Intertwined Souls

Chapter 25 (part 1)

Ann hadn't been herself since the dinner at Jacob's house. The image of Beth, so close yet so far, concealed in a life that Ann could barely recognize, haunted her every thought. She moved through her days in a fog, her work interrupted by long stares and a heart aching with a mix of anger, betrayal, and a sorrow that seemed bottomless.

Richard watched his sister with growing concern. He had seen her in pain before, but this was different—this was a wound that seemed to reach into the very depths of her spirit. Ann's interaction with Beth had reopened scars that Richard had hoped were healing.

One morning, a week after the dinner, they sat in Ann's kitchen, the usual morning light doing nothing to lift the heavy shadows under Ann's eyes. The silence was heavy, filled more with unsaid words than with the morning light streaming through the windows.

Ann played with her food; her appetite as absent as her smile. Richard sipped his coffee, trying to find the right words. He watched as Ann lifted her head; her eyes red-rimmed but resolute.

"I've decided to meet her again," Ann said suddenly, her voice firmer than Richard expected.

Richard almost choked on his coffee. "Annie," he started, his tone a mix of disbelief and caution, "She's not just Beth now. She's the wife of our most potential investor and client. We cannot mess this up."

Ann's expression didn't waver. "I know what she is, Rich." Her eyes filled with tears, her voice a mix of fury and pain. "I need to know why she did it. Why she married him, why she left everything we had? I can't... I can't just let this go. It's eating me up inside."

Richard sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Confronting Beth won't change the past. It might just make things worse for you."

Ann stood up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. "I don't care! I need answers, Richie. I need to know why she betrayed everything we had."

Richard set his cup down, his brow furrowed. "Annie, I get it; I do. But think about this rationally. What if this meeting goes wrong? Jacob is already a wildcard. If he perceives even a hint of trouble, this could all blow up in our faces."

Ann's gaze drifted out the window. "I'm not planning a confrontation, Richie. I just... I need to talk to her."

"And what if she doesn't want to talk?" Richard asked gently, trying not to push too hard. "And how do you plan to arrange this meeting without raising suspicions?" Richard leaned back, studying his sister.

Ann replied, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll find a way."

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As they drove closer to the Smith estate, the lush greenery of the neighborhood unfolded before them. Ann's gaze was fixed forward, but her mind was in turmoil, replaying every moment of the last encounter with Beth.

Richard was trying to lighten the mood. "Annie, we can't just barge in and demand answers from Beth. We have to be careful, think about the project and—"

Ann cut him off, barely listening. Her eyes caught sight of a "For Sale" sign in front of a beautiful, well-positioned house right next to Jacob's estate. "Richie, look at that house," she said abruptly, pointing.

Richard followed her gaze. "It's beautiful, sure, but what about—"

"I want to take a look," Ann said firmly, pulling the car over before Richard could protest further.

They got out and approached the property just as a real estate agent was concluding a showing with another interested couple. Ann's approach was quick, her expression one of focused determination.