat, anguished. Why did this happen? I only ever wanted to protect them, and yet, this was what I got in return. Why did fate have to be so cruel? Was my only crime loving them too much?

"Zach, I'm so sorry. I'd failed to protect you. Ethan, where are you? I miss you so much..." The sorrow overwhelmed me, pulling me under like an unrelenting tide.

I didn't know how long I lay there before I managed to get up and stumbled toward the bathroom. When I caught sight of myself in the mirror, I saw a woman who was gaunt and broken. A bitter, mocking smile tugged at my lips.

I used to be so full of life, standing tall and unshakeable. What about now? I couldn't even hold on to my own family. My pride and dignity were nothing but a joke.noveldrama

I tore off the dress that clung to my body and turned on the shower. As the hot water cascaded down to me, I shut my eyes.

The steady stream was mixed with my tears, hoping the water could wash away the stain of the past two years the humiliation, the despair, the suffocating prison walls, and the gossip.

I scrubbed my skin furiously, as if I could erase the filth of my memories. I wanted all of it gone. Down the drain.

I wished I could turn back time. Back to being the fearless, relentless person I once was. The woman who wouldn't let anyone trample her ever again. Tears streamed down my

face as I let out a raw, guttural cry. It I

was as if I was pouring all my

anguish into the echoing space.

Exhausted, I sank into the tub. The water eventually turned cold, but I barely noticed. I stared blankly at the ceiling, feeling hollow inside. There was no sound of Zachary's laughter nor Ethan's steady presence Was this even a home anymore? Wrapping myself in a towel, I wandered to the bathroom. My eyes instinctively darted to the right side of the bed-the place where Ethan used to sleep. The sheets were smooth, undisturbed. His pillow lay untouched, cold and empty.

I collapsed onto the bed. The tears started anew. How was I supposed to go on without Zachary and Ethan? The night passed without sleep. I lay there, staring at the ceiling until the next day.

The moment I got up, I could feel my body aching but my mind startlingly clear. I needed to stay calm. I couldn't afford to wallow in despair any longer. There had to be a reason they weren't here. I needed to find out why

Without hesitation, I grabbed my phone and dialed Kevin's number. "Hello? Kevin? It's Evelyn. I'm sorry... about last night. I was too emotional. Can we meet again? There's so much I need to ask you."

The line was silent for a moment before I heard him sigh heavily.

"Evelyn, I understand how you feel, but there are some things I just..."

"Please, Kevin," I cut him off. "Zach is my life, and Ethan is my soul. I can't survive without them. You've always been my closest friend. I'm begging you. Please help me."

The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!