Today is a momentous day, filled with anticipation and joy. Since receiving that life-altering letter, I’ve been replaying the moment I’d see the children again. Our meeting, arranged at a cozy café, has my heart soaring with a long-absent familial warmth.

　　I still vividly recall the shattering of my life months ago, the divorce from David, the sudden collapse of our world, now miraculously reborn by my newfound wealth. It all feels surreal, yet I believe my children need me. Even without formal employment since the divorce, I know the power of a mother's love.

　　“Mom! Are you ready to see them?” Anna asked excitedly beside me.

　　“I’m thrilled, but also nervous,” I sighed softly, her concern grounding me.

　　“Don’t worry, they’ll be so happy to see you,” Anna reassured me.

　　“I hope they feel my presence,” I closed my eyes, their smiling faces filling my mind. Sunlight bathed their faces, a warmth and vastness mirroring the feeling in my heart.

　　Checking the time, I decided to see David first. He met me at a nearby park, where we sat cautiously on a bench, a distance between us, as if we were still strangers, that couple we once were.

　　“Catherine, I’m glad you’re considering letting the children live with you,” his voice held a firmness that surprised me.

　　“Me too, David. They deserve a complete family, especially now that I can provide them with a better life,” I replied, a knot of unease tightening in my stomach. This return to motherhood felt both unsettling and exhilarating.

　　Relief shone in David’s eyes. His demeanor hadn't changed because of our divorce. “I think you’re still a wonderful mother, and the children miss you terribly.”

　　“But they’ve lived with you all these years. How can you be sure they want to move in with me?” My doubts lingered.

　　“Because I’ve talked to them, and they clearly want to reconnect with you,” David said confidently. “In my eyes, you’re still a great mother.”

　　“Thank you, truly,” a warmth spread through me, soothing some of the old wounds. But the shadow of our separation quickly dimmed the light.

　　“So, could we try again?” David’s sudden question sent a tremor through me. His hopeful gaze was unsettling.

　　“Try again?” I echoed, my voice laced with surprise. A tangle of emotions—love and resentment—held me captive. “We’ve been through so much pain. Is reconciliation even possible?”

　　“I believe that with effort, we can work through our past problems,” he insisted, his eyes filled with hope and longing, pulling me towards a new life.

　　“But I need time to think,” my voice was soft, yet firm in its refusal.

　　David nodded slightly. “I understand. It’s all in your hands.”

　　Our conversation was brief. He left with a warm embrace, a jolt of old memories and intimacy coursing through me.

　　The afternoon sun warmed the park, a pleasant heat despite the humidity. My heart overflowed with a strange hope. I couldn't wait to hold my children.

　　“Are you okay, Catherine?” Anna appeared, her question hinting at my conversation with David.

　　“I actually feel…”

　　“Don’t be silly! This is your chance, a fresh start,” she focused on me, gripping my hand, giving me strength.

　　“Do you think I’ll have problems with them? Will the past affect our relationship?” My desire was strong, but fear still lingered.

　　“You’re their mother! Everything will be alright. Every day is a new beginning,” Anna’s optimism calmed me.

　　“I hope so,” I smiled faintly, touching the necklace around my neck, ready to face whatever came next.

　　That afternoon, my meeting with Emily was scheduled at a quiet restaurant, a significant milestone in what felt like a professional relationship. The change in my life might begin here. I never expected to meet her, but her role as my father's estate assistant made it unavoidable.

　　The restaurant was in a secluded area, far from the city's bustle. As I drove, a growing unease settled over me. The leafy road only amplified my apprehension.

　　“This is really far out,” I muttered, deciding to call Emily to confirm.

　　As I dialed, a sudden, inexplicable dread washed over me. Watching the cars pass, time seemed to slow.

　　Emily’s voice came through the phone. “Catherine, I’m sorry, the location is a bit remote. Please wait for me. I’ll be there soon.”

　　“It’s fine, I just arrived. Come quickly,” I said, hanging up. But in that instant, a black car pulled up nearby.

　　“This is an unusual place…” A nameless unease prickled my skin.

　　Soon, Emily arrived, smiling and greeting me. A complex mix of emotions washed over me, her presence offering a small measure of relief.

　　“Catherine! Sorry to keep you waiting!” she said, seemingly unfazed by the remote location.

　　“It’s very peaceful, perfect for a good talk,” I replied lightly, though my nervousness remained.

　　Before we could sit, a sudden hostility filled the air. The atmosphere thickened, the sunlight dimming. I looked around, noticing several unfamiliar figures watching us from a distance. Their intense gaze sent shivers down my spine.

　　“Is there something you need to tell me, Emily?” I asked urgently.

　　“Yes, I want to help you understand your family history, the management of the estate, and what your father truly wanted for you,” she said thoughtfully.

　　A screeching of tires cut her off. The black car’s doors flew open, and several men in black suits rushed towards me.

　　My heart plummeted. Danger had arrived. Instinctively, I turned to run, but it was too late. They surrounded me, one grabbing my wrist.

　　“Catherine!” Emily cried out, fear in her voice.

　　“Let go of me! Who are you?” I struggled, but their strength was overwhelming.

　　“Don’t resist, miss,” one of the men said, his voice cold and menacing. “We just need you to come with us.”

　　My mind raced. “Why should I go with you?” I gritted my teeth, but they didn’t answer, dragging me towards the black car.

　　The world seemed to darken. A sense of inescapable despair enveloped me. In that moment, I realized this was a turning point. My children, my wealth, my reconciliation with David—all threatened. I was a victim of this conspiracy.

　　“Let her go!” I fought, desperate to control my fate, but powerless to change what was happening. As they shoved me into the car, everything blurred, time twisting into an endless loop.

　　In the midst of my frantic struggle, my consciousness faded, the sounds around me disappearing. The world plunged into darkness, my fear and anxiety intensifying.

　　As darkness consumed me, I realized how unpredictable life could be, and the cruel, unknown fate that awaited me.