The Memory Keeper: Twisted Roots

Chapter 24: The Final Thread

Subtly, I changed my seat, moving next to him. "Why do you keep glancing at me?" I asked, my tone neutral but firm.

He looked startled at first, but then his expression shifted into one of excitement. "Oh my God. Rain Chadwick, right?"

I frowned, taken aback by his reaction. "Uh... yeah?"

His face lit up. "Wow, this is insane! We studied your designs in structural engineering. You are a legend! I mean, the dome in Singapore that you designed? Epic. And the Njor Museum in Norway? Absolutely legendary!"

For a moment, I was speechless. I was expecting something far more sinister-being watched by Lucious's men, maybe even a threat. But this? This was just pure admiration.

I let out a small breath I didn't realize I was holding.

"Uh, thanks," I said, offering a polite smile. "Didn't expect to meet someone who knew my work here."

He grinned, practically bouncing in his seat. "Girl, I wish I had that brain of yours! Seriously, your designs are revolutionary." Then, he hesitated for a second before asking, "Uh-would it be okay if we take a selfie? I just have to show this to my fellow engineers. They are going to freak out!"

I chuckled at his enthusiasm. It was refreshing, almost amusing, considering everything I had been dealing with lately. For once, someone recognized me for my work and not because of the chaos surrounding my life.

"Sure," I said with a small smile.

He excitedly pulled out his phone, angling it just right before snapping a few photos. "Thank you so much! This is unreal. You're amazing, Rain!"

As he scrolled through the pictures, still beaming, I couldn't help but think-this moment, this simple interaction, was a reminder of who I was outside of all the deception, betrayal, and darkness I was entangled in.

But I couldn't let my guard down. Not yet.

As if on cue, the call for my boarding echoed through the airport speakers.

"Flight 237 to Alberta is now boarding at Gate 14."

I stood up, adjusting the strap of my bag. The guy beside me looked up and grinned. "Well, Rain Chadwick, it was an absolute honor to meet you. Safe flight!"

"Thanks," I replied with a polite nod before making my way to the boarding gate.

As I handed my ticket to the attendant, my mind was still processing everything that had happened in the past few days. The revelations about my father, the black book, the web of lies and betrayals-I had to keep playing my part, acting normal, and making sure no one suspected what I knew.

Stepping onto the plane, I took a deep breath. Stay focused, Rain. Play your role.

This wasn't just a trip to Alberta. It was another step in the dangerous game I was now part of.

As I landed in Alberta, the crisp air of Canada greeted me, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. It was 7:45 Eastern Time, and Mel had no idea I was here. I had planned this trip meticulously, ensuring everything was perfect-right down to picking up her favorite coffee from the small café she loved just a few blocks from her apartment.

With the warm cup in hand, I hailed a cab and gave the driver her address. My heart wasn't racing from excitement, nor was it filled with longing-I wasn't that woman anymore. I was simply here to check another box, to play my role.

The cab pulled up in front of her building, and I stepped out, gripping the coffee tightly as I walked through the familiar entrance. I had my own set of keys-an unspoken token of what we once were, what we were supposed to be.