Chapter 114

**Sarah**

Emily was busy with her daughter, so I had no choice but to attend some gatherings that required my presence; they were important events for keeping my social and business connections strong.

Philip returned to the Luminary Production's office to handle pressing issues, and everything seems to be going well, except for Jane, who is still on vacation.

As I was leaving Serenity Pines, I chose Josh to accompany me to the Elite Annual Business Gala. I hadn't spoken to him for quite some time because Philip had been keeping an eye on me at the villa.

The truth is, Josh and I have nothing to hide, but I feel like a wife keeping a secret with her lover. Josh's life is complicated, and it's not my place to disclose his background to everyone.

"I heard that Jane is still in recovery," Josh started, his eyes fixed on the winding road ahead, hands steady on the steering wheel, driving me to a hotel in a nearby town.

"Yeah she enrolled in therapy and counseling. I hope everything works out for her," I replied.

"How about you? Are you okay? If you don't mind me saying, you also need counseling." Josh's eyes flicked to me momentarily

"That's precisely why you're here, Josh. I don't feel comfortable opening up to just anyone. I am feeling better now, especially since I am pregnant. I am determined that my pregnancy should not go public," I said.

As we approached the hotel, it became clear this was no ordinary gathering. A line of sleek, expensive cars snaked towards the entrance, suggesting a star-studded event was taking place. It took a few minutes before I got out. I handed over the invitation while Josh quietly followed me.

Just stepping into the grand foyer, Philip's call came through. I wasn't planning to answer, but I knew I needed to reassure him of my whereabouts.

"Hello?"

Philip's voice came through, a mix of irritation and what I could only describe as jealousy. "You are with Josh? I left that guy at Serenity Pines because I couldn't stand seeing him, but it seems I made a miscalculation."

"Philip, you are annoying! Why are you picking on a bodyguard? Josh is excelling at his job, and you should be grateful that I have someone reliable watching over me."

His following words left me momentarily speechless. "What if our baby ends up bearing a resemblance to Josh because you two are always together?"

Here we go again. "Philip, you know, if the baby looks like someone else, it's because the mother must have cheated."

"So, you mean you cheated?"

How had I suddenly become the villain in this scenario? My baby's form isn't even fully developed yet. This brute! I don't have time for him, seriously!

"You're giving me a headache! I'm ending this call, Philip! Hmp!"

I shook my head as I hung up. I saw some acquaintances at the event and mingled with them. After a while, Bronn arrived and kissed me on the cheek.

"Hey! I never thought you'd be here!" I remarked.

"I could say the same. I thought you mentioned staying at Amir's villa?"

He must have expected to see Emily at the gathering if that's the case. Bronn introduced me to some influential people who were surprised to learn that I was Grandpa Mitchell's granddaughter.

We stayed at the gathering for a while before Bronn gathered the courage to invite me to the garden area to talk privately. He cleared his throat before seriously sharing what was on his mind.

"Where where is Emily?"

We both had our own curiosities. I felt torn between my loyalty to Emily and my curiosity about Bronn's perspective. Why did he allow her to leave? I could understand why Emily might have walked away; I'll do the same.

"There's been... a complication in her home," I said carefully

He frowned. "What do you mean, a complication? Her mother passed away, didn't she? Does Emily have other relatives I don't know about?"

Bronn had met Emily's mother. My assistant hadn't mentioned that to me; I only knew about Willow. I wouldn't tell Bronn about the child. It wasn't my place to reveal such personal information.

"Bronn, our engagement didn't happen. I mean, the planned wedding Why did you let Emily leave?"

His jaw tightened.

"Because she fell in love with me, Sarah" he admitted, his voice thick with anguish. He quickly drank his scotch in one go as if trying to erase the painful memory.

I heard from Emily that her relationship with Bronn was contractual. Still, it saddened me to think these two people loved each other yet couldn't be together. But it wasn't my place to play matchmaker or confidante to them both.

Bronn continued, "I couldn't give her the love she deserved, Sarah. You know the expectations our families have... Emily was just a young and innocent student back then. Our social circle would have torn her apart-everyone knew I was supposed to marry you. But when you married Philip, Emily disappeared too"

"Did you try to find her?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"I did. That's when I discovered her mother had passed away while I was in Dubai..."

My shoulders slumped at the news. For a while now, I had been contemplating the similarities between Emily and myself. We had both left the men we loved to pursue our paths.

"What do you want now, Bronn?" I asked, my curiosity tinged with accusation. "Do you want Emily?"

His piercing blue eyes darted away from mine, refusing to meet my gaze. "She's not for me, Sarah..."

I held back a sigh and decided to disregard his apparent avoidance. It was his life and his decision, no matter how misguided it seemed.

As Bronn and I returned to the gathering, my attention was caught by two women being interviewed-the mistress of my father and her daughter, Lila.

"Miss Sarah Benner, it's been some time since you were last seen in public. As the sole princess of the Benners, what are your plans now that we'll see more of you in various high-profile activities?" the eager reporter inquired.

Margarette, her mother, responded, "She's managing some significant business responsibilities and has received invitations from several prestigious brands. She will certainly be sharing some of Amir Benner's burdens in the company, preparing for her future role."

Lila followed her mother's lead, saying, "Yes, I'm also involved in designing the new line of vehicles at TerraTraxx Automotive. I'm excited about my first appearance at the Elite Annual Business Gala and the invitations I've received. It's truly heartwarming not to be forgotten by the industry, and I'll gladly accept these opportunities to contribute to our family's legacy."

"What's happening, Sarah?" Bronn turned to me. Among all the socialites and personalities here, he was the only one who knew the truth-that I was the real Sarah Benner.

"I don't know, Bronn. But one thing's certain-those conniving mother and daughter are using my name!"

My expression darkened as I observed them. Margarette seemed to sense someone watching them. Her eyes widened when she saw me, surprised because I hadn't attended such gatherings in years.

Then, as if on cue, Lila noticed me too. Her perfectly plucked eyebrows rose, and unease flickered across her features.

I allowed a cold, calculating smirk to play across my lips, subtly warning them.

Whatever game this ambitious mother-daughter duo was playing, it was clear I needed to confront Dad. He owed me an explanation for this deception-why he allowed them to take my identity as Sarah Benner.