Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia wandered back into the house, feeling completely out of it. She crashed onto the living room couch and drifted off for a bit.

Just before lunchtime, her phone buzzed. It was Naomi, calling to tell her to come eat.

She hung up, got to her feet, and straightened her clothes. For some reason, she grabbed a bright red lipstick-one she'd never used before-and put it on, hoping it would bring a little color to her pale face.

As she stepped outside, she didn't get far before she spotted Edwin hurrying toward the rock garden at the edge of the yard.

She almost called out to him, but then noticed he wasn't alone. Kay was right behind him.

Sylvia had always suspected from their conversations that Edwin and Kay knew each other pretty well.

Curious, she crept quietly closer, just in time to see Kay reach out and grab Edwin's arm.

With a bitter little laugh, Kay said, "So, this is the kind of woman you left me for, huh?"

Edwin frowned, but kept his composure. "Kay, you've got it all wrong. We broke up first. I didn't even meet Naomi until after."

Sylvia slapped a hand over her mouth in shock. Edwin and Kay used to be together?noveldrama

She peered at them, and for a split second, was struck by how much Edwin resembled the mysterious husband from Kay's last life.

The Garcia genes were strong, no doubt about it. Aside from the oddball Rupert, the whole Garcia family looked like they'd stepped out of a magazine.

Even in middle age, Edwin had that classic, ageless charm-handsome, sophisticated. No wonder Kay still remembered him.

But, if Sylvia remembered right, in her past life, when Kay married that mysterious guy, Edwin and Naomi had already passed away in an accident.

The thought made Sylvia's chest tighten. Their deaths had something to do with her, after all. That's why she was always so on edge around them now.

Lost in thought, she was brought back by Kay's sharp, icy voice up ahead.

"Men always have some excuse for cheating," Kay scoffed. "But honestly? Seeing you get pushed aside by the Garcias for her-that's been sweet revenge."

"If you'd stayed with me, after Patrick Garcia died, you could've had the whole family eating out of your hand. Why pretend you're some clueless fool now?"

Edwin's expression turned cold. "Kay, you're a guest here. I'm going to let that slide, but don't push it."

He shook her off and turned to leave.

Kay's voice rose, a little desperate. "Am I wrong? We were about to get engaged, and you dumped me for a woman with a kid. You have any idea how much gossip took because of your

Edwin stopped and looked back at her, deadly serious. "Kay, you agreed to the breakup too. Naomi knows nothing about any of this it's ancient history. Please, don't bring it up to her."

"Edwin!" Kay called, her voice cracking. But he didn't look back.

She stood there, watching his retreating figure, her face a storm of frustration and regret.

Sylvia, feeling uneasy, hurried to catch up with Edwin. "Edwin!"

He turned, gave her a warm smile. "Sylvia, heading to lunch? Let's go together."

She stopped him, cutting straight to the point. "Edwin, I heard everything."

His smile faded. He rushed to explain, "There's really nothing between me and Kay. We dated when we were young, but it didn't work out. It's not complicated And your mon she's definitely not

some homewrecker."

"I know," Sylvia said quietly. "Actually, I wanted to ask you for something."

Edwin looked relieved. "Sure, what is it?"

Sylvia hesitated, then finally shared Naomi's secret. "Mom didn't stop having kids because she couldn't after I was born. The truth is..."

Edwin's eyes went wide, his face draining of color. "What? Are you saying... I had another child?"

His voice shook, eyes growing red-rimmed.

"Edwin, Mom kept it from you so you wouldn't be hurt," Sylvia said softly. "I'm telling you this because I hope you'll always look out for her."

She held his arm tightly, both of them caught up in the weight of what had just been revealed.