THE couple walked up to the door, laughing and holding lovey-dovey, completely unaware of their surroundings.
Valentine and Vivian.
They walked up the path, fingers intertwined, laughter still hanging between them.
Amelia stood at the door, her smile already beginning to fade as her eyes settled on the woman beside him.
The woman didn’t notice.
She was too engrossed— her gaze fixed on Valentine, her body leaning into his, her laughter soft and carefree.
Amelia’s expression hardened.
There still was something about her. Something familiar. Something buried.
The duo got closer.
Closer.
And then—
The laughter stopped.
Vivian finally looked up, and her eyes met Amelia’s.
And she froze. All the color drained from her face.
“Jesus Christ!” she gasped.
That was all Amelia needed.
Confirmation. This wasn’t a coincidence. This was her.
Vivian.
The woman from years ago. The woman who had destroyed her home.
Valentine looked between them, confusion immediately setting in.
“What… what is it, babe?” he asked, turning to Vivian, but she said nothing.
She sucked in a sharp breath, as though the air itself had become too heavy to carry.
Then suddenly—
She turned.
And ran.
Amelia didn’t move. Didn’t speak. She simply stood there, watching as Vivian rushed back toward the car like she was escaping something, like she was escaping someone.
Valentine blinked in disbelief.
“What is going on? What is happening?” he asked, his voice rising.
But no one answered.
He looked once more at Amelia—
Then took off after Vivian.
“Vivian! Babe! Stop!”
He ran across the compound, catching up to her just as she reached the car, grabbing her arm before she could open it.
“Hey! What’s going on? Why did you run like that?”
Vivian was breathing hard, almost trembling. Her eyes were wide amd somewhat terrified.
“Is that… is that your sister?” she asked, her voice shaky.
“Yes— yes, she is—”
“Oh!” she screamed, pulling slightly away from him.
Valentine frowned deeply.
“Is anything wrong? Do you know her before?”
Vivian shook her head, then nodded, then shook it again— completely undone.
“Oh my God… I’m doomed,” she whispered.
Valentine’s confusion deepened.
“Doomed? What are you talking about?”
She grabbed his shirt suddenly.
“Please, Valentine… take me home. Please.”
“What? We just got here. Wait— what’s going on?”
But she wasn’t listening anymore. She reached for the car door.
“Fine— I will drive myself home. When you come, we will talk.”
“Sis… can you please talk to me?” he pressed. “What the hell just happened out there?”
Another sigh.
He clenched his jaw.
“Amelia—”
“Is that the girl you have been talking about?” she finally asked, her voice low.
He blinked.
“Yes. Yes, Vivian. She is the one.” He paused. “You know her?”
Amelia sat up slightly, her nose twitching as if holding back something stronger.
“You can’t marry her.”
Valentine froze.
“What?” he said, almost laughing in disbelief. “Huh?”
She turned to look at him fully now.
Her eyes were already glistening.
“You can’t marry that girl, Valentine,” she said firmly. “You can’t… and you won’t.”
His confusion turned sharp.
“Why?” he demanded. “Don’t keep me in the dark, tell me. Why can’t I marry her?”
Amelia stood up slowly and walked toward the window, her arms wrapping around herself.
She stared out, but saw nothing.
Only memories.
Then she turned back to him.
Her eyes were filled now.
“That is Vivian,” she said, her voice breaking slightly. “The Vivian who broke my home.”
Valentine staggered back a step.
“Wh… what?!” he gasped.

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