**Chapter 3: Entwined in Secrets**

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the city as Mercedes made her way to the office, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Freddie. She couldn't wait to see him again, to feel his touch and his kiss. As she settled into her cubicle, she glanced at her phone, hoping to see a message from him. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw a text from an unknown number: "Meet me at the park at lunchtime. Come alone." Mercedes's pulse quickened as she realized it was Freddie. She felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a hint of fear. What if they got caught? What if Warren found out? She pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the present moment. She had to see him again. At lunchtime, Mercedes made her way to the park, her heart racing with anticipation. As she walked through the gates, she spotted Freddie sitting on a bench, his eyes fixed on her. He stood up as she approached, and they exchanged a brief, passionate kiss. "I've missed you," he whispered, his eyes locked on hers. Mercedes smiled, feeling a rush of emotions. "I've missed you too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. They sat down on the bench, holding hands and talking in hushed tones. Freddie told her about his plans to expand his business, and Mercedes shared her dreams of starting her own venture. As they talked, they both knew that their affair was getting more complicated by the day. As they sat there, Mercedes noticed a woman watching them from across the park. She was a few years older, with a kind face and piercing green eyes. There was something about her that seemed familiar, but Mercedes couldn't quite place it. "Who's that?" Mercedes asked, nodding discreetly towards the woman. Freddie followed her gaze and frowned. "I don't know," he replied, "but she looks like she's trying to get our attention." The woman got up and walked towards them, her eyes fixed on Mercedes. As she approached, Mercedes felt a jolt of recognition. It was her sister, Sophia, who she hadn't seen in years. "Sophia?" Mercedes exclaimed, surprised. "What are you doing here?" Sophia smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I could ask you the same thing," she replied, her gaze flicking to Freddie. Mercedes felt a wave of panic wash over her. What was Sophia doing here? And what did she know about Mercedes's affair with Freddie? She knew she had to think fast, to come up with a convincing explanation. But before she could say anything, Sophia dropped a bombshell. "I know all about Freddie," she said, her voice low and mysterious. "And I think it's time we had a talk."