The therapist took off his sses and turned the drawing toward Alex.


    On the paper was a thin little girl.


    Torn white dress, dirt smudged on her cheeks, but her eyes zed with startling brightness.


    Alex’s pupils contracted sharply.


    This wasn’t Maya.


    The face looked familiar, but he couldn’t ce where he’d seen it.


    The therapist hesitated. “Mr. Carter, you really don’t recognize this person?”


    So the doctor knew who this was?


    Alex caught the pity in the therapist’s eyes and felt irritated.


    This isn’t Maya. Why would I know some random kid?”


    ‘he doctor sighed. “But this person lived with you for three years.”


    hat irritation red into rage.


    Impossible.” The word came through gritted teeth as he grabbed the drawing.


    There’s no fucking way!”


    he therapist tried to calm him. “Mr. Carter, the subconscious doesn’t lie. This might be your truest memory.”


    My memory is fine!” Alex snapped. “Maya saved me. It was always Maya!”


    le threw the drawing on the floor like trash and stormed out.


    fis car tore down the highway straight to Maya’s apartment building.


    he’d just finished a private recital, still in her elegant gown. When she saw him, she threw herself into his arms with delight.


    Alex! What are you doing here?”


    Alex grabbed her wrists, his grip almost painful. “Maya, tell me the truth. Back then-was it really you?”


    fer smile froze for a split second. Then her eyes filled with tears.


    ‘Alex, how can you ask me that? Don’t you remember how I rolled down that hill trying to find help? I still have scars on my legs.”


    She started to lift her dress hem.


    Alex immediately stopped her, guilt washing over his face.


    “I’m sorry, Maya. I just… had a nightmare.”


    Maya pressed against his chest, a sh of something dark in her eyes, though her voice stayed wounded. <fn6ad6> ?????? ???? </fn6ad6>


    “Did Grace say something to you again? She’s always been jealous of me. She’s been copying my white dresses since forever, and now she wants to


    steal our past too.”


    “Alex, don’t listen to her. She’spletely crazy.”


    10.00


    “I know.” Alex tightened his arms around her, voice firm. “I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”


    Maya’s tears washed away hisst trace of doubt.


    But Grace-that name stuck in his mind like a thorn, making him restless and angry.


    He pulled out his phone and called his assistant.


    “Find out where Grace is now.”


    “I’m going to make her pay for trying to rece Maya!”