Chapter 021

Hailey's POV The weekend flew by in a whirlwind of excitement with Mrs. Alora. Before I knew it, Sunday had arrived, and tonight, we were set to attend a private party hosted by one of her friends. As I gazed out the window at the picturesque German landscape, I felt grateful for this opportunity to explore a new country with someone as kind and caring as Mrs. Alora. She treated me like royalty, catering to my every need. Each morning, I'd wake up to find my clothes laid out for the day's adventures. The luxurious family villa we stayed in was a marvel, and the private jet that whisked us around was a thrilling experience. I'd never been surrounded by such opulence, and it was a welcome distraction from the turmoil that had been brewing inside me. For the first time in two weeks, I didn't find myself consumed by worries about regaining my memory or the baby's well-being. The trip had been a balm to my frazzled nerves, allowing me to clear my head and focus on the present moment. Even the baby seemed to be enjoying the luxurious food I'd been indulging in, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought. As I reminisced about our culinary adventures, one particular incident stood out. We'd tried a new dish at a restaurant, and it hadn't agreed with either of us. The memory of us rushing to the toilet simultaneously, only to emerge laughing and giggling, still brought a chuckle to my lips. My mirth was interrupted by the arrival of a maid, who carried a stunning dinner dress that made my eyes widen in awe. I couldn't help but smile as I gazed at the stunning dinner dress. Mrs. Alora was always full of surprises. As I admired the intricate designs, a familiar voice echoed from the doorway. "I knew you would love it," Mrs. Alora said, approaching me with a warm smile. I turned to her, my eyes shining with excitement. "Oh, mom..." I said, moving towards her and wrapping my arms around her in a tight hug. "Is it okay if I call you mom?" I asked, feeling a little uncertain. Mrs. Alora's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged me back. "Of course, my dear. I've always wanted a daughter, and fortunately for me, Aiden did a pretty good job in bringing me one of the best." I smiled, feeling a little emotional myself. "It's okay, mom. I'm sure you don't want to ruin your makeup with tears." Mrs. Alora chuckled, wiping away a stray tear. "Definitely not. I need to look my best for tonight's party." I laughed, releasing myself from her grip. "Okay, I should probably get ready." Mrs. Alora nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes, you should. And by the way, the makeup artist will be here any minute. I need you to be like a doll today, I have to show the world and those friends of mine that I have the most beautiful daughter in the entire universe." I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Stop being sarcastic, mom." Mrs. Alora grinned mischievously. "I'm not, it's the truth. Now, get ready and come join me downstairs, alright? The maids will help you get dressed." "Okay," I replied, watching as she left the room. With the help of the maid and the makeup artist, I was soon transformed into a stunning vision. I gazed at myself in the mirror, my natural blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "Mrs. Alora was right," I thought, smiling at my reflection. "I really do look like a doll." As we stepped out of the limo, cameras flashed around us, bathing us in a blinding glare. Mrs. Alora smiled graciously, posing like a seasoned model, while I stood frozen, my eyes scanning the chaotic scene. The paparazzi's relentless clicks and shouts created a deafening din, making my head spin. I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself, remembering Mrs. Alora's advice to own the moment. I smiled, trying to look poised, despite the turmoil brewing inside me. The dress I wore did an excellent job of hiding my baby bump, and I prayed the photos would turn out well. Just as we were about to make our way inside, a loud gunshot pierced the air, making me jump. I clamped my hands over my ears, the sound still echoing in my mind. I turned to Mrs. Alora, intending to rush her back to the safety of the car, but my heart sank as I saw her lying in a pool of blood. Time seemed to slow down as I stared at her lifeless body, my mind struggling to process what had just happened. "Mom?!!!" I screamed, my voice hoarse with panic. And then, like a dam breaking, memories came flooding back. Blurred images and fragmented thoughts rushed into my mind, each one a painful reminder of the life I'd forgotten.