A Clone's Redemption

INTRODUCTION

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Some love stories end in joy, while others dissolve into heartbreak. Given the circumstances we're forced to endure, it's no surprise that people leave-even those who claim to love you the most.

Adeline sat in her large, spacious office, alone and wary of the world, staring out the window at the sky as if waiting for a miracle. Deep down, she knew nothing had changed in years. She imagined a life that, if fair, would have been perfect. If only life were a novel, where you could script your own story and ensure a happy ending-at least in some cases.

She chuckled at the thought, remembering a novel she once read. 'What was its name again? Ah, yes-The Fault in Our Stars. There was something about Augustus Waters that drew me to him. Despite his struggles, he tried his best to bring happiness to those around him, even on his deathbed. He showed that even in sadness and despair, one could find true love and joy.'

Augustus left a lasting impact on readers and writers alike. She know she shouldn't be so fixated on novels, but to her, they capture the essence of life-its agony, sorrow, pain, and triumphs. Maybe she shouldn't dwell on it too much. Just maybe.

"Miss Austen, the conference is about to begin," her assistant said, pulling her from her thoughts. She stood, her face shifting to a neutral mask as she stepped into a world of harsh realities.

Adeline Austen-26 years old, a young and successful entrepreneur, yet single and broken. That was the girl she saw in the mirror every morning. Broken yet holding herself together, having loved deeply only to be betrayed by the one person she thought she could trust. That Adeline was hidden from the world, and for good reason.

The conference ended before it even began, a relief she hadn't realized she needed. She rose, ready to leave, and boarded her car, instructing her driver to take her home.

The house was quiet, as it always was-she lived alone, but she cherished the silence. Deciding to treat herself, she changed into casual clothes and headed to her favorite restaurant.

"Good evening, Miss Austen," greeted the polite young man who always seemed to serve her. She could tell he liked her by the subtle gestures he made, but she couldn't bring herself to reciprocate. Her heart belonged to someone else-someone who didn't care about her.

"Good evening, Kelly. I'll have the usual, please," she said with a smile. She knew she shouldn't encourage him, but she couldn't help being kind. After all, he was her friend.

Alone with her thoughts, Adeline stared into space, wishing circumstances were different. She regretted not making the right choices when she had the chance.

Suddenly, a drunk man appeared out of nowhere and slammed his hand against the window, startling her. "I can smell the desperation on you... Ha ha ha... If you want, I can give you the ride of your life..."

She was more than scared-she was petrified. What was wrong with the world?

He laughed as the staff dragged him away. It seemed like they knew him.

"That's Mr. Grayson. He's got a screw loose. Don't worry about what he said. Anyway, here's your meal. Enjoy," Kelly said. Adeline stared at him, unable to form words, and simply nodded.

She lost her appetite, still processing the encounter. She stared at the steak, deciding to ask Kelly to pack it up for her later.

Adeline turned her attention to the scenery outside-the streetlights casting a warm glow, people wandering as if searching for something they longed for, and children holding their parents' hands, begging for ice cream. It was a sweet sight, reminding her of her daughter.

The moment felt beautiful-until she saw him.

Across the street stood a tall, handsome young man, hand in hand with a woman. He stared at her, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions-apology, regret, and something she couldn't quite place.

It was as if he wanted to come over and comfort her but couldn't. She couldn't face him, not now. She saw him whisper something to the woman and started moving towards the restaurant.

That was enough for her to get up and run-run as fast as she could, as far away as possible.

Memories of the past flooded her mind, taunting and strangling her. She didn't watch where she was going and she was hit by a truck.

The only thing she heard was silence.

Adeline saw his face one last time-the face she had longed to see for three years. All the memories of what they had shared flashed before her eyes. With that, she closed her eyes and let the darkness take her.

Somewhere in the city, someone watched the news with a satisfied smile, sipping a glass of expensive champagne. Well, well, well... A call came through the intercom. Smirking, he answered.

"What!" There was silence on the other end for a few seconds.

"I thought you would kill her. This isn't what we agreed on!"

He let out a throaty laugh. "We made an agreement, Miss Rivers. I said, 'I would deal with her,' not kill her-at least, not yet." Before she could respond, he ended the call. This was just the beginning.

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