alkalimsoo

Celine never imagined that an ordinary life could become a distant dream. Fleeing from a shadowy past that left scars on her soul, she finds herself tangled in a web of deceit, sacrifice, and a desperate quest for freedom. 

When Cleo, her fiercely loyal and quick-witted best friend, staged an elaborate deception at the hospital—feigning paralysis to mislead their pursuers—Celine realized how far they would have to go to protect her twin daughters, Katherine and Catherine. The escape was swift and perilous, culminating in their arrival at Glenavare, a secluded town surrounded by dense woods. But safety came at a cost. 

Cleo’s calculated risk created the illusion that they had been left behind, allowing them to vanish into a quiet life. While Cleo healed from her staged injuries, she played the role of the vigilant protector, her mind always working to secure their fragile peace. Celine, once a disciplined army trainee, adapted to a simple life, pouring all her love into her daughters. Together, they tried to build a semblance of normalcy.

Years later, the twins thrive in Glenavare, their laughter filling the cobblestone streets and their innocence untouched by the secrets their family hides. But the weight of the past presses heavily on both Celine and Cleo. Whispers of unresolved threats and lingering danger haunt their quiet moments, reminding them that their sanctuary is not guaranteed forever.

Cleo and Celine’s bond is tested as they navigate the delicate balance between normalcy and vigilance. Cleo wrestles with her lingering guilt over her harsh methods, knowing every calculated move was for their survival. Celine, on the other hand, struggles to reconcile her instincts to shield her daughters with the harsh reality that they might always live in fear. 

As secrets begin to unravel and old enemies stir, Celine and Cleo realize that their carefully built refuge might not be as impenetrable as they thought. They are forced to confront their own pasts.

Beneath The Warmth of Deceit

The morning sun spilled through the large windows of The Hollow Bean, casting golden light across the rustic wooden counters and well-worn coffee mugs. The air smelled of fresh espresso and warm pastries, filling the cozy café with a sense of comfort. Celine had always found solace in the routine of her work—the rhythmic hum of the espresso machine, the comforting chatter of familiar customers, the quiet predictability of Glenavare. It was a small town where surprises were rare, and strangers even rarer. 


The bell above the door chimed, signaling the arrival of new customers. Celine glanced up from where she was restocking sugar packets, expecting to see Mrs. Whitmore or one of the usual early-morning regulars. Instead, two men in suits stepped inside, and immediately, the air in the café felt different. 


Chapter 20: The Coffee Shop