the lost years mary higgins clark

Five years ago, Iliana Mercer unexpectedly became pregnant with the child of Ernest Abbott, the richest man in Verdora. Years later, a chance encounter reignites their passionate connection. Ernest subsequently purchases the bakery where Iliana works, seemingly determined to be part of her life. Despite Iliana's focus on professional independence, Ernest's persistent pursuit gradually breaks down her resistance. Ultimately, she not only establishes herself professionally but finds herself cherished by both Ernest and their adorable son, transforming her life in unexpected ways.

Carol, a part-time food delivery worker who lost her mother, coincidentally helped the grandfather of Denton's wealthiest man. Later, this elderly gentleman tried to fix his grandson Nigel up with Carol. In order to repay the debts left behind from her mother's medical treatment, Carol agreed to marry Nigel for the sum of $200,000. Nigel, pressured by his grandfather, entered into the marriage reluctantly and hid his identity from Carol. However, their feelings for each other gradually grew as they started living together. Yet, Nigel's concealed identity remained a ticking time bomb in their relationship. Events such as Nigel's mother visiting their home and the party hosted by Nigel's group further fueled Carol's suspicions about Nigel's true identity, leading to a series of tense yet comical situations.

Five years ago, Nina Wade was betrayed by her own family, leading to an unexpected pregnancy with Joe Holt. She raised their son, Ben, in secret. But now, five years later, her world is shattered when Ben is diagnosed with leukemia. Desperate to save him, Nina plans to sell the precious jade that Joe left to her back then. Meanwhile, the Holts begin a city-wide search for Ben. In the midst of this chaos, Nina finds herself working as Joe's secretary at Holt Corp. As they spend more time together, their relationship begins to heat up in ways neither of them expected.

Over the past few years, Xena had been working hard to earn money, allowing her son, Leon Cale, to attend college. Leon promised to take his mother to the city to live once he got into college. Ten years later, Leon achieved great success and forgot about his mother who lived in the village, forgetting about his own humble beginnings. This play carries a profound positive energy, showcasing the greatness and selflessness of a mother's love. It also serves as a reminder to the audience to never forget gratitude and to cherish the silent sacrifices of their mothers.

"Why does your son look so much like me?" Upon hearing this question, Holly Shaw fell silent. Five years ago, her parents divorced, and her callous father expelled her from their home. In order to pay for her mother's medical treatment, she agreed to substitute for another girl's companionship that night. Now, five years later, she returns with two adorable children, determined to reclaim what is rightfully hers. Little does she expect to once again encounter the man from that fateful night—Allen Carter.

In her past life, Stella begged the Smith family for affection her entire life but never received even a shred of it. They broke her hands, stole her company, and in the end, Wendy Smith ran her over and killed her. After rebirth, Stella leaves behind a massive sum of money, severs all ties with the Smith family, and reunites with her real father, billionaire tycoon Ben Harrison. Ben becomes utterly devoted to his daughter, showering her with endless love. The heir of the Fenton family falls for Stella at first sight and vows to marry no one else. Using cutting-edge technology, Stella heals herself and reclaims everything she lost in her previous life. The Smith family is left completely stunned, begging Stella to come back and be part of their family again. Stella just laughs in their faces.

Six years ago, Luke Kranz gave his life to protect Ava Ewing. Ever since, she has carried the weight of both her family and career alone, tirelessly struggling to save enough for her daughter Ellie’s heart surgery. Just when she thought she had no time for anything else, Evan Foster returns after years abroad, reentering her life with unresolved resentment and buried emotions. Unable to let go of the past, he keeps pushing her, testing her boundaries, and stirring up everything she tried to leave behind.

Six years ago, Fred Steel, once the president of the World Neurology Association, walked away from invitations from the world’s top medical circles to live incognito in River City. His only mission: to ensure the awakening of one man—a man whose salvation he regarded as the crowning achievement of his life. That man is Felix Quaid, CEO of Peak Group, who has remained unconscious in a top-tier medical ward for six years. Now, the very man who reshaped the world six years ago is about to wake, and his return will once again send tremors across the globe.

Six years ago, singer Emma Hadley developed a kidney disease after childbirth, was abandoned by her boyfriend Tyler, and was told that her daughter had died. In reality, Tyler saved her by donating his kidney, but because he borrowed money for the surgery from Michael, a popular singer who had a crush on Emma, he was forced to leave with their daughter. Six years later,Emma became a renowned superstar in the music industry, still haunted by thoughts of her daughter. Her daughter Lily, singing on the street to raise money for her father Tyler's surgery,accidentally encountered Emma...

Five years ago, Ella Cain ended up spending a night with Liam West after being set up by someone, resulting in the birth of her son, Oliver Cain. Fast forward five years, Ella's grandfather insists she get married to inherit the family business. Reluctantly, Ella agrees. In an unexpected twist of fate, she crosses paths with Liam once again. After navigating various challenges, Liam falls in love with Ella and discovers that Oliver is his son, a fact he had not acknowledged due to family matters. Ultimately, with Oliver's help, they clear up their misunderstandings and come together in the end.

Eight years ago, Anna Lane, a D-list actress, married Caleb Scott, CEO of Scott Group, to fulfill her grandfather's wish. After unexpectedly becoming pregnant, she filed for divorce. Six years later, the Scott family discovers that her daughter, Nancy, is actually Caleb's child and begins searching for them. While Anna faces mistreatment on a film set, Caleb arrives to rescue them but doesn't recognize his daughter. At a banquet, Caleb's mother reveals Nancy's identity, and the truth comes out: Anna is Caleb's ex-wife. Caleb confesses his love, and they remarry, welcoming twins and achieving both love and career success.

Vincent comes from wealth on both sides - his mother is the chairman of the Wilson Group and his father is a mysterious gangster lord. He hides his riches to start a relationship with Jessica, but ends up in a coma for three years after a car accident while losing contact with his parents. Jessica works part-time to pay Vincent’s medical bills, but she is bullied by her relatives and ridiculed by the world. When Jessica is abused yet again because of Vincent, the man who has been in a coma for three years comes to his senses. When the bullies learn Vincent’s true origins, they realize just who they’ve been messing with…

Commander Phillip Nunez of Draconia returned home triumphant after concluding his military campaigns, only to discover that his long-lost son had just been located. He immediately ordered that his son be treated to the finest luxuries, seeking to make amends for the years of neglect.Meanwhile, his son Arnold Lane was on the brink of release from prison. Three years earlier, Arnold had taken the fall for his wife Suzanne Townsend, only to learn of her infidelity upon uncovering his true parentage. Determined to assert himself, Arnold resolved to reveal his identity at his wife's engagement banquet, confronting her and her paramour.

Sophia Sidney, a devoted housewife, believes patience and sacrifice can hold her family together—until one phone call shatters everything. Her husband, Liam Howell, is caught in a hotel scandal with his long-time first love, Candice Gosse. When Sophia rushes to his side, she is met not with remorse, but blame.Heartbroken and furious, Sophia demands a divorce. What truly destroys her, however, is realizing that the two children she raised with her own hands choose Candice over their own mother. In that moment, Sophia understands she has already lost her place in this family.She leaves the country, cutting all ties. Only after she's gone does Candice reveal her true face, and the children begin to miss the mother they once took for granted.But love has turned to ashes. This time, Sophia will never look back.

Ian Warren, the wealthiest man in Granton, was once gravely ill as a child. While recovering in the countryside, he met a young girl named Alice Clare. Encouraged by her, he successfully underwent surgery. On the day they agreed to meet, Alice suddenly disappeared. Ian spent years searching for her.Eighteen years later, upon reuniting, he quickly found an excuse to marry her in a flash wedding. Fearing she might leave, he treated her with utmost devotion. Only later did he realize that Alice had willingly entered his trap—this long-planned love had been mutual from the start. In the end, they met at their peaks and found their happily ever after.

Eight years ago, Anna Lane, a D-list actress, married Caleb Scott, CEO of Scott Group, to fulfill her grandfather's wish. After unexpectedly becoming pregnant, she filed for divorce. Six years later, the Scott family discovers that her daughter, Nancy, is actually Caleb's child and begins searching for them.While Anna faces mistreatment on a film set, Caleb arrives to rescue them but doesn't recognize his daughter. At a banquet, Caleb's mother reveals Nancy's identity, and the truth comes out: Anna is Caleb's ex-wife. Caleb confesses his love, and they remarry, welcoming twins and achieving both love and career success.

Jade Scott, after being thrust through time, shares a fateful night with Caleb Zane, heir to the Duke of Southvale. Six years later, she returns to the capital with her young son, only to endure relentless humiliation at the hands of the powerful Princess Phoebe Vaughn.Just as her strength begins to waver, Caleb steps forward—shielding her, confronting Phoebe, and turning the tide.As their bond deepens, they realize their hearts had been intertwined long before destiny brought them together again. And the son Caleb has spent years searching for? He's been by his side all along. But the greatest revelation is yet to come: Jade is no ordinary woman—she's the rightful royal princess.

Three years ago, to repay Sara Crane's father for saving his life, Ian Griffin married into the Crane family. He secretly helped the Cranes reach a higher standing in society so that they would one day learn his true identity. Three years later, after making his last delivery for the day, he coincidentally saves Stella Wade, the Queen of Commerce, who was attacked by Estrya Assassins. After instructing his subordinate to handle the aftermath, he hastily leaves. Little does he know, Stella has fallen for him at first sight and wants to offer herself to him, along with Nimbus Group, which she has been managing for years.