Con

CHAPTER 97

Sophia’s POV

“Grandma Evelyn!” I called out, my heart pounding with relief and concern. I rushed over to her, kneeling beside the bench. “We’ve been worried sick about you. Are you okay?”

Evelyn turned to me with a gentle smile, her eyes twinkling with recognition, but she said, “Oh, Sabrina, it’s so nice to see you, dear.”

I felt a jolt of confusion. “Grandma Evelyn, it’s me, Sophia. Remember? I’m designing your new home.”

She continued to smile, her gaze drifting past me. “Sabrina used to love the slide here. We would come almost every weekend. Such a sweet girl.”

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. “I’m Sophia,” I repeated gently. “We met recently, remember?”

Evelyn’s eyes filled with tears. “Sabrina was always so full of joy. I miss her terribly.”

I reached out and took her hand, my voice softening. “Let’s go home, Grandma Evelyn. Everyone is worried about you.”

Her grip on my hand tightened as she looked directly at me, her tears spilling over. “Let’s go home, Sabrina,”

For a moment, the world seemed to blur. Her words struck something deep within me, and to my surprise, I felt tears welling up in my own eyes. “Okay, Grandma Evelyn,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Let’s go home.”

We stood up together, and as we walked away from the bench, I couldn’t help but glance back at the park. The slide where Evelyn had accompanied her granddaughter Sabrina so many times stood silently in the distance, a testament to memories that had woven themselves into the fabric of this place.

Just then, I saw Julia approaching. Her expression was tense, and from the look on her face, it was clear she had overheard our conversation.

“Sophia, let me take Grandma home now. Grandpa George is so worried. Why did you go for a walk without him?” Julia’s voice was firm as she took Evelyn’s other hand.

Evelyn looked even more confused but didn’t resist. As we walked back, I stayed silent, not wanting to add to the confusion. When we arrived, George, Chris, and Elijah were there, their faces lighting up with relief at the sight of Evelyn.

“Thank you so much,” Chris said, his gratitude evident in his eyes.

Elijah stepped forward, his gaze softening as it met mine. “Let me take you home, Sophia.”

Before I could respond, Evelyn tightened her grip on my hand and frowned. “Sabrina must stay here.”

The tension in the air thickened as Grandma insisted on calling me Sabrina. She seemed wary of Julia, glancing at her with suspicion. “That young woman must go,” she muttered.

Julia looked pissed off. But then, Chris spoke. “Maybe you should go home first, Julia,” Chris suggested gently. “Grandma’s just nfused and not herself right now.”

1.2

CHAPTER 97

+25 BONUS

Julia’s face hardened with anger, but she didn’t argue. Elijah offered to take her home, and she reluctantly agreed, casting one last irritated glance in my direction before they left.

Once they were gone, Evelyn sighed in relief and looked up at me with a soft smile. “Thank you, Sabrina. I’m glad you’re here.”

I forced a smile, knowing it was easier to go along with her confusion. “Of course, Grandma. I’m here.”

I had no idea how I would be able to get away. But for the time being. I just felt like going with the flow. And besides, I could feel a weird connection with Evelyn and it made me want to stay close to her for

now.

“I have to go, I’m sorry.” Chris suddenly quipped. “Are you going to be okay, Grandma?”

Evelyn smiled at him widely. “Of course, Sabrina’s here. You go along and I will see you again soon.”

Chris gave me an apologetic smile and went ahead.

I then went inside and prepared some soup with the ingredients I found in the kitchen. As we all enjoyed the hot soup around the dining table, I heard my phone ringing. It was an incoming video call from Reese’s nanny.

Reese! I thought in alarm, remembering that my daughter was probably looking for me already. I checked the time. It was later than I’d anticipated. Quickly I answered the call..

“Hi, mommy!” she chirped, her voice sweet and eager. “When are you coming home?”

I smiled warmly, feeling a pang of guilt for being away so often. “Soon, Reese. I just need to finish up a few things here, and then I’ll be on my way back to you.”

Suddenly, Grandma Evelyn’s voice cut in from behind me. “Hello, Reese!” she called out cheerfully. “You’re such a pretty and adorable little girl, just like your mommy

Reese’s face lit up at the compliment, her smile stretching from ear to ear. “Thank you!” she giggled.

I chuckled at their interaction, feeling grateful for the love surrounding my daughter. Grandma Evelyn disappeared for a moment, and I continued chatting with Reese about her day.

To my surprise, Grandma Evelyn returned, holding a photo album. She sat down beside Reese and opened it, turning the pages until she found what she’s looking for.

“Look, Reese,” Grandma Evelyn said, her voice soft and nostalgic. “This is my granddaughter Sabrina when she was just a little girl, around your age.”

I glanced at the photo, and my heart skipped a beat. The little girl in the picture looked almost exactly like Reese–same wavy hair, same twinkling eyes, same impish grin and dimple.

Gasping, I was stunned into silence. This is why Evelyn keeps calling me Sabrina! Sabrina looks so much like me and Reese!