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A/N: Hey guys, sorry for the wait. A packed schedule has slowed my progress, but I'm working to get back on track. Thank you for sticking with me.

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AUTHOR'S P.O.V


Ava sat on the plush sofa, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns embroidered on the cushion. The living room, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, felt both familiar and foreign—a reflection of her fragmented memories.

As she listened to the conversation around her, Ava's mind began to wander. She found herself lost in the memory of a kiss—soft, gentle, and passionate.

Reed Lanchester's unclear face floated before her eyes, his lips brushing against hers. The sensation sent a shiver down her spine, and for a moment, she felt alive.

Ava shut her eyes, willing away the memory that lingered in her mind like a ghostly whisper and the feelings it stirred. The memory of that kiss, soft and gentle, yet passionate and all-consuming.

She had to stop fantasizing about the man, stop dreaming about him too. It was getting harder to distinguish reality from fantasy, and she couldn't afford to get lost in her own imagination.

After all, the memory of that kiss could've been conjured from her imagination due to the crush she'd had on him even without knowing what he looked like. It was possible that her mind had created an idealized version of him, a version that was impossible to live up to. But she would find out soon, at the masquerade party Alistair was throwing. Her heart skipped a beat as the thought of finally getting to see him sent a thrill through her veins.

If he was the key to her memories, then seeing him might unlock the doors to her past. The possibility was both exhilarating and terrifying.

What if she didn't like what she remembered? What if her past was better left forgotten? Ava's mind was a jumble of questions and doubts, but one thing was certain - she had to see this through. She had to find out who she was, and where she came from.

Taking a deep breath, Ava opened her eyes, determination burning within her. She would face whatever the future held, no matter how uncertain or daunting it seemed. The masquerade party was just the beginning, a first step into the unknown. And she was ready to take it.

Theo's voice cut through her reverie, drawing her back to the present. "I've been looking for you both," he said, his eyes locked onto Ava. "I spotted you coming out of the house, Ava. That's how I ran into you."

Nicole broke the silence, her voice gentle yet firm. "Theo, as I mentioned earlier, Ava has been suffering from amnesia. Five years ago, we found her and took her in, giving her our late daughter's name. We've been helping her search for her true identity ever since."
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Theo's jaw tightened, his gaze never wavering from Ava. "I understand, but... why didn't you tell me?"

Ariana sighed. "You were away, healing, and we didn't want to disturb your peace. Besides, this doesn't involve you, Theo."

He scoffed. "I'm perfectly fine. My girlfriend died years ago, only to find out someone is impersonating her."

"She's not—"

"Oh, really? Nicole has taken the role of her mother, and you're her cousin. And let's not forget she's using her name."

They settled into an uncomfortable silence.

"Yes, I borrowed someone else's identity," Ava said, staring at Theo, "but I know I'm not Ava. I'll never be her. I can't impersonate someone I never knew."

Theo sighed. "So, you don't remember anything?"

Ava felt a pang of frustration. "I wish I could remember," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Nicole reached out, placing a comforting hand on Ava's knee. "In time, dear. Memories have a way of resurfacing when you least expect them."

"I'm sorry," Theo said, his voice laced with a mix of emotions.

"It's just when I look at you, I see her." He paused, his eyes clouding over as memories seemed to flood his mind. "It's... unsettling," he admitted, looking defeated.

Ava nodded in understanding, her expression empathetic. She had grown accustomed to the reactions of those who knew the original Ava, but it still stung to see the pain and longing in their eyes.

Her resemblance to the original Ava was noticeable, despite a few subtle differences. Nicole had shown her a photo of her once, when she'd talked about her daughter's passing. The image had been etched in Ava's mind ever since.

"Well, it happens," Alistair said, attempting to downplay the situation. "Everyone looks like somebody. We all have lookalikes."

But even as he spoke the words, he couldn't help but have doubts. Was it purely coincidental that Valerie, now known as Ava, had amnesia and ended up taking the identity of someone she had a cunning resemblance to? The possibility of it being more than just a coincidence nagged at the back of his mind.

Nicole's voice cut through the tension, her tone measured. "Well, it was unexpected," she said, her eyes locked onto Theo's.

"But we've grown to care for Ava, and she's become a part of our family."

The unspoken message was clear: Ava's resemblance to the original Ava was just that – a resemblance. She was her own person, with her own story and her own identity.

Ariana's eyes lit up with excitement. "Speaking of unexpected events, Alistair's masquerade party is coming up! We were supposed to go shopping for dresses today, but with everything that's happened..."

Alistair interrupted with a reassuring smile. "No need to worry. I've already made arrangements. Your gowns will be delivered tomorrow."

Theo observed the interaction, noting the ease and familiarity between Alistair and the family.

"It seems I've missed quite a bit during my absence," he commented, a hint of regret in his voice.

Ariana beamed, squeezing Alistair's hand. "Alistair has been wonderful to us. Theo, you must come to the party. It will be the perfect opportunity to catch up and perhaps jog some of Ava's memories."

Theo offered a tentative smile. "Thank you, but no."

As the conversation shifted to party preparations, Theo excused himself, promising to visit again soon. After he departed, a contemplative silence settled over the room.

Ava broke the quiet with a soft chuckle. "Today has been eventful."

Ariana's laughter sounded forced. "And it's only going to get more interesting from here."

Alistair's eyes met Ariana's, a glint of something unspoken passing between them. "Indeed. The past has a way of intertwining with the present in the most unexpected ways."

Nicole rose, smoothing her skirt. "Let's take it one step at a time. For now, we have a party to prepare for."

As they dispersed, Ava couldn't shake the feeling that the upcoming masquerade would be more than just a social event. It felt like the beginning of a journey—one that might finally lead her to the truths buried deep within her fractured mind.

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⏰ Last updated: Jan 03 ⏰

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