Bound By Fate

Chapter 4: The Reunion

Becky entered the grand hall of the palace, her steps carefully measured but her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. The beauty of the place was something out of a dream—crystal-clear fountains, golden arches, and towering pillars adorned with divine engravings. But none of that compared to the figure standing by the window.

There she was—Freen Sarocha, the goddess of Sora, radiating an aura of power and grace. Her long, flowing hair caught the sunlight, shimmering like strands of gold, and her deep eyes held an ageless wisdom. Becky froze for a moment, breathless. She hadn’t expected Freen to be this mesmerizing.

Her heart raced. This is who I have to deceive? she thought, steadying herself. But something about Freen’s presence was disarming. She felt warmth, not fear. It was unsettling.

Freen’s gaze turned toward Becky, her eyes sharp but softening the moment they fell on her. There was silence for a brief moment, as if the world paused to take in this reunion.

“Who are you?” Freen’s voice was calm, but her eyes studied Becky closely.

Becky took a deep breath. She had prepared for this. She smiled softly, playing her role. “I’m Becky Armstrong. I came back after all these years.” She added a small sigh to her words, just as she had practiced. “When I was a child, I was sent away to live with relatives, but I’ve returned now... to my home.”

Freen’s eyes widened, a flicker of recognition passing through them. “Armstrong?” Her voice was a mix of disbelief and surprise. “You mean...the Armstrong family from my childhood?”

Becky felt a twist in her stomach. She hadn’t expected Freen to remember so quickly. “Yes,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “The same family. I used to play here when I was little, with you.”

Freen stepped closer, her eyes filled with something that took Becky by surprise—joy. “Becky...I can’t believe it’s you. The little girl I used to chase around the palace gardens...You’re really here.”

Becky blinked, stunned by the emotion in Freen’s voice. She wasn’t supposed to feel guilty, but the way Freen looked at her, like she was some long-lost piece of her past, made her heart clench. This is more complicated than I thought.

Freen’s mind raced with memories—Becky as a small, mischievous child, laughing as they played in the gardens. She had adored that little girl, a light in her otherwise isolated world. And now, after all these centuries, she was back. Freen couldn’t help but smile, a warmth spreading through her that she hadn’t felt in years.

“I never thought I’d see you again,” Freen murmured, her voice soft. “I’ve missed you.”

Becky’s stomach twisted with guilt. This was supposed to be an easy mission—get close to Freen, gain her trust, steal the magical syrup. But now, seeing the goddess look at her with such genuine happiness, Becky felt the weight of her lie. She thinks I’m someone else.

Still, she had to push forward. “It’s good to be back,” Becky said, keeping her smile in place. “So much has changed, but...it feels like home.”

Freen’s eyes softened, and she turned to Nam, her trusted servant. “Nam, prepare a room for Becky in the palace, close to mine.” Freen’s smile lingered as she added, “And make sure she’s given the finest food we have.”

Nam nodded and disappeared down the hallway to make the preparations. Becky, still reeling from how smoothly this had gone, forced herself to stay composed.

“You’re staying here, Becky,” Freen said, her voice gentle but firm. “There’s no need to rush. We have plenty of time to catch up.”

Becky felt her pulse quicken. I’m in. I’ve already gained her trust. But instead of feeling victorious, there was a heaviness inside her. She was deceiving Freen. She wasn’t the real Armstrong, and every moment she stayed, the lie grew bigger.

As Freen looked at her, Becky couldn’t help but wonder—What happens when she finds out the truth?

Meanwhile, Freen’s heart was light, filled with the warmth of childhood memories. She had spent centuries alone, burdened by her responsibilities, but Becky’s return felt like a ray of hope. Freen’s mind wandered back to those carefree days, when she and Becky would run through the palace gardens, laughing without a care in the world.

For the first time in a long time, Freen felt...happy. “It’s good to have you back, Becky,” she said softly, her eyes shining. “I’ve missed you more than you know.”

But as Freen’s heart swelled with happiness, Becky’s heart grew heavier. She wasn’t who Freen thought she was. And sooner or later, that truth would come to light.

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Guys do you like the story? Trying something new..