...
Ruby walked out of the auditorium, her trophy clutched tightly in her hand. Ava was waiting for her, a warm smile on her face.
"I'm so proud of you, Ruby," Ava said, giving her a hug. "You stood up for yourself and your art."
Ruby smiled, feeling a sense of relief and validation. "Thanks, Ava. I couldn't have done it without your support."
Aurora approached Ruby with a warm smile. "Ruby, congratulations again on your win. I must say, I'm impressed not only by your art but also by your integrity."
Ruby smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Ma'am. That means a lot coming from you."
Aurora's expression turned thoughtful. "I have to admit, I feel a sense of familiarity with you
Ruby's curiosity was piqued. "Really?"
Aurora's eyes seemed to gaze into the past, her smile tinged with nostalgia. "Yes, there's something about your passion, your fire... it reminds me of myself when I was younger."
Ruby's curiosity deepened. "What do you mean?"
Aurora's gaze refocused on Ruby. "I think I'd love to discuss it further, perhaps over coffee? Would you be interested?"
Ruby hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I'd love to."
As they exchanged numbers, Ava looked on, slightly curious but mostly supportive. "I'll catch up with you later, Ruby," Ava said, smiling. "Congratulations again."
With Ava gone, Ruby turned her attention back to Aurora. "When were you thinking?"
"How about tomorrow?" Aurora suggested. "I'd love to hear more about your art and your inspirations."
Ruby nodded, excitement building. "Tomorrow sounds perfect."
As Ruby parted ways with Aurora, she couldn't shake off the feeling that their meeting was more than a coincidence. Little did she know, Aurora's past held secrets that would soon intertwine with her own.
Aurora's eyes followed Ruby as she walked away, a mix of emotions swirling within her. Memories of the past flooded her mind—the hospital, the kidnapping, the desperation, and the endless search.
She recalled the police investigation, the fruitless searches, and the overwhelming grief. Years had passed, but the pain still lingered.
Aurora's gaze lingered on Ruby's retreating figure.
Aurora's mind replayed the events of that fateful day. The hospital, the joy of holding her newborn, and then the unthinkable—her child vanished.
The same child she was holding just a few hours ago was nowhere to be found...she couldn't accept it.
The investigation, the searches, the pleas for her child's safe return... all had led to nothing.
As she stood there, lost in thought, Aurora's determination hardened.
She wondered if her child-her baby girl was with her, would she take on her Arts passion or would she be interested in something different.
Her thoughts were interrupted by her assistant who reminded her about going home.
Looking around the premises, there were just a few people around who were mostly cleaners.
Aurora's gaze lingered on the empty space where Ruby had stood, her mind still reeling from their encounter. The assistant's call broke the spell, and she turned to leave.
As she walked towards the car, the silence of the university premises was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her.
The dim lighting cast long shadows, echoing the darkness of her past.
"Let's go home," Aurora said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The drive home was a blur, her thoughts consumed by the unknown.
When they arrived, Aurora's mind was still racing. Ruby's passion for art, it felt hauntingly familiar.
Stepping into her Mansion, the familiar surroundings, the grand foyer, the sweeping staircase, the artwork adorning the walls—none of it brought solace.
Aurora's family had been a source of comfort and strength during her darkest days. Her husband, Marcus Wynter, had stood by her side through the investigation and the years that followed.
His parents, Elizabeth and James, had welcomed her into their family with open arms, treating her like their own daughter.
They had offered words of encouragement and support, never once questioning her love for her child.
Aurora walked into the living room, where Marcus was reading a book. "Hey," he said, looking up. "How was your day?"
Aurora hesitated. "It was... interesting," she said.
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"
Aurora took a deep breath. "I met someone today. A young woman named Ruby. She's an artist."
Marcus's expression turned curious. "And?"
Aurora's voice was barely above a whisper. "She reminded me of... our daughter."
Marcus's expression softened, his eyes filled with sadness.
He had been looking forward to pampering his child—but all that came crashing down with the disappearance of their child
Marcus's expression turned thoughtful. "Tell me more about Ruby. What makes you say so?"
Aurora hesitated, gathering her thoughts. "It's her passion for art... she just reminds me of myself when I was younger. And there's something about her that feels... familiar."
Marcus nodded, his eyes filled with understanding.
Just then, Elizabeth and James Wynter walked into the living room, their faces warm with smiles. "Hello, Dear," Elizabeth said, noticing the serious expressions on their faces. "What's going on?"
James, ever perceptive, sensed something was amiss. "Is everything all right?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
Marcus glanced at Aurora, then back at his parents. "Aurora met someone today," he began, "a young woman named Ruby. She's an artist."
Elizabeth's eyes lit up. "How lovely! We'd love to meet her."
Aurora hesitated, unsure how to proceed. "It's just... she reminds me of our daughter," she said softly.
The room fell silent, the weight of their shared grief and hope hanging in the air. James and Elizabeth exchanged a knowing glance, their faces filled with a mix of sadness and curiosity.
"We've been searching for answers for so long," Aurora continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "If there's even a chance that Ruby is... our daughter, I have to know."
Elizabeth's expression softened, her eyes filling with compassion. "We'll support you, dear. Whatever the truth may be."
James nodded in agreement. "We'll do whatever it takes to find out if Ruby is the one we've been searching for."
The room was filled with a sense of determination, the Wynter family united in their quest for the truth....
Elizabeth nodded, her eyes shining with hope. "And if Ruby is indeed our granddaughter, we'll do everything in our power to make sure she's safe and loved."
James placed a reassuring hand on Aurora's shoulder. "We'll get through this together, as a family."
The warmth and support of her family enveloped Aurora, giving her the strength to move forward. She smiled weakly, her eyes welling up with tears. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.....