Chapter 1285
Years back, after that desperate leap into the sea just to escape Miguel’s grip, Rita had lost her memories—her past, her name, her medical skills. It was some cruel twist of fate that she had been rescued by Edgar and Elsie and brought back to the Thompson household, where she had lived as a servant ever since.
Rita—once bright, confident, and full of life—had spent the past ten years serving in the home of her own parents. The injustice weighed on Elliana until tears filled her eyes.
Rita’s eyes widened when she saw the tears on “Milena’s” face.
“Dr. Atkinson, what’s wrong? Did I do something to upset you?”
Rita’s submissive tone cut deeper than any knife. Unable to take it anymore, Elliana grabbed Rita and pulled her into a tight, trembling hug. Her voice cracked as one broken word slipped out.
“Mom…”
She spoke in her real voice—not the deep disguise she had been using, but the voice she had called out with as a child whenever she was hurt or frightened.
Rita froze, stunned. Why was Milena hugging her? Why was he calling her “Mom”? And why had his voice suddenly softened into that of a young woman? Even so, instinct took over. She didn’t pull away. She didn’t question it. She simply rested her hand on Elliana’s back and whispered gently, “Let’s go inside first.”
Rita’s calm words snapped Elliana back to reality. She wiped her tears quickly and turned toward the bedroom. A glance down the hallway showed that no one else was there. Thank goodness no one had seen her break down.
Just then, Elliana’s phone buzzed. A message from Levi lit up the screen.
“Why are you suddenly interested in Bexley?”
Elliana typed quickly.
“Can’t talk now. Just keep it between us.”
His reply came almost instantly.
“No problem. Like I said, as long as it doesn’t harm my family, I’ll do anything you ask.”
Elliana put her phone away and stepped into the bedroom.
g?lnσνs?c?m, your destination for tales
Rita followed her in and closed the door firmly behind them.
Elliana moved with quiet determination. She drew the curtains shut with the remote and turned on the soft lamp, filling the room with warm light.
As Rita watched Milena operate the controls so easily, a realization came over her. Milena wanted a moment alone with her to talk. Her thoughts raced. The odd…
behavior. The sudden hug. The slip of “Mom.” Piecing everything together, she finally whispered, “Is there something you want to tell me?”
Elliana nodded. She lifted her hands to her head and removed the short wig. Then, she peeled away the prosthetic Adam’s apple. A moment later, her long, silky hair fell down her back like a waterfall.
Right before Rita’s eyes, the calm, handsome Milena disappeared—revealing a stunning young woman.
Rita stared, speechless. Shards of memory flickered through her mind, sharp but unreachable. She tried to grasp them, but they slipped away. Still, a deep, instinctive sense of familiarity washed over her. The connection felt natural—like blood recognizing blood.
“You…” Rita could barely form a word.
Elliana smiled through fresh tears.
.
.
.