It was midnight in a small hometown when a young girl stood beside a tombstone; it was unmarked with her Long hair, which flew around her by the winds. She was Annabelle, the long-lost daughter of the Wallis family in Riverdale.

During the case of a mistaken identity, Anabelle was switched at birth with another baby at the hospital seventeen years ago, growing up blissfully unaware of her true identity.

However with the truth unveiled, today she embarked on the journey to the unfamiliar city, a world she had never known.

Come along, Belle, let's head down to the house your family should be arriving soon. once you are back with them, you will be officially part of the Wallis family, and you should put the past behind you. Don't go resenting them. It wasn't their fault.

The old man's gaze shifted from the tombstone to the young girl.

Grandpa, you go ahead first I want to stay here for a bit. Annabelle replied softly her eyes lingering on the tombstone.

The old Man gave another glance at the tombstone, "Alright, don't be too long, Belle.

With that, he turned and left, leaving Annabelle alone with her thoughts.

Suddenly, a ruffling sound from the woods behind her shattered the silence. Something was moving through the trees, approaching Annabelle with urgency.

Annabelle cautiously turned around, her long eyelashes casting distinct Shadows under the sunlight, lending a mysterious and somber quality to her gaze.

Suddenly, an imposing figure clad in a rugged Kombat suit emerged from the woods. It was Brandon Starkville; his face was smudged with dirt, making his features indistinguishable.

However, Annabelle's gaze was instantly drawn to the emblem on his right arm, and the rustling sounds continued, hinting at more unseen figures lurking around.

Run! The man let out a low growl.h He was surprised to find someone in this remote area.

His voice drained of strength, trailed off as he stumbled. he crashed to the ground, sprawled out amidst the lush grass, a crimson stain spreading across it.

Annabelle furrowed her brows, the intensity of the scent of blood told her this man had lost a significant amount of blood. If she doesn't help out and stop the bleeding soon, he'll bleed out.

Just then some men emerged from the rustling woods.

" There's a girl here! Exclaimed the bald man excitedly.

"Let's take her with us, "the curly-haired man behind him echoed, his thick lips curling into a lecherous grin. Seeing a beautiful girl in this desolate region had certainly stirred something within him.

Annabelle's heart pounded like a drum. having lived in this area for twelve years, she was no stranger to its dangers. but this was the first time she would be facing such a situation.

She couldn't help feeling a sense of relief that her Grandpa had already left and should be at home by now.

She took a glance at the dangerous weapons in their hands and mustered a weak voice," Please don't hurt me. I'm just an ordinary village girl…."

The curly-haired man stepped forward, lifting Anabelle's chin with the spout of his gun. He fixed his gaze on elegant features and unblemished skin that seemed alluring.

He licked his lips and grinned, "Of course, we won't hurt. Join us, and I'll show you a life of excitement and luxury".

Annabelle glanced at the menacing gun, her long lashes quivering slightly; she gasped, "Spare my life, I'll do whatever you want. I can go with you."

Her apparent submission only fueled the man's predatory intentions. He chuckled, since you are up for anything let's get started!".

Snicker echoed around as the man carelessly let his weapon drop, seizing Annabelle's right arm and forcefully pulling her into his embrace.

Annabelle's left hand deftly Moved along the side of her garb as she collided with his chest, revealing a small but potent device. In a lightning-fast motion, she delivered a non-lethal shock that rendered him unconscious.

" Ugh… before succumbing to unconsciousness, he caught a glimpse of Annabelle's cold, steely eyes devoid of any trace of timidity.

Meanwhile, the bald man, sensing trouble, let out a curse and raised his gun. However, fearing for the safety of his companion, he aimed the dark barrel at Annabelle.

Reacting quickly, Meredith shoved the man aside, rolled nimbly on the ground, and positioned herself behind the tombstone.

She grabbed a handful of white powder from a nearby basket and flung it at the bald man.

Simultaneously, he loaded his gun, but he was still a step too late.

The white powder dispersed into the air, and as he inhaled it, his vision blurred, his senses weakened, and then he fainted.

The potent concoction she'd used, a homemade animal repellent with no antidote, had knocked the guy out for at least an hour.

As Annabelle got to her feet, she noticed the new garb her grandmother sewed for her before passing, now stained and snagged. A frown creased her beautiful eyebrows.

She turned her attention to the fallen man and realised a bullet had pierced his right scapula, and blood was oozing out.

Annabelle loosened the man's heavy Kombat suit, raising her garb to reveal a collection of tools concealed beneath the fabric.

Choosing one, she casually gathered some leaves and plants, chewed them, and spat the mixture onto the man's wounded scapula. Without a second thought, she tore a strip of cloth from her torn garb and wrapped it around the injury.

The critical nature of the situation made the extraction of the bullet impossible.

Brandon's cautiousness flickered back, his right shoulder feeling number but pain-free. In a daze, he felt hands on his chest, and a sudden wave of alarm hit him.

Just as Annabelle finished tending to the wound, her hand was captured by a larger one.

"Try to relax; I'm just helping you with the wound," she explained soothingly.

Brandon finally got a clear look at the girl's face and couldn't help but stare in disbelief,... Rena?!.

Upon hearing the name, Anabelle's stoic face transformed into one of shock.

Through her widened Pupils, Annabelle caught a glimpse of the man's face smeared with dirt. With a sudden surge of strength, she wrenched her hand free from his grip and stepped back.

Annabelle stood there stunned ,as the sound of helicopter grew louder , announcing the arrival of the man's rescue team.

She looked up to see the helicopter hovering ahead, the door opening to reveal a man in armoured uniform descending on a ladder, without a second thought she turned and ran away.

Brandon,propped up against a tree, watched her retreating figure with a triumphant smile spreading across his lips.

" So ,you have been hiding here all this while ", he murmured to himself. I'll be back for you by all means necessary...

As she got closer to her home ,two black luxurious SUV were packed out front.

Inside the house, old Mr , Wales welcomed the Wallis family Who had made the trip from the city ,Dave, Alexandria and the mistaken Ms Wallis, Emily.

The three Wallis family were neatly dressed, their attire starkly contrasting with their living room . Emily in particular couldn't help but wrinkle her nose at seeing the dirty, chipped cup before her.

She glanced disdainfully around the room, taking in the peeling walls and messy clusters around.it was the middle of the summer and the house was stifling, the only relief being a broken fan that creaked and groaned with every resolution.

Her disgust and anger grew stronger with each passing moment. How could she possibly be the daughter of such a shabby family? No! She was the daughter of the Wallis family.

" Dad am already sweating profusely in here. Is it possible Annabelle doesn't want to see me? Do you think she resents me, thinking I stole her parents and what was supposed to be her's? Emily whined, clutching Dave's arm for support.

"Don't be silly it's not your fault ,you were mistakenly taken away. How could she possibly blame you for that? Dave soothed his daughter.

Before embarking on this journey they had already discussed and agreed to bring Annabelle back to the Wallis family.However with Emily having spent seventeen years with them, detaching her from the she knew would be daunting,so they decided to keep her too.

Emily's expression grew even more contorted ." Then why is she keeping us all waiting for her like this...

She turned her head towards the old Mr Wales and said " uhm could you go find Annabelle and hurry her up?.

Though framed as a question her tone was ad condescending like a master speaking to her servant.

Mr.wales observed Emily's behavior throughout the day ,let out a soft sigh . He was about to get up when Dave interrupted him.

No need to go searching for her ,if she doesn't return in five minutes we would leave ,Dave announced nonchalantly.

Alexandria put down her cup,her heart pounding in her chest. She had not traveled all this way to see how long lost daughter, only to be left empty handed.

She was about to plead with her husband when a clear,crisp voice echoed outside.

" I'm back Grandpa.

They all turned their heads towards the source of the voice and saw a girl standing at the doorway .she exuded an aura of calm confidence , making her seem almost untouchable.

As she stepped into the room ,Mr Wales was the first to notice the torn state of her garb .

Oh my God, what happened to you belle ? Old me Wales asked with concern written all over his face.

Annabelle clung into Mr Wales " I'm fine grandpa.

Only then did the others noticed that her garb was dirty and tattered.

Emily sense of disgust intensified,she couldn't help but feel repulsed, thinking

So they can't even get proper clothes for her,am definitely not coming here.

"Come meet your parents and sister. Mr wales urged Annabelle to step forward.

He was likely Graying with a bit of extra weight, but looked forty- ish maintaining a youthful appearance.

Dave has been sweating in this hot run down house for over an hour. He had no sight of Annabelle and when she finally showed up she didn't even greet him Osho manners it forward his disdain.

Impatiently he asked" why did you keep us waiting so long?.

"I had some troubles coming back". Annabelle answered lowering her gaze her thick lashes hid her sharp eyes, giving her the appearance of a guilty child.

Seeing her a remoteful attitude and delicate face resembling his wife, Dave couldn't stay mad.

"Come on let's get going!, he exited the stifling house not wanting to linger.

"Belle my dear I'm your mother let me see if you are injured?. Alexandria approached holding Annabelle's hand.

Annabelle looked at the woman in front of her,her eyes reflecting worry and reminded her of her foster mom.

Emily said "I am fine, thank you.

Mom let's go! don't Dad keep that waiting Emily said tugging Alexandria to leave.

Okay, okay, Alexandria nodded repeatedly you look that Annabelle not leaving," come belle let's go don't keep your dad waiting.

Annabelle nodded bid farewell to old Mr Wales.

Emily was jealous that Alexandra fixated only on Annabelle. Purposely pulled Alexandria harder , but she go this pleased when she didn't budge.

Frustration got the better of Emily and she let go of Alexander arm.she was about to storm off to Dave when old Mr Wales voice stopped her.

Emily ,dear are you sure you don't want to stay a bit longer ? Old Mr Wales asked with a hint of desperation in his voice.

Annabelle's gaze shifted to Emily , taking in her appearance .Mira has thick black hair and an average face,but her designer clothes made her look like a wealthy beauty.

"Not at all ! I don't want to , Emily responded without hesitation.

Emily couldn't help but scoff at the idea of giving up her luxurious lifestyle to suffer in this poverty stricken place.

Old Mr Wales let out a short sigh accepting Emily's decision," Alright then,do come to visit your father when you have time '.

The mention of her biological father instantly cast a dark cloud over Emily's face.

Before embarking on this journey, the Wallis family had dug into her background .her biological father was a convicted murderer , serving a life sentence in prison.

" I only have one father and his name is Dave Wallis , Emily declared, firmly pulling Alexandria along with her.

Old Mr Wales Emily's determined figure disappear and shook his head in resignation.he then turned his attention to Annabelle and said " my child,you should head back now.

"Okay , Anabelle replied leaning down to hug her grandfather.she whispered to his ear." I will come back for Dad and help clear his name.

With that Annabelle grabbed her bag and turned to leave.

Outside the house , only one car remained.the driver stood by the door waiting for her.

As Anabelle approached the car, the driver opened the door for her . only then did she notice there was another person seated at the back!.

As the car sped away, Dave the man occupying the back seat, cleared his throat,"Annabelle, there's something important we need to talk about.

He paused letting his words sink in before continuing, " once we are back at Riverdale, we'll host a little press conference to announce that you are officially the adopted daughter of the Wallis family ".

This was rather shocking to her , something that hadn't been mentioned before, Annabelle's gaze was deep and impenetrable, creating an aura of mystery and detachment that made it difficult for anyone to get close to her.

She seemed completely different from the compliant girl she had been moments ago.

Dave felt a twinge of discomfort under her sharp gaze,of course Annabelle hadn't been under his guardianship all this time hence the perpetual distance between them.

Forcing down his unease ,he explained carefully,"Our Family has always been dependant on the Lannisters family with their support we have been nothing but coefficient and sustainable . The two family had proposed an arranged marriage between the son of the Lannister family and the daughter of Wallis family ,it wouldn't have been a problem if they haven't met Emily but now they have to protect our and reputation of the family , we've to make this arrangement with you."

His biggest fear was that if the Lannister family found out that his own daughter was raised in the countryside because of a mistake their alliance would crumble.

" Sure , Annabelle replied nonchalantly.

She pulled out her phone from her bag, opened a game and started playing , acting like the conversation was not her concern.

Dave felt a wave of relief when he saw she didn't raise any objections.he figured that being raised in the countryside meant she was docile and easily manipulated.

If it wasn't for Alexandria constant nagging and fear of wanting to see her child in person,he wouldn't have bothered to bring her back.

He regretted his decision of bringing her back to the family ,given her rude behavior and obsession over trivial things like the game she was playing,he couldn't help but think she would embarass the Wallis family in public someday.

The car pulled up at the airport, and they boarded the plane. Two hours later they arrived in Riverdale.

Apart from eating, Annabelle spent most of the time on the plane refreshing the game , determined to break the record,and she did her final attempt took three seconds to memorize.

Out of nowhere ,a slew of WhatsApp messages popped up.

Cricket: hey raven are you serious about not accepting any orders?.

Cricket: someone's offering Four times your usual rate for a gig.are you really not considering it?.

Annabelle clicked her tongue in annoyance and shot back with a word; Nope

Cricket: refusing an eight digit gig , what's your problem?.

Raven: taking a break

Cricket: how long then? I need to give a response.

Raven: depending on my mood

Dave watched Annabelle glued to her phone , thinking of her as this internet addicted girl.

Compared to Emily ,who engrossed in study on the plane ,they were on different wavelengths.

Dave thought, keeping Annabelle identity under wraps to spare the Wallis family from future embarrassment was the right move to make.

....

At the countryside,Old Mr Wales was busy sun-drying tomatoes in the yard when two men dressed in combat suit approached him from beyond the fence.

The leader with his chiseled features and imposing physique, seemed like a work of art carefully sculpted by the hands of a divine artisan.however,a bloodstain on his right chest hinted at a recent injury that had already been treated . following closely behind was a man with a youthful appearance.

Excuse me,sir" the leader Brandon addressed Old Mr Wales, retrieving a bloodstained piece of cloth from his pocket.

The cloth instantly triggered a sense of caution in Old Mr The embroidery on the cloth was his late wife's handiwork.

Recalling Annabelle's appearance when she returned that morning and then glancing at the bloodstained piece of cloth on Brandon's hand ,he inquired...who are you?

Brandon noticed the Change in old Mr Wales demeanor and promptly explained gently . We're part of special forces in the army, currently on a mission .this girl helped capture the criminals and even saved my life.we need her to come with us for a special report on the mission and also to express my gratitude in person.

"Unfortunately you're late ,old Mr Wales answered,she Left some hour's ago and won't be returning any time soon.

Brandon's brow furrowed slightly, "where did she go?.

After hesitating , old Mr Wales finally revealed ,she has gone to the Wallis family in Riverdale.

" Thank you very much , Brandon acknowledge and turned to take his leave.

Williams catching up with Brandon asked with a playful grin," Boss have you been away from the army for so long?or is your memory slipping ? Since when does the team require special report after completing a mission?".

"Just a minute ago," Brandon replied curtly.

Williams was left speechless by his retort.

Brandon handed the bloodstained piece of cloth to Williams and instructed ," clean it up,find the girl's address and bring it to me tomorrow unfailingly.