Chapter 4 Return to the Lion's Den

Five Years Later, Amidex City

In a small courtyard nestled deep within the tranquil valley of Amidex City, the fragrance of wildflowers lingered in the air, carried by the gentle breeze that rustled the leaves. The golden glow of the setting sun bathed the peaceful haven in a warm light, casting long shadows across the wooden veranda.

Clara sat lazily on an open-air sofa, dressed in a flowing dark green dress that complemented her long, raven-black hair. Her delicate features were relaxed as she sipped a cup of herbal tea, her gaze following the two most precious treasures of her life-her four-year-old twins, Daniel and Melody. They were giggling as they played with a small, lively puppy, their joy filling the air with an infectious warmth.

She had never planned for this life. That fateful night five years ago had changed everything, leaving her stranded, alone, and pregnant. Had it not been for Mr. Melvin, who had found her barely conscious near the shores of the deep sea, she might not have survived. Nor would her children.

Here, in Amidex City, a hidden sanctuary cut off from the outside world, she had found peace. A sense of belonging she had never known before.

"Little treasures! Grandma is here!" A cheerful, melodious voice called from behind. Clara didn't need to turn to know who it was. Only one person addressed herself with such enthusiasm-Tania, Mr. Melvin's wife.

"Grandma Tania!" Melody squealed, abandoning the puppy as she ran toward the elegantly dressed older woman. Her chubby little arms stretched wide for a hug.

Tania scooped her up with ease, pressing exaggerated kisses onto her round cheeks. "My sweet Lunia baby! Have you been good?"

"Yes, Grandma Tania!" Melody chirped.

Daniel, more reserved than his sister, walked over with measured steps. Tania turned to him with an equally warm smile. "And what about my Daniel baby?"

Daniel nodded solemnly before allowing her to pull him into a warm embrace, though he didn't giggle the way his sister did.

Tania turned her attention to Clara. "I'm here to take the little ones for their lessons."

Clara let out a dramatic sigh. "You're relentless, you know?"

Tania chuckled. "Education is key! Besides, they're doing well. It would be a waste of their talents not to learn properly."

Clara knew there was no avoiding it. Amidex City had its own customs, and education here was different from the outside world. Lessons weren't just about reading and writing; they also included combat training, survival skills, and history far richer than anything Clara had ever known.

"Alright, alright. Just don't push them too hard."

Tania laughed. "Don't worry. I'll only make them cry a little." With a playful wink, she took both children's hands and led them away. Melody skipped beside her happily, while Daniel followed with his usual quiet composure.

Clara watched them go, a wistful smile on her lips. How she wished this peace could last forever. But deep in her heart, she knew it was only a matter of time before reality caught up to her.

That evening, Mr. Melvin sent an urgent message, asking her to come to the village's technology center. Jonathan, Amidex City's tech expert, had been tracking information for Clara ever since she arrived.

When she stepped into the dimly lit control room, Jonathan was staring at the screen, his brows furrowed in concentration.

"Genesis found Amidex City?" Clara's voice was barely above a whisper.

Jonathan turned, his expression grim. "It's worse than that. The Eden family's master, Eden Lerry, is personally looking into the area. He's not an ordinary man, Clara. If he's involved, it's only a matter of time before they breach our location."

Clara's breath hitched. The Eden family. The name alone sent shivers down her spine. Five years had passed, and yet, they hadn't let her go.

Melvin clenched his fists. "What does he want? It's been five years! Why is he still chasing after you?"

Clara bit her lip. She had never spoken much about that night. She had been too focused on surviving, on protecting her children. But now, the past was forcing itself back into her life.

"Because the man I slept with that night..." Clara took a shaky breath. "Was Eden Lerry."

Melvin's eyes widened. "You mean-"

Clara nodded. "He's the father of my children."

Silence filled the room.

Jonathan exhaled sharply. "That explains a lot."

Melvin ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. "And you just conveniently forgot to mention this?"

Clara met his gaze. "Would it have changed anything?"

Melvin sighed. "Damn it, Clara. This isn't good. The Genesis family was already a problem, but the Eden family? They're in a league of their own."

Clara knew that. The Eden family was powerful-untouchable, even. But she had never expected Eden Lerry to continue searching for her after all these years. What did he want? Revenge?

"Clara, don't be afraid," Melvin said, trying to reassure her. "We won't let them take you."

Clara smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Melvin, I appreciate that. But if Eden Lerry finds Amidex City, he will cause chaos, even if he can't take me."

Melvin frowned. "So what? We fight."

Clara shook her head. "This place has been my home for five years. I won't bring trouble here. It's time for me to leave."

Melvin grabbed her wrist. "You can't be serious. The moment you step outside, you'll be caught."

A spark of defiance lit up Clara's eyes. "The most dangerous place is the safest. If Eden Lerry is looking for me here, then the last place he'll expect me to be is in the capital."

Jonathan considered her words. "That... might actually work."

Melvin cursed under his breath. "Damn it, Clara. You're risking too much."

Clara smiled. "I know."

The following night, Clara stood outside her small house, watching her children sleep peacefully. Her heart ached at the thought of leaving them, but it was the only way to ensure their safety.

Tania appeared beside her, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Are you sure about this?"

Clara exhaled slowly. "I have to do this."

Tania hesitated before pulling Clara into a tight embrace. "Then promise me one thing. No matter what happens, you will come back."

Clara swallowed hard. "I promise."

And with that, she turned and walked into the night, heading toward the unknown, ready to face the past she had been running from for five years.