One year later.

It was still early hours of the morning. A black car pulled over in front of the gate of the Sun family. Two men came out of the car. They opened the backseat door and lifted a body out of the car. They placed it right at the gate and rang the doorbell before going away in their car.

Thomas who was driving out of the car at that moment saw the two men getting into the car. He got down and wanted to chase them when he saw a familiar body lying in front of the gate.

Thomas got closer and gasped in shock upon seeing the body. He immediately lifted the body into his car and drove towards the hospital.

###

First Hospital.

NICU.

Thomas, Alice, Xia and Mrs. Regina stood outside the NICU ward, looking inside at Natalie's body was connected to a lot of machines. The door to the NICU opened and the doctor walked out.

''Doctor, how is my sister?'' Alice hurriedly asked.

''I must say she has a strong will to live. Wherever she was kept, those people drained her blood a lot. She doesn't have a lot of blood in her body but since she is responding to treatment, she should be fine. I've already contacted the network for rare blood group. We will need a blood transfusion. When we get a response from them, we will proceed to perform the surgery on her''

''What surgery? What's wrong with Nat?'' Xia asked.

''I'm not sure what she has gone through but her body is worn out. Her body had been used for medical purposes I preserve, judging from the MRI and scans that we did. Prior to bringing her here, she must have gone through a lot of emotional and mental stress''

''What do you mean?'' Thomas asked.

''Her brain is depleted. Of course this could be due to a lot of factors but judging from the MRI, she must have undergone, extreme brain draining situations. Her entire body had a lot of scares, this was from the damage caused by machines that might have been connected to her body or forced into her body''

''What did they put into my sister's body? Is it dangerous? Will it affect her daily life?''

''For now we can't do much. We have to wait until she is awake then we will assess her mental state. This could affect her psychologically but then again, it all depends on the individual. If she is able to tell us what happened to her, then maybe we will be able to find out what is wrong with her''

''Xia, take Alice home to rest. I will stay here and watch over Natalie''

''Mm. Alice, let's go. You need to get some rest'' Xia pulled Alice along.

….

A week later.

First Hospital.

NICU.

The detective in charge of the case walked out of the ward to meet Thomas and Xia.

''What did she say, detective?'' Thomas asked. The detective had just gone in to have a chat with Natalie''

''She didn't say much. She is under a lot of emotional pressure. I think that we should hold on with the case for now. Before she can answer any questions, she needs to be at peace'' the profiler by the detective's side spoke.

''Since waking up a few days ago, she hasn't spoken to anyone. Today, she managed to speak with you. Natalie must be going through a lot of pain. Poor thing, we can't even help her'' Xia looked at Natalie through the window.

''Until she remembers and agrees to tell us what happened, there is only little we can do for her. As her family members, she needs you. Don't let anyone who isn't a close relative get close to her. She is very sensitive right now''

''Thank you, detective''

''We will leave now. Call us when there is anything''

''Sure, have a nice day''

….

Alice lined up different delicacies on a table in front of Natalie. She removed the chopsticks and said to her.

''Sister, look what I made for you. these are all your favourites. Which one will you taste first? This is your favourite chicken thigh. There is also braised vegetable, egg tart…''

Alice paused when she saw Natalie starring at her face. Since waking up, she hadn't spoken much. It was like she was avoiding speaking to them. She would only speak when it was absolutely necessary.

''Sister, will you drink water first?'' Alice picked the water and started opening it. Natalie shook her head as a painful memory clouded her mind. She knocked the bottle from Alice's hand aside and stood up.

''Please, don't pour it on me. I will be good. I will be good. I will fall sick, take the water away'' Natalie knocked off the food on the table and went to hide by the bedside.

''Sister, I'm sorry'' Alice tried to touch her and she screamed.

The nurses and a doctor rushed in. Alice stepped aside as they attended to Natalie.

''It's alright, Miss Jun. You are safe now'' Dr. Andra said as she hugged Natalie.

After a while, Natalie calmed down and looked at Alice who was now standing outside the ward, watching her from the window.

''Natalie, that lady there is your sister. Don't you remember her? She is Alice Jun, your younger sister'' Dr. Andrea explained.

''Al… Alice. She… is… Alice?'' Natalie lifted her quivering hand slowly before putting it down.

''She is Alice and she means no harm. She is just worried about you''

''I… I'm sorry. She must hate me right?''

'Of course not. See, she is still outside. That means she is waiting for you to let her in again''

''I don't like the food she brought. I can't even eat them''

''Then, why don't you tell her what you want? That way, she will bring you what you can eat next time''

Natalie nodded her head and looked at Alice. Alice smiled at her.

…..

Song Family.

Hall.

Daniel walked to the hall and sat down to eat breakfast. He looked at Solace who was eating and asked.

''When do you want to visit Natalie? We should go as a family. Even though the police are suspecting us, we should still show our support to her. She was missing for a year after all. Who knows what she went through during the time she went missing''

Solace looked at Daniel. She didn't give any reply and simply concentrated on eating her breakfast.

Mimi and her father exchanged gazes and she nodded her head subtly before turning to her mother.

''Mom, I heard from a friend at the hospital that sister's condition is much serious than we think. I heard that she is… almost crazy. She even turned over the food table that Alice prepared for her''

Solace's hand paused and her fingers holding the cutlery tightened. Even though she pretended not be affected by the news, her face still showed some emotion.

''Mimi, watch your words. Aye, this girl really lacks tact. How can you say such words in front of your mother? Honey, don't worry. I know a few people in the hospital; I will ask them to take very good care of Natalie''

''I'm done. I have a meeting with a director. I will leave first'' Solace stood up and walked away.

''Dad, do you think….?''

''Mimi, don't talk about what you don't know'' Daniel looked at her with a warning gaze and she retracted.

….

First Hospital.

NICU department.

Solace entered the NICU department and started walking towards the private ward of Natalie. She had earlier on made enquiries to find out where Natalie's ward was. Now that she knew, she wanted to make a quick stop there. She didn't intend to go inside. She just wanted to watch her from a distance.

Solace stopped when she saw a door open and two women came out. That was Natalie and Xia coming out of her ward. Solace hid and watched them as they walked towards the hallway.

''You haven't gone out of this place since you came. I already asked for permission from your doctor to take you out on a walk''

''I'm already tired. Xia, don't you feel pity for me?''

''No, I don't. Taking a walk is going to help refresh you. we are going down to the café to watch people and also to gossip''

''I can't drink coffee; you know that''

''I know that. That is why I brought your favourite boiled eggs. You can eat as much as you want''

''When is Alice and Thomas coming?''

''Thomas said he will come after his meeting. Alice will be here after her shoot. For now, you are stuck with me'' Xia held Natalie's hand as they walked away.

Solace was about to go after them when her driver stopped her saying, ''Mrs. Song, you can't go near her. You know it will only complicate things if the boss sees it. I only allowed you to see her, now that you've confirmed she is doing well, shouldn't you let go now?''

Solace clenched her fists tightly and bit her lips. She turned helplessly and walked away.