Chapter 3 - SHATTERED ILLUSIONS
The heavy oak doors of the study slammed shut, severing the heavy silence of the hallway. Lauren stood shivering by the fireplace. She had woken up in a hospital two years ago with no memories, no identification, and a severely battered face that took multiple reconstructive surgeries to heal. She had built a quiet life, drawn inexplicably to the Caldwell estate when a job opening appeared.
"Look at me," Ethan demanded, his voice thick with unwept tears. "Tell me you don't feel it. Tell me you didn't look at my son and know exactly who he was."
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"I... I have flashes," she admitted, tears spilling over her lashes. "A burning car. A man crying out. A baby's cry. But the hospital told me I was a Jane Doe. I swear to you, I didn't come here to steal your life."
Outside the study, Vanessa paced the grand hallway like a caged viper. She pulled out her burner phone, dialing a number she hadn't used in twenty-four months. "We have a problem," she hissed into the receiver. "The ghost didn't burn. She's in the study with Ethan. You need to fix this tonight, or we both go down for murder."
