Chapter 4: A Haunted Past – Flashback to Evelyn’s Life Before the Accident

You carry your past with you everywhere, don't you? Even when you think you've left it behind, it lingers in the corners of your mind, waiting for the right moment to resurface. For Evelyn Harper, that moment came unexpectedly one night as she lay awake in her apartment, staring at the ceiling.

The Day Everything Changed

It was a warm summer evening, three years ago. Evelyn and Claire sat on Claire's porch, sipping wine and talking about their futures. They were best friends—closer than sisters—and nothing seemed impossible between them.

Claire had dreams of opening her own art gallery, showcasing local talent. Evelyn supported her every step of the way, offering advice from her background in interior design. Together, they talked about turning an old Victorian mansion into their dream space.

"We could call it Blackthorn Gallery," Claire said, laughing. "Isn't that perfect?"

Evelyn smiled, though the name sent a shiver down her spine. She didn't know why—it just felt… off.

"Don't joke about names like that," she teased. "We'll come up with something better."

But deep down, she couldn't shake the unease.

The Argument That Night

Later that night, things took a turn. An argument erupted over something trivial—a missed phone call, a forgotten promise. Words flew fast and sharp, cutting deeper than either of them intended.

"You always do this!" Claire snapped. "You push me away whenever things get serious."

"That's not true," Evelyn shot back. "I'm trying, okay? But you never listen!"

Their voices rose until neighbors started peeking out of windows. Finally, Claire stormed inside, slamming the door behind her. Evelyn stayed outside, pacing under the stars, replaying the fight in her head.

"I'm sorry," she muttered to herself. "I'll fix this tomorrow."

She never got the chance.

The Accident

The next morning, Evelyn woke to chaos. Police cars lined the street, sirens wailing. Neighbors whispered in hushed tones. And then someone told her—the unthinkable. Claire was gone.

An accident, they said. A car crash on the outskirts of town. No survivors.

Evelyn collapsed, unable to process the news. How could someone so full of life be gone in an instant? Worse still, how could she face the guilt of their last conversation?

In the days that followed, details emerged. Witnesses claimed seeing another vehicle near the scene, though no one could identify it. Investigators ruled it a hit-and-run but found no evidence to support the theory. Eventually, the case closed, leaving Evelyn alone with her questions.

Plot Twist: The Letter

Weeks later, while cleaning out Claire's desk, Evelyn discovered a sealed envelope addressed to her. Inside was a single sheet of paper, written in Claire's handwriting:

 Evie, 

 If you're reading this, something bad has happened. Trust no one—not even yourself. There are people watching us, waiting for us to slip up. Be careful. 

 Love always, 

 Claire

The letter shook Evelyn to her core. Who were these people? What did they want? And why hadn't Claire confided in her sooner?

Before she could investigate further, tragedy struck again. Her apartment caught fire, destroying everything—including the letter. By the time firefighters arrived, there was nothing left but ash and questions.

Starting Over

That's when Evelyn decided to leave. Packing only essentials, she changed her name, moved to Seabrook, and built a new life as Sophia Monroe. It wasn't running; it was surviving. Or so she told herself.

But now, standing in Blackthorn Manor, surrounded by echoes of the past, Evelyn wonders if she can truly escape what haunts her. Is it possible that the secrets she buried are resurfacing through the mansion—and through Liam?

 Suspenseful Questions

What connection does Blackthorn Manor have to Claire's death? Why does the mansion seem familiar, even though Evelyn has never been here before? And most importantly, who—or what—is watching her?

You wouldn't ignore these clues, would you? Neither can Evelyn. As the pieces of her past begin to fall into place, she realizes that uncovering the truth might cost her more than she's willing to pay.