THORN & BLUE Entangled in Fate

As they recalled the past and how heartless and cruel Mr. Skinner had been toward them, Zara's phone rang.

She quickly pulled it from her bag and checked the caller ID—it was Lady Sisi.

Hurriedly, she picked up the call. "Hello, Ma'am."

"Where are you? And where is Blue?" Lady Sisi's voice was sharp with urgency.

"Ma, we're together at the market, heading home now," Zara replied.

"Get here at once before Mr. Skinner arrives!" she ordered before abruptly ending the call.

Zara turned to Blue. "We need to get home immediately, before your father returns."

"Yes, right away," Blue responded. "And don't forget to keep our secret safe."

"I will, but Blue, you have to tell him the truth—how you feel and where you really come from. Don't lie to him. A good relationship is built on trust, not secrets," Zara said, running her fingers through Blue's hair.

When they arrived home, Lady

Sisi was sitting on the balcony, her head bowed, deep in thought. She was still

unsettled about how Blue had managed to leave the house despite her warnings.

As she lifted her head, she saw them approaching, chatting and laughing about the prices at the market.

"Come here!" she shouted.

They rushed toward her. "Mother, I'm sorry! Please don't tell Dad I went out," Blue pleaded.

Lady Sisi's eyes darkened. "Blue, do you want to get us all into trouble? How many times have I told you not to leave this house?"

"Ma, it's not her fault," Zara interjected. "I asked her to accompany me to the market. We tried to inform you, but you were asleep, and we didn't want to wake

you."

Lady Sisi studied them both, her suspicion evident. "I know you two are up to something, and if I find out what it is, you'll regret it. Now, leave!"

As they stepped away, they exchanged a look and burst into quiet laughter. Zara crossed herself, and they walked off together.

The Dike Mansion

Mr. Eddie Dike dialled his trusted friend, Mr. Watson.

"Hello, my good friend Eddie. How are you today?" Watson asked.

"I'm fine, and you?"

"I'm well. My wife and I just visited the newlyweds, John and Julie."

"I see. I need a favour," Eddie said.

"What is it?"

"It's about my son, Thorndike, and the new girl, Blue—Julie's friend."

"What information do you need?"

"I need you to dig into her background—who her family is, where she's really from. Something about her feels off."

"Don't worry, I'll look into it," Watson assured him. "By the way, I heard Mr. Skinner is back. You need to be careful."

"Yes, I've heard the rumours. The police were just here. I've requested extra security."

They exchanged goodnights and ended the call. As Eddie set down his phone, a voice startled him.

"Protection from what, Father?"

He cleared his throat. "Oh, son, it's you. Where have you been?"

"I just got back. I went to see Blue. But why all the extra security?"

Eddie forced a smile. "Nothing serious. I just want the house and everyone in it to be safe."

Thorndike frowned. "For a moment, I thought something bad had happened. Where's Mother?"

"She's in her room."

"Alright. And about Blue…I was happy to see her, but something feels wrong."

Eddie's expression sharpened. "What do you mean?

"She never lets me visit her house. It feels like she doesn't want me to meet her family."

"Don't overthink it. Maybe she's just not ready yet. Take things slow."

Thorndike nodded. "Alright, Father. Goodnight." He left, shutting the door behind him.

Still unsettled, he made his

way to his mother's room and knocked.

"Mother, are you there?"

"Come in, son," Lady Lily replied.

As he entered, he found her sitting at her dressing table, staring at an old necklace in her hands, her face clouded with sadness.

"Mother, are you alright? You look… different. Did you and Father fight? And why is the house swarming with police?"

She sighed. "Slow down, son. I'll answer your questions."

"I'm sorry, Mother. I'm just worried about you and Dad."

She forced a smile. "We're fine. We didn't fight. The police are here for protection, so don't worry."

"Alright. But why do you look so sad? And what are you holding?"

She slowly opened her hand, revealing the necklace. "It was a gift from my late mother to me and my elder brother when we were children. I've kept it all these years because it reminds me of my family."

Thorndike's eyes widened. "Wait… you have a brother? That means I have an uncle? Why am I just hearing this now? Where is he?"

Lady Lily exhaled deeply.

"Oh, son, there's so much you don't know. But I'll tell you a little of my

story. Your uncle and I were separated when we were children. Our parents were divorcing, and our mother could only take one of us. My father took my brother, and I stayed with my mother. We searched for them for years, but they were gone."

Her voice grew thick with emotion. "Your grandmother became ill and passed away when I was fourteen. I was left all alone. My brother had promised to come back for me… but he never did. I felt abandoned."

Thorndike's heart ached. "Mother, I'm so sorry. What is my uncle's name? We could look for him."

She shook her head with a wistful smile. "Don't worry, son. Wherever he is, I'm sure he's fine. Now, go get some rest."

"Goodnight, Mother. I love you." He kissed her cheek and left.

As he walked away, his mind raced. His mother's story had awakened a deep curiosity. If his uncle was out there somewhere, he was determined to find him and reunite them at last.