Chapter 74

When Ashley heard Sharina’s story about what she witnessed earlier – Zayden’s meeting and conversation with Justin:

“Sharina, we need to find out more about Zayden, his professional relationship with Justin, and maybe... his connection to Ember Prime. I think you should get closer to Justin— continue befriending him, maybe. He seems to know something about Zayden’s current life... and Zayden seems to have trusted him because, as far as we know, he’s the only one who knows about Zayden still being alive...” Ashley suggested, her tone laced with urgency. Tears were forming in her eyes as the reality of Zayden still being alive sank in.

“Sharina, he’s alive... Zayden is alive.” Ashley couldn’t hold back her tears. “Shar, this means... I can apologize to him... I can tell him why I deceived him... I can tell him he’s the one I truly love, and I’ve never loved another man. I can also share my parents’ story with him... and why I am where I am now...” Her voice broke, and Shar