"Olly! What on earth are you up to?" the younger girl exclaimed as she watched her sister ascend the terrace, their hands tightly intertwined.

The younger girl felt a wave of fear wash over her. Her father had forbidden her from venturing into certain parts of this holiday farmhouse, and the terrace was one of those off-limits areas. It used to hold cherished memories for her, but sadly, her father had since prohibited her from going there.

"Don't fret, silly. Dad won't be back until late tonight. It's our birthday, and I want us to go there together and celebrate," her sister reassured her.

Suddenly, a voice reverberated through the hallway, causing both girls to freeze in their tracks.

"Where in the world do you two think you're headed?" their father's voice thundered, his eyes filled with fury, fixated on the younger girl.

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Ava's POV

For the past two years, I've been living in Paris, far away from the life I used to live. Every year, on our birthday, my twin sister Olly would make the journey to my apartment, and together, we'd create joyful memories. It was our tradition, a tradition that Dad never partook in, not since that fateful incident that robbed us of our mother. 

Instead, he reserved his grand celebrations for Olly alone. Despite the apparent favoritism, Olly never let me feel the weight of Dad's actions. She didn't openly express sympathy for me, but deep down, I knew she yearned for us to be a complete, happy family once again.

Even celebrating with friends was never an option for me. Dad's constant moving us from place to place prevented me from forming any lasting friendships. It was as if he was determined to keep me isolated, hidden away from the world.

However, today was different. After many years, I felt a shift in the air. Amara and my college friends had planned a surprise for me on the terrace, a place they had always kept as their secret hideaway. 

The concept of secrets had always been associated with fear and uncertainty for me, as Dad had used them to hide me away. Yet, this time, one of these secret places had become the site of my first birthday celebration in years.

Secrets had always hinted at shocking and terrible revelations in my past, but today's surprise was different. It wasn't a shocking or horrifying revelation; it was a beautiful and heartwarming one. It was a sign that perhaps, despite the painful memories of the past, there could be moments of happiness and connection in the present and the future.

Standing near the window, I gazed out at the radiant landscape of this new country I now called home. The city sprawled out before me, its twinkling lights evoking memories of a cherished place from my childhood - our favorite farmhouse. It was a special spot where, just like here, we could take in the entire cityscape on our birthdays. The reminiscence transported me back to those happier times.

In that farmhouse, Mom was the heart and soul of our birthday celebrations. She had a passion for baking, and her cakes were a labor of love. Every year, she would whip up delicious cakes, each one more delightful than the last. But it wasn't just about the cakes; it was about the love and care she poured into every detail of our birthday parties.

Her surprises were legendary. The way she adorned our birthdays with decorations that sparkled with creativity and charm left us in awe. And then there were the friends' parties she organized, where she ensured that we had the best time with our pals.

As I gazed out of the window at the shimmering city lights, I couldn't help but smile at the fond memories of those birthday celebrations. Mom's love and the warmth of those gatherings were etched in my heart, serving as a reminder of the happiness we once knew and the hope that such joy could find its way back into my life.

I was lost in my thoughts, gazing out of the window, when a gentle hand rested on my shoulder, bringing me back from my reverie. Startled, I turned to see Amara standing beside me, concern etched across her face.

"Ava, are you okay?" she inquired softly, her eyes filled with empathy. The whirlwind of emotions churning within me left me speechless, and instead of responding, I simply nodded, returning my gaze to the world outside.

Then, out of the blue, Amara broached a sensitive topic, her words catching me off guard. "I know you must be missing Olivia, right?" Her question made me snap my eyes back to her, a rush of apprehension causing me to glance around the room to ensure no one could overhear our conversation.

"Don't worry about anyone listening in," she reassured me, her voice a soothing balm to my tense nerves. "I made sure everyone was occupied with some activity before approaching you."

I surveyed the room discreetly, and true to her words, my friends were engrossed in a game of Truth and Dare. We had all started playing together, but after I felt overwhelmed and needed some space to sort through my emotions, I slipped away to find solace by the window.

Feeling a surge of relief that I could confide in Amara, I allowed my tears to flow freely and embraced her tightly. Her understanding and support in that moment were a lifeline, a reminder that even amidst the heavy emotions and missing loved ones, I now had friends who cared deeply for me.

After a while, as my tears subsided, I gently pulled away from Amara, and together, we wiped away the traces of our shared emotions. At that moment, there was a sense of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. Although the ache of missing Olivia still clung to my heart, I couldn't deny the solace I found in having a friend like Amara by my side.

Amara, with her penchant for gathering gossip, suddenly seemed like a valuable asset in my quest to find Olly. The depths of her knowledge could prove to be instrumental in unraveling the mystery of Olly's whereabouts. Our shared tears not only strengthened our bond but also underscored the profound power of friendship during times of sorrow.

However, in the midst of this newfound connection and purpose, a bitter reality lingered in the back of my mind. I couldn't escape the fact that all of this was temporary. Once my mission to locate Olly was complete, I would inevitably have to leave behind the friends and the life I had started building here and return to Paris. The fleeting nature of the solace and camaraderie I found in this foreign place was a reminder of the impermanence of life's circumstances.

"Ava, I still believe that Romano could be a valuable asset for your mission. You should consider sharing everything with him," Amara earnestly proposed.

Amara's suggestion struck a chord with me as I contemplated the potential advantages of involving Romano in my quest to locate Olly. Her insight was astute, and I couldn't deny that Romano's knowledge and connections might prove indispensable in this endeavor. However, it also meant that I would have to confront my own feelings for him, something I had been avoiding. Yet, I understood the necessity of this step, and I nodded in agreement, appreciating Amara's unwavering support.

"You're absolutely right, Amara," I responded with sincerity. "Romano could indeed become a crucial ally in our search for Olly. I'll share with him everything I've shared with you. It's time to explore every avenue to bring her back."

A soft smile graced Amara's lips, her eyes reflecting a blend of hope and determination. "We'll find her, Ava. Together."

With those reassuring words, both Amara and I acknowledged that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges. However, we were ready to face them head-on, united in our shared mission to reunite our family.

Now, the moment had arrived for me to steel myself against my own emotions and embark on the journey to find Olly. Romano was Olly's happiness, and I had no right to deprive my own sister of the love and joy she deserved. Throughout our lives, she had been there for me, supporting me, and showing unwavering kindness. It was time for me to repay that kindness by reuniting her with the person who meant so much to her.

As I prepared to take on this challenging mission, I understood that it would require immense strength and resolve. It meant setting aside my own feelings, my fears, and my desires, all for the sake of my sister's happiness. The love I felt for Olly, as well as the complex emotions I harbored for Romano, had to be temporarily pushed aside.

In this selfless pursuit, I aimed to be the best sister I could be, to bring back the happiness that had been missing from our lives for far too long. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make, knowing that the ultimate reward would be seeing Olly's smile and knowing that she was safe and content.

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Thanks for reading.

Lots of love

xxx