Chapter 99

**Sarah**

Dread washed over me like a storm cloud, dragging a wave of anxiety that clawed at my throat. My breaths grew shallow as Amir's group came closer, my eyes glued to them, unable to look away.

"I've been observing your movements closely, Sarah. Perhaps you've conveniently forgotten, but I own the villa you reside in. I know precisely what you've been up to," Amir stated firmly.

I approached him, pleading, "Amir, please"

I want to see Philip! But I didn't voice that aloud.

He shook his head incredulously. "Sarah, seriously! What on earth do you think you're doing? Do you understand the danger you're carelessly putting yourself in?"

Hot tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, slowly welling up as my chest constricted painfully with the weight of unspoken desires.

Amir grasped my arm gently and spoke in a reassuring tone. "They are doing everything they can to find Philip. You're in danger; Mariano has targeted you, but I've done everything in my power to prevent that. So, I won't allow you to leave."

I struggled to draw air into my lungs, anxiety's iron grip threatening to overwhelm me utterly.

"I need to go to the restroom, please" I managed to choke out between ragged gasps.

Amir's expression tightened, clearly unconvinced by my request. He probably suspected I was merely trying to fabricate an opportunity to slip away and escape, evading the watchful guards.

"Amir, I'm serious. I need to throw up!" I insisted desperately.

He must have noticed the color draining from my face. Without further protest, he escorted me to the nearest restroom. A woman emerged from it, pulling a small suitcase.

"You there! Could you please accompany her inside? My sister is feeling faint and needs someone with her. You'll be compensated for your time," Amir requested urgently of the startled woman.

The woman hesitated, clearly unsure about Amir's motives and my situation within his group.

Ignoring their exchange, I rushed into the nearest cubicle, emptying the contents of my upset stomach.

The concerned woman rubbed my back soothingly. "Are you okay, miss? Can you tell me if that man detained you? Is that why he asked me to watch over you? And why did he call you 'sister'?" Her voice was filled with protective concern, spoken in a quiet tone.

I shook my head weakly. "No, he really is my brother."

"Oh... I'm sorry. I thought he got you pregnant and then abducted you. That's why you're in this dreadful situation."

I froze at her words, feeling the blood drain from my face. Shit...I trembled and covered my mouth with a shaking hand. Grabbing my phone with trembling fingers, I checked the calendar, desperately trying to recall my last period. It had been two months already...

Damn it! There was a significant chance I was pregnant right now, and here I was again, recklessly planning to put my potential future child in harm's way.

"C-can you please buy me three pregnancy test kits?" I requested, my voice quivering as I struggled to maintain composure. I needed to be sure!

"Oh! Sure!" The concerned woman readily agreed before heading out.

"Where's Sarah?" Amir's voice sounded concerned. "Did you help her leave?"

I hurried towards the door, hoping to calm him. "I'm here! Amir, I'm not leaving if that's what you're thinking. I-I just asked her to buy me some sanitary pads. I'm having PMS. I'm staying, that's a promise."

Despite my assurance, Amir still seemed suspicious. I ignored him and sank onto the chair nearest the ladies' room entrance.

"What's going on with you?" Josh approached me, noticing my distress.

"Probably panic attacks," I responded casually, not wanting to draw attention.

He felt my pulse but then seemed to realize something. "You're-"

I shook my head, looking directly into his eyes, silencing him. We were in a public place, and I didn't want to announce my possible pregnancy to anyone who might overhear.

The woman soon returned, discreetly handing me a plain brown bag containing the pregnancy tests.

"You, accompany her again," Amir immediately ordered in a tone that brooked no argument.

"Geez! Stop acting like you're my boss!" the woman retorted irritably. "I'll go with her, don't worry!"

I immediately retreated into a cubicle and used all three of the pregnancy test kits, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. And there, the harsh truth was revealed-I was undoubtedly pregnant! All three tests showed positive results. Tears welled up as I came out, facing the overwhelming reality.

"Are you okay? You don't want to be pregnant; is that why you're crying?" she asked gently.

"Can you... Can you please hide these kits?" I choked out, thrusting some cash into her hand imploringly. "Please..."

I couldn't stop my mouth from trembling uncontrollably as confusion and turmoil swirled within me. I loved Philip and was ready to do anything for him despite the hurt and pain he had caused me before. I yearned to see him again, to gaze into his eyes and feel his embrace... but I wouldn't dare trade my unborn child's safety and well-being just for that selfish desire. That realization is what made my heart ache profoundly.

Here came the one big obstacle that would definitely stop me from acting impulsively.

When the woman refused payment, I insisted.

"I must go, Miss. I might miss my flight to Dubai," she said, bidding me farewell.

"I'm so sorry for the inconvenience I've caused you. Coincidentally, I happen to have a residence in Dubai, too. Hopefully, our paths will cross again there," I replied

She said she was going to Dubai for a new job opportunity in another country. That revelation influenced my difficult final decision.

My heart felt like it had broken into countless sharp pieces, but I knew I had to find the strength to do what was right. I couldn't risk putting this new life inside me in danger, especially after the terrible ordeal of my last pregnancy, where I had been careless around dangerous people who wanted to harm us.

I stared at Amir with a blank expression, steeling my resolve. "I'll follow your wish," I said quietly, my voice lacking emotion.

The woman, a stranger until that moment, shot Amir a glance and departed, dragging her luggage away. I never even learned her name.

Amir gently guided me through the busy airport, his hand resting on my back. Then, a voice that sent shivers down my spine pierced through the noise.

"Well, well... Look who's here. My family!" Madam Olsen's voice interrupted.

Amir's eyes gleamed. "You won't involve Sarah in any of your wicked plans. That's certain," he said firmly, his tone laced with threat.

Madam Olsen's lips twisted into a cruel smirk. "Is that your decision, Sarah? Remember, I hold Philip's fate in my hands," she challenged.

I kept my emotions hidden, ensuring she couldn't decipher my thoughts. "Perhaps you've misunderstood why I'm at the airport, Madam Olsen..."

"Oh, really?" She arched one perfectly sculpted brow in mock surprise.

"I have no intention of helping you discover who this Mariano person is, no matter how obsessed you seem with him. I refuse to get involved in whatever problem you have with him," I clarified.

"This bitch!" Madam Olsen raised her voice, gritting her teeth as if she hadn't expected such defiance from me.

"Don't you dare call my sister names!" Amir snapped angrily.

"Are you certain about your plan, Sarah? You won't cooperate with me at all? With one simple command to my people, they'll surely remove all support and protection for your precious husband," she threatened.

I remained utterly emotionless on the surface. I've mastered this facade! I should be accustomed to feigning indifference by now, even though her words made my heart clench painfully.

"Madam Olsen, Philip never loved me. You might understand, having been close with Madam Cornell. I did everything for Philip back then. Why should I reconcile with you in exchange for the safety of the people who ruined my life? All I can tell you is I'm doing just fine without him." I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly.

Madam Cornell narrowed her eyes. She clearly didn't anticipate that response, but I sensed I had convinced her with my act.

Just then, Josh approached. He confronted Madam Olsen. "I'll disclose Mariano's identity, but you must hand over President Cornell."

"Oh, how exciting! Is this the reason why you've come here today?" she asked Josh.

"But first, I'd like to know-what's your motive? Why do you want Mariano's identity?" Josh inquired.

"Of course, to get rid of him!" She laughed wildly. "I've been doing shady deals with that sneaky guy for years. Once he's gone, I'll take over his business and all his dirty money! Isn't that brilliant?!" Madam Olsen said, sounding unhinged.

"You're utterly obsessed..." I muttered.

"Megan Thompson is Mariano," Josh stated bluntly.

Madam Olsen's eyes lit up.

"You have the means to verify. Megan has utilized countless false identities over the years!"

I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to shake my head in disbelief. Josh seemed intent on escalating his animosity toward that woman.