A New Identity

**Charlotte's POV**

Morning arrived sooner than I expected, with the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains of the small cabin. The twins were still asleep, their serene faces unaware of the gravity of our situation. Throughout the night, while the world outside continued its course, I barely slept, anxiety rooted in every thought, every beat of my heart.

Lucas was outside, likely checking the perimeter, making sure there were no signs that Richard or Vanessa were searching for us. The escape to the cabin had only been the first step, and I knew we couldn’t stay there for long. Richard wouldn’t give up so easily.

When Lucas came into the cabin, I was already up, preparing a bottle for the babies. He looked at me, his face serious, but there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “We need to go now,” he said calmly, without preamble. “There’s a lawyer waiting for us. He’ll help you change your identity and prepare everything for your new life.”

Changing my identity was something we had discussed before, a contingency plan in case everything spiraled out of control. And now, it was happening. I knew it was necessary, that it was the only way to ensure Richard never found us. But the weight of this decision hit me hard. Changing my name, my identity... it was like burying the Charlotte I had known, the woman I had been, to make way for someone entirely new.

I finished feeding the twins, trying to stay calm. “I’m ready,” I replied, my voice firmer than I actually felt inside. There was no more room for doubt or regret. I had to move forward.

Lucas helped me load the few belongings we had into the car, and soon we were back on the road. He drove with the same determination as before, his expression focused. We didn’t exchange many words, both aware of the gravity of what we were about to do.

After some time, Lucas stopped at a roadside store. “We need to make some changes now, before we meet with the lawyer,” he said, getting out of the car.

We entered the store, and Lucas quickly picked out a dark hair dye, a shade very different from my natural color. I knew immediately what he was planning. It wasn’t just a change of name and identity, but also of appearance. I headed to the store’s bathroom, looking at my reflection one last time before applying the dye. Minutes later, a new woman stared back at me in the mirror. A woman who was willing to do whatever it took to protect her children.

Back in the store, Lucas helped me pick out some new clothes, very different from my usual style. Dressed in the new clothes and with freshly dyed hair, I felt a strange combination of vulnerability and strength. I was no longer Charlotte Anderson. I was someone new, someone Richard wouldn’t recognize.

When we returned to the car, Lucas looked at me with approval. “No one will recognize you now,” he said. “This will give us the advantage we need.”

I nodded, still trying to process the magnitude of the changes. Soon, we would be in another country, starting a new life. The idea was both liberating and terrifying.

Finally, we arrived at a discreet building on a quiet street. Lucas parked the car and turned to me. “The lawyer is trustworthy. He’ll handle everything. This won’t take long, but you need to be prepared for what comes next.”

With the twins in my arms, I followed Lucas into the office. A middle-aged man was waiting for us behind a dark wooden desk. He stood up as we entered, nodding in greeting.

“Ma’am...” He paused, waiting for me to complete the sentence, but I couldn’t. My name no longer mattered. He continued, “Please, take a seat. We’ll take care of everything. I have the documents ready.”

He explained the process in detail—how my identity would be erased and replaced with a new name and a new history. Every word he said made me feel like I was burying my old life, but I also felt a growing sense of relief. This meant freedom, a new chance to build something for myself and my children.

I signed the papers, each line bringing me closer to the new life I was about to begin. The lawyer worked quickly, his cold efficiency revealing that he had done this many times before. In less than an hour, everything was settled. He handed me a folder with the new documents—fake birth certificates for the twins, a new identity for me, and detailed instructions on how to proceed in the coming days.

“You’ll need to leave the country as soon as possible,” he said, his voice professional and emotionless. “If you follow these instructions, no one will be able to track you.”

The idea of leaving the country, going to a completely unknown place, filled me with a new kind of fear. But I knew it was what had to be done. Lucas was by my side, his steady gaze giving me the strength I needed.

After leaving the lawyer’s office, we went directly to the airport. Lucas had arranged everything, even a backup escape route in case of any problems. He had thought of every detail, ensuring that this was our best chance.

When we arrived at the airport, the reality of what I was about to do began to sink in. The goodbyes were coming, and I wasn’t ready for them.

Lucas stopped the car and turned to me. “This is where our journey together ends, Charlotte,” he said, his voice laden with a restrained sadness. “From here, you go on alone.”

My eyes filled with tears as I looked at him. “I couldn’t have done this without you, Lucas. I’ll never forget what you did for me and my children.”

He smiled, though it was a sad smile. “I did what was right. Now you need to move forward and start over. And remember, you’re never truly alone.”

We hugged tightly, and I felt the pain of separation, but also the hope that came with it. Lucas had been my savior, my friend, and now I needed to be strong for myself and my children.

With the babies in my arms, I headed towards the terminal. Each step felt harder than the last, but I kept going, knowing I was doing the only thing possible to ensure my children’s safety and future. When I looked back one last time, Lucas was standing by the car, watching me with a look of pride and sadness.

As I passed through security and walked to the boarding gate, I felt a mix of emotions. Fear, hope, sadness, and determination intertwined in my heart. My life as Charlotte Anderson was ending, but a new life was about to begin. And no matter what the future held, I knew I would do anything to protect my children and ensure they had a chance at happiness.

As the plane took off, I looked out the window, watching the world below fade away. My heart was heavy, but my mind was clear. I was ready to face whatever came next.