Part 2After the Fake Heiress Left, They All Regretted It

The first time I saw Leo Vance in four years was outside the kindergarten.

I had just picked up Daisy when another mom nudged me.

“Hey, Daisy’s mom, look across the street. Isn’t that the famous singer… what’s his name again…”

I followed her gaze and saw him.

“Leo Vance!” The mom snapped her fingers. “That’s him!”

I pulled my eyes away. “Never heard of him.”

She looked surprised. “You don’t listen to music? Leo Vance! He’s been the biggest indie singer-songwriter for the past few years! Won a ton of awards!”

She leaned in closer. “You know, looking at him… he actually looks a bit like you. You both have that kind of striking beauty…”

I just smiled and shook my head, leading Daisy away.

“Barbara Qin.”

His voice cut through the air behind me.

I ignored it and kept walking.

“Barbara!”

Daisy looked up at me. “Mommy, is that man calling you? Why did he call you Barbara Qin?”

I smiled down at her. “He’s got the wrong person, sweetie.”

But when we reached the parking lot, just as I was about to open the car door, a hand grabbed my arm.

I turned. It was Leo, panting, his face flushed.

“Barbara,” he breathed, “you… you’re actually alive?!”

His words, as always, were laced with acid.

But maybe from the run, his eyes were rimmed with a faint, unmistakable red.