Ah, oh dear.
Miranda nodded along, but something didn’t quite sit right with her. Wait, aren’t you getting divorced? Why do you care about Lysander’s brother?
Mila casually replied, His situation is a bit unique. I’ll explain later.
Eugene had just finished setting up the fireworks and was walking over.
…
Miranda was the kind of person who could forget everything once she started having fun.
The trio eagerly lit the fireworks one by one, as brilliant bursts of color illuminated the night sky, creating an indescribable beauty.
At the midpoint of their celebration, they even set up a spit roast.
Mila and Miranda were busy lighting fireworks while watching the dazzling display. They occasionally accepted pieces of roasted lamb that Eugene handed over.
Eating, drinking, and singing, they had a night full of joy and laughter.
The sky was filled with fireworks, washing away countless past burdens and welcoming new beginnings with a radiant glow.
Laughter echoed through the night.
Since they were in the countryside, far from the city, the three of them decided to stay at a local bed and breakfast after the fireworks.
Having had a little to drink, Mila didn’t sleep very deeply.
She woke up around five in the morning and, unable to fall back asleep, she decided to sit on the balcony with a cup of tea, waiting for the sunrise.
The bed and breakfast was not far from the mountains.
In winter, the sun rose slowly, casting a dim light over the horizon as the morning darkness lingered.
Mila gazed out at the mountains, enjoying the tranquil silence of the early morning. She felt as if she were the only person in the world, bringing a calmness to her heart.
After a few moments of quiet contemplation, her eyes caught a glimmer of movement.
Curious, she looked more closely and saw a car moving slowly along a sloped mountain road some distance away from the bed and breakfast.
Strangely, the car had its headlights on, and beams of flashlight light flickered from the windows, as if searching for something.
Probably some tourists who lost something, she thought.
She shrugged it off and continued sipping her tea, waiting for the dawn to break.
Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. I’m here to help you. It’s okay…
She held the child close and gently patted their back to soothe them. Her gentle tone and lack of sudden movements calmed the child somewhat, and they cautiously lifted their head, revealing a face covered in scratches.
It was then Mila noticed the metallic scent of blood emanating from the child.
At that moment, the child clung to her tightly, their voice hoarse and panicked, with a clear note of desperation.
Mom, mommy, please, help me. Someone’s trying to catch me, please…
Mila’s instincts screamed that something was wrong.
Before she could react, several rough voices echoed from not far away. Hey boss, there’s a car over here!
Forget about that for now, just find the kid!
The kid’s got to be around here somewhere!
Damn it! Once we find him, I’ll teach you all a lesson for letting a little brat slip away!
Listening to the voices and feeling the child trembling in her arms, Mila’s heart sank. These weren’t the child’s family. They were kidnappers, weren’t they?