Chapter 1969

If they cared so much about the fake Amy, then Amy was determined not to give them what they wanted.

She was their real daughter. Yet not only did they resent her, they treated her like she was less than nothing.

Why should she have to put up with that?

They'd always known she was trapped in the basement, controlled by the fake Amy. Not once did they bother to check on her-not even a glance of concern. Even now, they were putting on a show: one acting angry, the other pretending to be upset, as if they were the ones who'd been wronged.

Amy picked up her pace, hurrying after Fiona. If she had to pick a side, she definitely wasn't about to risk everything like her parents had. That was not happening.

Besides, Fiona's family, the Stonnells, were way more powerful than the Gregorys could ever handle.

And, honestly, Fiona couldn't stand the fake Amy either.

"Ms. Fiona! Wait up!" Amy called.

She finally caught up, breathless, stopping just an arm's length from Fiona. Her chest rose and fell with each heavy breath, and a flush of red crept into her cheeks.

"What is it? Abby, do you need something?" Fiona asked, looking almost amused as she peeled a pomegranate. She popped a seed into her mouth, clearly enjoying the sweet, juicy burst.

"Ms. Fiona, I only managed to get out because you helped me. So I think you deserve to know where the fake Amy is."

Amy lifted her chin. Years of being locked away had left her pale and much shorter than Fiona. Standing next to her, Amy looked like the timid little sister, her face almost identical to the fake Amy's, but her body was so much smaller, her presence so much quieter.

"Oh? I'm listening," Fiona said, leaning back against her car, still peeling the pomegranate.

"The fake Amy is with the Gregory family."

There was a subtle, satisfied smile in Amy's eyes. Unlike the others, she was fueled by a deep grudge.

Fiona had known all along that Amy's resentment was only growing, though she never let it show around her parents. This was the real Amy, finally breaking through.

"Ms. Fiona, I can take you to her," Amy offered.

"Alright," Fiona replied with a nod.

Amy's hands trembled as she climbed into Fiona's car. The anxiety was almost too much-her whole body shaking, as if she was right back in that dark basement.

She'd tried to mentally prepare herself, but the fear was burned into her bones. Even now, she couldn't help but shiver.

She glanced over at Fiona, giving her a small, awkward smile, then scooted all the way to the edge of her seat, barely daring to move.

She remembered, not long ago, she'd nearly escaped-only to get caught and dragged right back after climbing into a taxi. She'd been so close. Just a little further, and she'd have made it out.

Now, even sitting in a car made her skin crawl. The fear was just that deep.

"Have some pomegranate," Fiona said, nudging a bag of fruit toward her. "It helps with the nerves." Check latest chapters at find⸺novel.net

Amy didn't move at first. Fiona added, "Seriously, eating something helps you relax."

Finally, Amy reached out with trembling hands and picked up a pomegranate, copying Fiona as she tucked the peel into her pocket.

Fiona noticed how tense Amy was, but didn't push her. As Amy started peeling and eating, she actually seemed to calm down a bit still nervous, but not nearly as wound up as before.