Renee dialed the number, and a hoarse male voice came from the other end. "Kaitlyn, we didn't mean it. That stubborn girl is just too hard to handle! She's really tough!"But no worries. Despite Lena's capabilities, she's trapped right now... There are dangerous snakes and fierce beasts in that forest. She won't make it!"Renee held her hand over her mouth, almost stopping herself from screaming.At that moment, Kaitlyn's voice called from the living room. "Renee! Renee? What are you doing?"Renee almost fell off her chair but managed to note down the number. Sneaking into Kaitlyn's room as she passed, she placed the phone back, then casually went downstairs to the living room.Her heart raced well into the night.Kaitlyn had forbidden her from leaving the house or using her phone, except for Toph's calls. No one else was permitted to get in touch.Renee had grown to dislike this stifling life.After confirming Kaitlyn was asleep that night, she turned on her computer to trace t
Lena felt like her body was being torn apart, the pain similar to roasting over a fire. Maybe this was how hell felt...A bit of consciousness remained. She knew she leaned on a strong chest, feeling safe. A steady heartbeat echoed, too.In her daze, she smiled faintly. She wanted to rest, yet a voice kept echoing."Lena, don't sleep! Don't you dare sleep!""Mom..." she mumbled."Lena!"Suddenly, a sense of warmth spread through her heart.She had not experienced much warmth throughout her life, let alone someone being so concerned about her.When Lina argued with the shop owner and forced him to give her money, she had felt contented.Now... where was this voice coming from?"Lena, we're almost there!" Chris placed her in the car's back seat, speeding all the way. "We're almost at the hospital. Hold on!""I don't want to hold on anymore..." Lena weakly managed to say.Lena was utterly exhausted. All she yearned for was a serene slumber.In her dreams, her mother wouldn't
Lena felt like she was trapped in a nightmarish place, surrounded by horrible creatures that seemed to be tearing at her body. The pain was excruciating, and she wanted to scream, but her voice felt stifled.After what seemed like an eternity, she sensed a faint coolness, and she managed to move her lips, finally mustering a few words. "Water... Water..."Then, someone dampened a cotton swab with water and gently touched it to her lips. It brought relief, and her intense feelings of agitation and anxiety began to ease. She struggled to open her eyes."You're awake?" A familiar voice reached her.Lena's heart raced. Her awareness gradually returned, and her surroundings started becoming clearer. "It's... you?"The man before her appeared somewhat different from the Chris she knew. Her image of Chris was that of a charming and honest person with a strong, rugged face projecting a tough and sturdy demeanor.But now, his eye sockets looked hollow, dark circles ringed his eyes, and hi
Lena's wounds were getting better each day, and her body was slowly returning to normal.The small village was peaceful and quiet, almost like it was cut off from the rest of the world. Even though it was close to Centrolis, it didn't have the busy feel of a big city.Lena liked the vibe there. She would often sit in the yard, looking at the flowers growing freely, taking deep breaths, and listening to birds singing.At meal times, Chris would come to get her. The first time Lena saw the fancy meal Chris had made—four dishes and soup—her calm expression turned into one of amazement."How is it?" Chris, who still had on an apron, proudly showed her the dishes. "Try it. It's going to make your taste buds dance!""How did you learn to cook like this? I thought..." "Thought I'd blow up the kitchen like those two spoiled heirs?" Chris chuckled.He had shredded the potatoes that way back in the Thompsons the last time just to preserve Zuko's pride."When I first joined the military,
Lena looked at him, then quickly finished her salad in large bites.Even though it was time to wash the dishes, Chris remained deep in thought. The water ran loudly, yet he just stood by the sink, his hands in the cold water. He was motionless like a puppet.Lena came over and turned off the tap, scolding him lightly, "Do you think the water bill is cheap?"Startled, Chris seemed to snap back to reality. When he looked at her, she was already moving away with her crutch, not seeming to care.Chris felt a bit sad. He had never really opened up to anyone before, except Lena now. He hadn't expected...But if one liked someone, they should accept everything about them.Chris sighed, grabbed a sponge, and kept washing the dishes. He cleaned the kitchen and cut some fresh fruit for Lena.That was when Zuko called.Upon seeing Zuko's name on his phone, Chris' frustration shifted to him. He answered, sounding annoyed, "Hello."There was a pause on Zuko's side, probably finding this at
Chris was surprised. They had been staying in this village for almost a month, letting Lena regain her health.Lena was pretty healthy to start with. While she hadn't fully recovered, she didn't need his constant help anymore. He understood why she wanted to go back to Centrolis.She wasn't one to ignore things. She would want to investigate thoroughly because she thought Kaitlyn was planning something. Plus, Kaitlyn might be a danger to the Thompsons. The Thompsons and Lina were like sensitive points for her. Anyone who tried to harm them would suffer serious consequences.Chris felt a pang of bitterness. Suddenly, he recalled a question—"Have you ever risked your life for someone?"This question could not be more appropriate for Lena.He looked at her from the side, his sharp eyes revealing a mix of complex feelings like resentment, sorrow, dissatisfaction, and jealousy.Lena felt tense as he observed her. She had just mentioned returning to Centrolis, so why was his behavior
"Okay, I understand," Lina said softly, "Keep following her. If anything unusual happens, inform us immediately.""Understood. About this... Should Ms. Renee be informed?"Lina had kept these people silent from the beginning of the investigation, fearing it might strain their relationship.The leader appeared troubled. "Ms. Thompson, um... Ms. Renee has spotted us. We encountered her following Kaitlyn as we tracked her..."Zuko replied seriously, "You must ensure her safety. If Kaitlyn is genuinely a threat, she might target her own daughter without hesitation.""Yes!"With a bow, the men left the room, leaving only Zuko and Lina.Both of them carried heavy concerns and worries."Zuko, I have something to tell you.""Same here, I want to discuss something too." Zuko smiled at her. "Is it about Kaitlyn?""Yes.""Then let's say it together.""I suspect..." Lina's eyebrows knitted a bit.In unison, they uttered, "She's not Kaitlyn!"After speaking, they gazed into each other
"S-She is..."Kaitlyn locked eyes with Renee, her gaze revealing an indescribable mix of pain and distress."Mom, don't be afraid." Renee rushed to embrace her mother, feeling the familiar softness of Kaitlyn's hand.But then Renee pulled back, studying Kaitlyn. There was no change—even the white hair by her temples remained the same."Renee, you are in danger. Run, quickly!""Mom?"Kaitlyn's smile remained, but her eyes turned frigid as if she had transformed into someone else. She stared at Renee with a sinister grin, her voice chilling. "Renee, what's the matter?"Renee let go suddenly, retreating several steps."Talk!" Kaitlyn closed in slowly. "So, did you follow me to find this place?""Mom, I..." An icy shiver shot down Renee's spine, her skin prickling with goosebumps. "I was just worried. You hadn't taken your medicine today, so I thought..."Kaitlyn's lips twitched briefly before she resumed her smile. "Ah, I understand.""Mom, when did you get this house? How come