Can all of you leave just any comment? I really look forward to giving a reply and talk and get my mind off of things. 

"What's Amber doing?" Nick asked Gideon on his video chat while Sydney pulled a suitcase along with her as she entered a four-bedroom home.

She went straight to the kitchen to set something for herself and Nick. The house had a living room with a beautiful view of a lawn and was furnished with comfortable couches and a huge TV. The house was not the one owned by Miller estate but was only three miles away from her place. In fact, she was to act as if she had gone to her separate ways with Noah. Jasper planned to spread the news by telling the staff at her home.

Sydney already told Jasper that she will only be away for three days. If nothing happens or they didn't catch anyone she will be out. Though she knew they were still guarded but wasn't able to take a single breath in peace. There were cameras and microphones everywhere.

She set a sandwich for Nick and called him to eat when he came asking, "Can't we go back? I don't feel good here," Only his words were enough to send shivers in Sydney's body. She wondered if one day he will come asking why she put his life in danger or blame her to do that because he was not his own kid.

"Honey, it's just three days. And, I will play all the video games you want me to play with you." Sydney offered a smile thinking he will agree.

"And, you will order the Mexican Pizza Gideon orders?" Nick asked making Sydney agree to his every demand.

The whole day was spent and Nick was really happy to have his mom all to himself after so long. Amber whined going to bed as to how she didn't get mom to her side and end up crashing over Gideon's bed.

Sydney couldn't read any magazines and remained in Nick's room all the time with his cellphone with video call going on and looked at her kids sleeping.

At 3 am she startled out of her sleep to find herself on the recliner in Nick's room. She was safe and her Nick was sound asleep. Yawning she came out to have a glass of water when she felt someone's presence. It was not any sound. It was the perfume that neither she nor nick wore.

Her heartbeat escalated as she put the glass down. "Who are you?" She said as a chill ran in her spine. There was no response and she had to look at her back but there was no one. "I know that you are here," She said again but this time heard the footsteps before she could feel someone appearing at the doorframe of the kitchen.

She looked at her left to find six feet tall man with grey eyes and black hair. "Don't tell me you are Mrs. Miller." He said making Sydney say "Who are you?"

"I wasn't meant to be caught but you can call me Rey with e," The person said making Sydney's brow raise making him explain more. "I am your security guard if you are Mrs. Miller...that I hope you are not."

"What are you trying to say?" Sydney asked this time not fearing because she got he was here for security reasons.

"I am trying to explain that I was in the pantry room all the time monitoring you two and only came out to have dinner but got caught," Sydney looked at him and got a little uncomfortable with the way he smiled at her. She remained quiet for two minutes before saying, "You can come, and eat,"

"Seriously," that person said with a smile and for a moment Sydney wondered what he was suggesting.

"You can get back to the pantry after you finish," Sydney said and saw his smile dropping. "What's the point Sydney you already know that I am here," Rey said coming into the kitchen and got the seat across her.

"Mrs. Miller. You will only call me Mrs. Miller," Sydney said in a serious tone this time.

"I am sorry if I seemed a little flirt but I was only trying to let you lose a little..."

"You only do your job. I am fine," She said and saw him shrugging his shoulders.

Sydney went to Nick's room. Though the person was a lot odd and she was not entirely at rest with his company. Now she knew that they were not alone.

"I am missing you," Sydney texted Noah and went to sleep realizing that if Noah ever gets to know about her taking such a drastic step he will never forgive her.

In the morning, Sydney woke up and set breakfast for her and Nick. She couldn't help looking at the camera in the kitchen knowing the person in the pantry must be hungry too.

Making some spare pancakes she waited until Nick went to talk with Gideon over some treasure they won in the game. She had to knock twice at the door before she saw Rey opening the door rubbing his eyes. The person who was supposed to look out for them was sleeping quite peacefully. The way his eyes widen looking at Sydney offering him breakfast made him smile ear to ear.

"I knew you had a heart of gold Sydney," Rey said making Sydney repeat. "Mrs. Miller,"

"...I guess I have to get used to it." Sydney did notice the sadness in his voice but then knew it was one of his weird responses because this is what that person was.

She turned to find her cellphone ringing and the moment she saw the caller ID she motioned him to get in and locked the pantry door.

"Hey honey," Sydney said and hear Noah, "I am missing you so much," This bought a smile on Sydney's face and make her say, "Then why don't you come earlier," But soon realizing her mistake her smile sank.

"I might come after five days. There is a flood alert and the campaign might shorten," She heard Noah say and panicked a little.

"How...short?" She asked and tried to sound nonchalant.

"I don't know...do you want me there so bad...it's only been three days." She could hear him chuckle and smiled.

"Of course, I am missing you a lot. But you have work too..." She said but got startled looking at someone appearing from her back. The moment she sent her furious eyes to Rey he mouthed, "Syrup..."

"Is there someone around?" Noah asked making Sydney say,

"No, its...it was Gideon..."

"Let me talk to him," Sydney heard Noah say,

"He is asking you to call on his cellphone,..."

"Sydney are you home?" Noah cuts her off.

"Yea,..." Sydney's voice came out in a whisper.

"Good,...try not to go out,...Or take great care in case you have to,"

"Noah, I need to go. Amber wants some sandwich,"

"...well, it is not the first time I have seen wife lying to her husband about me. But there is something humorous about this situation." His words were enough to send Sydney off the edge.

"Next time you said a word you shouldn't be saying. You will be fired," Sydney said pointing a finger at him before leaving.

The only thing Nick came up with was somehow about Gideon and Amber and how they must be having fun. Sydney could only hope for these two days to pass fast as she too missed having the presence of her kids around her.

It was seven in the evening when she heard a knock at her door. Rey did look at the door but then saying, "I don't think they will ever come through the door," went to the pantry to let Sydney deal with whoever the person was on the door.

Sydney looked out of the peephole and got still. Getting out of her phone she dialed for a number. And, the moment that person picked up Sydney asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Sydney,... I went to your home. I was told that you left with your son Nick. So, I,..."

"Who gave you the address?"

"You don't want to talk to me, right?... I thought I could see you and...I was missing you Sydney."

"...Mrs. Wilson, it is not the right time to see you. I will be thankful if you can return..."

"...it's my birthday today," Sydney didn't have to think a lot over it. She could easily recall that she was right. It was her birthday.

Walking to Nick's room Sydney found him playing his video game and on the way back she motioned Rey to get back to the pantry room who was again roaming in the living room before she came to open the door. In seconds, she was engulfed in a hug but she only kept her hand over Mrs. Wilson's arms. Sydney pulled away to look at the same eye color and the features she had. They indeed looked like sisters. Mrs. Wilson looked great in her grey blazer suit with her hair in a bob cut now. Her eyes were the only thing telling a different story.

"How are you?" She asked,

"I am fine,..." Sydney's reply came.

"...The moment I heard about Noah being alright. I wanted to visit right away. But I thought,..." The woman trailed off,

"...have a seat," Sydney's reply came monotone.

"How's your business doing?" Sydney asked,

"It's good,...good" Mrs. Wilson's sounds a little off as if her business was the last thing she wanted to discuss.

"...How are you doing...your health?" Sydney asked making the woman chuckle.

"My reports came clear two months ago. Guess I will have to live more."

"That's good to hear...Happy birthday, Addison." This time Sydney offered her a little smile.

"Thanks,...I got this for Nick," Addison tried to say but Sydney was quick to shake her head in no,

"No,...this can't be,...you know the rules," Sydney told making Addison lower her eyes.

"Sydney, I am so lonely. I really need to talk to Nick...I won't..."

"I can't risk my kids getting involved with you. The relation between us must end with two of us,...I am sorry," Sydney held her hand setting on the table. This made Addison's eyes glassy before she said, "Can't you pass it to him saying you got him this?" Getting an exhale out she requested Sydney making her get a hold on the bag.

"Thanks," Sydney whispers,

Silence prevailed before Addison started, "I am really happy for you. I hope you deal with differences between Noah and you soon."

"We don't have any differences. He is out on business and I will be home in two days,"

"It's amazing to look at you all strong," Addison looked at her all proud but Sydney could see her pain.

"Remember your 17th birthday? Dad and I made 17 cards for you. You were always the winner Addison. Stop living in the past, good things will eventually come." Sydney tried to lift her state.

"...I don't want anyone beside Caleb. I can never forget him or my boy. I can't move on. And...I know...I know all of this is Karma of leaving my baby sister to the wolves...I am so sorry Sydney," Addison started making Sydney intervene,

"Can you please not mention this Karma thing, Addison? This makes me think that I am the reason for what happened."

"...No, I am my sole enemy...Only if you let me part of your family. I won't ask for much. Just let me,...be the aunt to your kids. Let me see them. Let me hold them." Addison asked again making Sydney say,

"I can't...you are my sister and I love you. I always did. Leaving you when you were at the last of your life wasn't in me. And, you know this right? But I have to be enough for you." Sydney stopped to look at her biting her lip in panic but she knew she had to state,

"My kids let all the guards down if they saw their parents trusting someone. I love you, Addison. But I don't...trust you. I am sorry."

"...you are right,...I am,...not to be trusted." The moment Sydney found her shivering she got up to hold her tight.

"Are you taking your medicines? Just relax...No honey...everything will be alright, Addison? You won't need me soon,"

"No, it won't happen...I know...Sydney..." She inhaled before telling, "The moment I lost my boy and saw my Caleb taking his last breath in my hands. I lost every reason to live. But it's so hard. It's so hard living a life with no life in it,...only if I was not adamant on eating out," Addison looked lost in her thoughts when Sydney interrupted,

"It was an accident, it wasn't your fault."

"...but leaving you was my fault." Sydney pulled away to look in her eyes better,

"Let's not dwell on the past," Sydney said but was cut off with Addison saying,

"Then don't dwell on the past. Trust me...forgive me and let me in."

"I am not living in the past, Addison. I have only been taught in the past."

Listening to Sydney Addison smiled a little and shook her head. Sydney walked to the kitchen to take some water for her. She took a seat across Addison before Addison started lost in her thoughts.

"I hated Noah for weeks for using his power and money to influence our town. My father in law lost his shares and if not was deceived to lose some. Isabella who lost her husband only two days ago was scammed by the same man. Our town struggled to get past for six long months with no work. Until Miller enterprise came to buy the lands and provide the work to locals. Don't get me wrong...I was happy for you too, happy that you found someone who loves you...but after Caleb it gave me time. It gave me time to think that the town including me was reaping what we did."

"...Noah is not to blame. It wasn't Noah. Isabella was always stupid without Mr. Blake and your father in law was a greedy person who didn't look into the matter carefully..."

"...it doesn't matter now. Everything is finished,..." Addison cut her off,

"...I told you we will not discuss the town." Sydney reminded her.

"...it is fine. As long as you let me see you..." Addison swiped her tear away and Sydney couldn't help but look at her wedding ring that Addison still used to wear. "...Why don't you come to France someday? I will be very happy to see you."

"Even if I visit I will be with kids and Noah...I won't be able to,"

"...come on, a cup of coffee won't hurt you and mom doesn't live with me anymore...her Alzheimer got worst and she left the home,...I am still looking for her but its been six months and I don't know..." Even the mention of Jennifer was enough to make her mouth sour but she tried not to say a word.

Sydney looked at the silent and broken Addison. Her heart did pain to look at her sister. It was not Addison. She never worked to get a company. She was always surrounded by people and was loved.

"Maybe I can sneak for a coffee run...but it is not a promise," Sydney said making Addison smile.

"I will patiently look for that day,"

"...take care, Addison." Sydney smiled and bid her farewell after more of an hour. Every time she hugged her it made her recall the old times. Times that were good and knowing she can't trust her hurts her immensely.

It seems like yesterday when she ran into weak and dying Addison who was on her chemo without her husband and boy beside him. Though Sydney tried to unseen her she couldn't. She always adored Addison. Just as the first time she laid her eyes on her.

But letting her kids know about this name was out of the question. Though she loved Addison she knew she can kill for her kids.

Sydney walked to Nick again to find her still busy on the game. She knew Gideon had turned her outgoing boy into gadgets more but she had other things to worry about. She hugged her boy tight all the while saying,

"Thank you so much for letting me in your life," This made Nick laugh as he said, "Mom I am playing,"

The second night in the house kept Sydney more restless but she didn't know if she should be happy or sad that no one came out. They were just waiting to be caught and it made her wonder if all of this was really important.

Maybe there is no one out there and I am wasting away the trust Noah has on me for literally nothing. It was her first thought in the morning but she got herself sobered knowing there is another man walking who can't keep his mouth shut for a minute.

"Mom, dad is sending me toys! And, chocolates...and a Robot." Nick was running squealing in excitement while Sydney smiled making breakfast for him.

"But he doesn't know that I am here," Nick said all of a sudden getting Sydney's attention.

"Can I tell him?" Nick asked making Sydney's heart race.

"We are getting back to home tomorrow. There is no need to do that."

"...I really want to go home," Looking at his pout made Sydney felt bad for letting Nick go through this.

"We will be home tomorrow," Sydney said and asked him to have the pasta.

She was looking at Nick digging into his pasta when she got a call from Grace. "Hello," She said after looking at the phone for a whole minute.

"Sydney, Is there something off between you two? What's going on here? You could have told me,..." Sydney who was least expecting this question couldn't come up with anything but heard her say, "...I know, I went overboard last time. But believe me, Noah going for therapies took me by surprise. But after listening to you I get your point. I was still thinking about how to reconcile with you and this shit happened. I am,...am coming to you,"

"No, Grace, believe me, this is between us. Let us handle this. And, if we can't it wasn't meant to happen," Sydney tried to sound normal and make it convincing enough.

"What the fuck!" She heard Grace shouting on the other side before the line went cut." Sydney looked at the phone for some minutes before shaking her head in disbelief. "This woman is strange". Sydney muttered before serving Rey the dinner too.

"What did she say?" Grace heard Michael say,

"Same what Noah said...That it is between them," Grace said in a shock and looked at Noah who was conversing with a young entrepreneur in a business meet up.

"Stop right there. Maybe we shouldn't intervene more." Michael caught her arm and tried to stop the furious Grace.

"Can't you see? He is on a trip where he should have bought Sydney along with him. And, she sounds hopeless that is not her usual self. For once, let us be friends and do our part...I know what I am doing," Grace said the last part with much confidence making Michael let go of her arm.

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