Threads of Fate: The lost Twins.

"Miss, Madame had said that you can get two million dollars if you have a baby boy and five hundred thousand if you have a baby girl," the old lady said softly.

"Okay." Amelia White nodded.

She had no other choice, did she? Her mother was already in desperate need for someone to pay off her hospital bills, and she knew for a fact that her father, Charles White, would never shoulder any part of the bills, because he didn't care at all.

Amelia White was angry about that, so she didn't want to beg him to give her some just to shoulder off the few debts. Thus, she tried to turn to her boyfriend, Jones, for help only to find that he'd been sleeping with her half-sister, Lilly White.

Desperate times could only bring desperate measures.

Amelia White could only sneer, stomping off.

Lightning struck in the clouds above the skies, thundered in reply. Soon enough, raindrops smashed down onto the pavements as her thin clothes were now considered drenched by the rain.

The others ran away from the rain, trying to find a shelter as fast as they could, leaving her to wander alone like a soulless person looking for a purpose.

"Miss!" Someone called out to her.

Amelia White turned around, only to spot an old lady.

She furrowed her eyebrows and walked over towards her. "Madame, did you call me?"

"I just want to ask your age." The woman took hold of Amelia's hands and led her to a milk tea shop where they could get the shelter they needed.

She glanced at Amelia up and down, an unknown emotion passing in her gaze.

"19," Amelia answered.

"Oh!" The older woman paused. "I saw you in the rain earlier, and I felt like you were going through a lot of tough times. Are you okay?"

Her question had triggered the waterfalls about to tear through Amelia's eyes. In a second, she was already sobbing on the old woman's shoulder.

"My mother was in a car accident ten years ago. She's in a coma now, and now that her organs are failing her, she needs surgery, and I... and I..." she sobbed. She had no hope now if she wanted to save her mother.

"It's just a bit of cash, girl. Don't worry." The old lady patted. "Besides, I know one way where you can get all the money you need for the surgery."

As soon as she heard money, Amelia quickly latched on to her.

"Madame, I'll do anything I can, as long as I can get the money."

The old lady could only smile in reply. "It's simple really. You will get paid if you can have a child with my young master." She peered at her. "Will you?"

It took a few moments for Amelia to even register the information at hand before she slowly nodded.

She knew what it meant to have a child in her teenage years. If people were to find out, her reputation would be destroyed. But if she didn't get the money, she'd lose her mother in the process as well.

At this point, she'd always choose her mother.

With her approval, Amelia was quickly taken to the mansion.

"Girl, go wash yourself," the old lady commanded, motioning to the bathroom as she handed Amelia a silky nightgown. "Master would be here soon."

Amelia had no time to admire her surroundings as she nodded at the woman. "Yes."

The old lady smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Don't worry, girl. My master's a nice man. He'll take care of you for the night."

"Thank you." Although the woman had vouched for him, Amelia still felt as if she were like an animal being watched in the zoo.

"Remember, turn off the lights once you're finished freshening up," she instructed before closing the door behind her.

Amelia didn't say anything more as she moved over to the bathroom, readying the hot shower.

Once she was finished, she dried off her hair and turned off the lights before throwing herself onto the bed, letting the cushions swallow up her petite frame.

The silence was already starting to unnerve her.

It felt as if she were an animal waiting to be slaughtered, to be sold out. Her heart started to beat fast in her chest, and she tried her best to calm herself.

Time seemed to be at a standstill. It felt as if hours had passed by before the door finally opened.

Amelia quickly closed her eyes.

Even then, she could feel a tall figure approaching her.

"Are you nervous?" His husky voice sounded, and she shivered in surprise.

"A little," she admitted, grasping the sheets unconsciously. Her body was already shaking at the thought of the towering body being with her.

"Don't worry," he whispered, drawing his breath close to her neck.

Right now, their voices were as stiff as ever, as if they were just going through a business transaction.

"Yes, sir." Amelia could only lie there waiting and slowly opened her eyes.

Suddenly, lightning flashed across the window. Just then, Amelia got a good look of his dark eyes staring down at her.

And it seemed as if it was the first time he was looking at her too.

She hurriedly turned her head.

The man bent over and lifted her pajamas, his cold fingers trailing over her thighs. "Whether you saw me or not, you'll forget me soon, just as I did." He smiled.

"Yes, sir," Amelia said.

This was it. As long as she had the baby, the agreement was done, and she'd be gone.

It was raining heavily outside, drowning out the noise made inside the bedroom.

Nine months later.

In the operating room, a cry was heard across the room.

"It's a boy, Mrs. Delilah!" The old lady ran out of the operating room with a boy in her arms.

"That's great... That's great!" Delilah Huang closed her hands excitedly, bowing at the old lady who had handed her the baby. "We've got the shares!" she whispered. "And my son's going to be the heir of the FF Group. Oh, thank God! It's a boy!"

"Mrs. Delilah," the old lady started, feeling as if a ball was stuck in her throat. "The doctor also mentioned another girl."

"A girl?" Delilah shook her head. "A boy is fine for us now. Leave the girl."

"Yes, Mrs. Delilah," she responded.

Without another word, the two finally left.

"Amelia's hemorrhaging! She needs blood transfusion. Get her a blood bag, stat!"

"Yes, director."

Meanwhile, the doctors and nurses were in a rush in the operating room, hoping to revive Amelia.

Lilly White, who was just coming in to get an abortion, stopped. "Who?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Amelia White, do you know her?" the nurse replied casually.

"No, I don't know her." However, the nurse missed the viciousness that flashed in Lilly's eyes.

The operating room was in total chaos that they didn't notice Lilly White carrying the baby girl away.

Five years later.

At the New York International Airport.

Wearing her business suit, Amelia walked out of the airport gracefully, lowering her sunglasses to admire the sun that reflected in the window frames.

It had been five years since she'd given birth. As soon as she woke up, she received a call from the sanatorium, saying that her mother had woken up. Amelia hurried to the sanatorium with her weak body, without having the time to inform the doctor.

Although her mother had woken up, she could still barely speak and act for herself. It took a month for Amelia to find a capable nurse for her, and when she did, she went abroad to further her learning in pediatric medicine.

Studying abroad had helped her distance herself from her past as well as escalate her competence locally.

For her past, it was her pain and her secret to hold.

Now, Amelia had become a well-known talent worldwide, sought after by all the major pediatric hospitals in the country.

However, even then, she couldn't help but come back to her own country. No matter what had happened, this was still the place she'd call home.

"Amelia!" A familiar voice called out from the crowd.

"Dora, you came early!" She'd know that voice from anywhere. Amelia walked over and gave her best friend a hug. It had truly been so long since she'd last seen Dora He.

Dora He rolled her eyes. "Obviously. I'm your best friend. I left my job the moment you told me you were coming!"

Amelia pulled away, smiling warmly. "Thank you!"

During the five years of her mother being ill and her own emotional struggles, Dora He had always been there for her, listening to her rants and offering unwavering support.

"You're my friend. Let's go." Holding onto Amelia's arm, Dora walked towards her second-hand Volkswagen Beetle.

"Miss, could you please give me some money? I'm hungry."

As they were chatting about their lives, a little dirty hand grabbed the hem of Amelia's shirt, causing her to stop.

She looked down to see a disheveled boy bringing up a hand to ask for a few coins.

A pang went through her heart. The boy must be around his age by now.

"Where are your parents?" Amelia crouched down to look at him.

The boy could only shake his head in reply.

"You're too kind, Amelia. Usually, parents ask their kids to beg for them these days. Haven't you heard? It's their new thing," Dora He snorted, shaking her head.

"I'm not! Stop it!" The little boy stomped his feet in frustration. There was anger evident in his eyes as he stared up at Dora He.

Nobody could say no to such a cute kid. But Dora couldn't really care less.

"I don't have a mom or a dad, Auntie," he said, tugging on Amelia's arm, his eyes blinking rapidly like a doll. "Please, could you take me out to eat?"

"Fine." Amelia had always been good with kids.

"You always choose the kind ones, don't you?" Dora snorted, shaking her head. She was never the one to give these people a chance, believing many were just trying to scam others.

The little boy made a face at her in reply.

"It's just one meal, Dora." Amelia waved it off, holding the boy's hand affectionately. "What's your name?"

"My name's Eric," he said after thinking for a while. He usually didn't tell people his family name because too many newspapers were looking for him now.

"Eric. That's a good name." Amelia ruffled the young boy's hair.

"Your name's Amelia?" he asked.

"How do you know?" Dora called out before Amelia could respond herself.

"You really are stupid. I just heard you call her by her name," Eric stated.

"What... Listen, boy, I'm Dora, the smartest person in this country, if not the world. Why don't you come here so I can kick your ass!" Dora raised her hand, pretending to hit him.

Eric quickly hid behind Amelia, sticking his tongue out at Dora.

Just as they were playing around, the electronic screen on a mall flashed a notice: "Mr. Eric, a young master of the Falcone Family, has been missing for twelve hours. Here is his photo. If you see him, please call the number below. In return, you will receive millions in cash."

"What's on the electronic screen?" Dora furrowed her eyebrows, about to turn around. However, Eric shouted at her before she could see it.

"You must love stinky tofu, don't you? Huh?"

"What?" The electronic screen was already gone from her mind as Dora turned back to him, hands on her hips.

"Well, I heard that fat people like eating stinky tofu, and you are fatter than good auntie, so I guess you must like to eat stinky tofu." Eric took another secret glance at the screen. The notice was already gone. Luckily, they didn't get to see it.

"You rascal! I'm fat because I'm... I... Well, it's not because of stinky tofu!" Dora flushed red.

She had always been chubby on the sides, but that was because she'd eat anything given to her.

Nancy smiled, teasing, "Well, he's right about one thing. You loved stinky tofu for years!"

Dora crossed her arms, snorting. "You just met him, and now you're already teaming up. You've always been fond of young boys, as if they're sons to you."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Amelia laughed, avoiding her gaze. This had always been a topic she'd kept hidden for five years, so she never really spoke about it until Dora brought it up.

She turned back to Eric. "Tell me what you like to eat."

"Abalone porridge, Australian lobster... and..." Eric hesitated, remembering the luxurious meals he'd been fed in the past.

Before he could finish, Dora cut him off. "Boy, are you kidding? Abalone? Lobster? Do you think we're rich or something? Listen, you either have steamed bread or stuffed buns, and that's it!"

"Good aunt, don't worry. I'm a good boy. I'll take it." Eric never thought about the price of meals before.

"It's okay. I can take you to eat abalone porridge and Australian lobster. They're also my favorite," Amelia stated, smiling.

"Really?" His eyes gleamed. If only she were his mother.

The sky gradually darkened.

Although it was summer, in the Falcone household, the atmosphere was cold as ice.

In the brightly lit villa hall, Delilah was pacing anxiously in the living room. "Lorenzo, why won't you say anything?" she said, bringing her hands up to her face. "What happened to him? Do you think that he might have been abducted and sold by human traffickers?"

"I don't think so," Lorenzo Falcone finally spoke, shaking his head.

The moment he learned of Eric's disappearance, he had sent all his men and servants out to find the boy. He even called the police to prevent any potential kidnappers from escaping. The police had searched the entire city, but the clever little boy made sure to leave no tracks behind.

"Then do you think it's your uncle? Or John? I mean, Eric is a thorn in their plans," Delilah said, her voice trembling with worry.

Something flashed in Lorenzo's eyes. He also suspected that John Falcone might have something to do with it.

Six years ago, Frederick Falcone, Lorenzo's grandfather, had organized a family meeting on his 80th birthday to discuss the future of the company.

"I'm old and dying, yet neither Lorenzo nor John is prepared to get married," Frederick Falcone had said with a frown on his long face. "I honestly don't care. However, I want a great-grandson to secure the FF Group's future. So, the one who can give me a baby boy first will have 70% of my shares."

He spoke calmly, but his words sent the entire family into a frenzy. The person who inherited the shares would effectively control the FF Group, which was more than enough to spark a race.

The idea of owning the company was so enticing that everyone scrambled to find Lorenzo or John a wife.

The next day, John married Daisy Yu, a rising pop star. However, Lorenzo still didn't take any action.

"John is already married. His wife could get pregnant within a month," Delilah said anxiously.

Her son remained silent.

"You're close with Dorothy, right? How about we give her a call?" Delilah suggested kindly, despite Lorenzo's indifference.

After pondering for a moment, Lorenzo nodded. "Give it a try."

"You got it." Delilah called Dorothy Smith, only to be rejected outright.

Dorothy laughed over the phone. "Delilah, I can't afford to be pregnant right now, but I'm willing to marry-"

Before Dorothy could finish, Delilah hung up angrily. She glared at the phone as if her gaze could set it on fire. "Dorothy has gone too far," she snapped. "She only wants to marry you but won't follow through on the other end. What should we do?"

There was no response from Lorenzo, which only fueled her frustration.

"Are you really going to sit there and do nothing while John takes the shares?" Delilah shouted at her son's retreating back.

Lorenzo stopped, turning slightly so she could see the fierceness in his face. "You can find a girl, and I'll have a baby with her," he said sharply. "I don't think you need me to tell you how to handle it, right?"

Delilah snorted. "You got it."

She liked the idea better since it meant her son wouldn't be tied to anyone. She called Sophie and asked her to find someone.

When Sophie brought a girl back, nine months later, they were greeted with Eric.

The entire process was so secretive that even John didn't know about it until Lorenzo handed the baby to Frederick Falcone as proof, earning him 70% of the shares upfront.

At the time, Daisy Yu was only five months pregnant.

In a fit of rage, John kicked Daisy in the stomach, causing her to miscarry. Ever since then, she hadn't been able to conceive.

Although that was in the past, it was something no one could forget.

No one truly knew what John was capable of.

"Lorenzo, I'll go to your uncle's home and ask him now. If he did anything to Eric, I'll bring him back," Delilah said, wiping tears from her cheeks. She'd do anything to get her grandson home.

Before she could leave, Lorenzo's phone rang.

Seeing it was his good friend Jay Fang, he quickly answered. "Any news?"

"One of my men saw Eric this morning at the airport, so I've sent more people to continue the search. Do you think he could board a plane by himself?" Jay asked nervously.

Lorenzo frowned. "He didn't bring an ID with him, so I don't think so."

"What if he boarded with someone else?" Delilah wailed even louder. "If he was abducted," she sobbed, "I'd rather die than know about this."

"But my men said he was alone, so I'll keep tabs on this," Jay added.

"Got it. Keep searching. I'm on my way."

Lorenzo hung up and grabbed his car keys. "Mom, just stay home. I'll let you know if I hear anything. I don't think this has anything to do with John."

Delilah slumped onto the sofa, weeping. "Bring my grandson back, please."

Meanwhile, Amelia had taken Eric out to dinner. Afterward, she visited her mother. It was already ten in the evening when she returned to her apartment.

The whole time, Eric trailed behind her like an obedient little dog.

Once she finished bathing him, Amelia opened her suitcase and pulled out a cute pair of pajamas for him to wear.

Eric eyed them, taking them from her grasp. "Why do you have clothes for kids, Auntie?"

Amelia laughed. "I love children's wear, so I usually buy them if they look good."

The truth was, she bought children's clothes every year in memory of her young boy. She missed him so much that she'd cry while holding those clothes. Sometimes, she had to force herself to put them away, hoping to forget.

"Auntie, you like kids, don't you?" Eric tilted his head.

"Of course, especially ones as clever and obedient as you." Amelia poked his nose playfully.

Something flashed in his eyes. In reality, he was quite naughty at home. He often destroyed his toys, making his dad replace them. He wasn't about to admit that to her, though. What if she abandoned him if she knew?

Eric waddled toward her and kissed her softly on the cheek. "Auntie," he said brightly, "can I call you Mommy?"

Mommy, Mommy...

The words sent a pang through her heart.

If only... Her eyes welled up with tears.

"Eric, I think your real mommy would be unhappy if you called me Mommy," she whispered.