As the rain tapped gently against the windowpanes, I settled into my nighttime routine, finding solace in the rhythmic melody of the falling droplets.
It had been an exhausting day, with Mia's rescue, Mrs. Chloe's distress, Kate's revelations, and Seth's betrayal weighing heavily on my mind.
Arriving home, I felt the fatigue settle into my bones. Shedding my shoes at the door and hanging up my coat, I yearned for a moment of peace.
With a steaming cup of tea cradled in my hands, I sank into the welcoming embrace of the couch.
The soft glow of lamplight bathed the living room in a cozy ambiance, while outside, the rain began its gentle descent.
Turning to the pages of a crime book, I sought refuge in the captivating world of mafias, hoping to glean insight into Mr. Cruel's elusive crimes.
As dinner time approached, my weariness prevented any elaborate cooking endeavors.
Spotting a package on the dining table, I realized Keith had thoughtfully brought home pizza and fries.
Grateful for the gesture, I indulged in a quick meal, eager to satisfy my hunger and retire for the night.
With a contented belly and a mind drifting into drowsiness, I made my way to the bedroom.
Slipping into comfortable attire, I nestled into the inviting embrace of the bed, the soft sheets enveloping me in warmth. Outside, the rain continued its gentle serenade, lulling me .
I wasn't sleepy, but the exhaustion weighed heavily on my eyelids, making it difficult to focus.
Lost in thought, I scrolled through a news article about Mia when Keith's urgent call interrupted my reverie.
"Sir, Mr. Rodrigues has been missing for the past three days, exactly after he met us," Keith's voice rushed through the line, sending a jolt of adrenaline through my tired frame.
"Mia went missing the same day," I interjected, my mind racing to connect the dots.
"No, sir, I am sorry to disappoint you, but there is no chance Mr. Rodrigues is the one behind Mia's kidnapping. Mr. Rodrigues is Mia's biological dad," Keith's revelation left me stunned, my thoughts swirling with newfound complexity.
"There is no way that douchebag has a kid, and there is no chance Mrs. Chloe is his mother," I muttered, trying to reconcile the pieces of the puzzle.
"But Mia's mom got divorced as soon as Mia was born, and she remarried Mrs. Chloe's son," Keith's explanation shed light on the tangled web of relationships.
Despite the revelation, doubts lingered. Mr. Rodrigues seemed an unlikely perpetrator, lacking the audacity and meticulous planning required for such a crime.
"Send our SOE team, find that douchebag as soon as possible," I commanded, my resolve firm as I leaned back against the headboard, grappling with the unsettling truth.
.
.
As the sun peeked over the horizon, signaling the start of my usual crappy day, my routine was interrupted by the loud chime of my mobile.
Irritation bubbled up within me—couldn't I have just fifteen more minutes until my alarm went off? But as soon as I glimpsed the caller ID, my annoyance evaporated.
"Morning, Luce," I mumbled groggily into the phone.
"Guess what, I'm coming back to Melbourne. My internship is over," she chirped enthusiastically, her voice bringing a smile to my lips.
"That's great news. When are you arriving? I can pick you up," I offered, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
"In about two hours. I'm about to board the flight. See you," she declared before abruptly ending the call. I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of her return.
It had been years since we last saw each other.
With a brisk stretch, I peeled myself from the comfort of my bed and shuffled to the bathroom.
A splash of cool water on my face invigorated my senses, and a quick shower washed away the remnants of sleep, leaving me feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.
Dressed in a sharp suit and tie, I made my way to the kitchen to fuel my body and mind for the tasks ahead.
A mundane breakfast of oatmeal and an apple awaited me, but a strong cup of tea provided the jolt of energy I needed to kickstart my day.
Armed with my briefcase and a sense of purpose, I set off for the office, my mind already buzzing with plans and ideas.
Along the way, I caught up on the latest news and emails, mentally preparing myself for the day ahead.
Arriving at the office, I plunged into my daily routine, tackling meetings, emails, and projects with determination.
But as the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting its warm glow over the city below, it was time to leave for the airport. Keith tagged along with me—I guess he didn't trust me alone in public places.
"Zephyr!" Her voice filled with joy, she immediately ran towards me as soon as she spotted us.
"It's been too long, Keith," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
"I've missed you so much, Zephyr. You better treat me to a good restaurant; I'm starving," she continued, her excitement infectious.
With no further ado, she enveloped me in a tight hug. Luce was never one to shy away from physical affection, and though it made me uncomfortable at times, I didn't mind.
As we stood there, lost in the moment, I couldn't help but marvel at how much she had changed over the years.
Time seemed to melt away as we caught up on the events of the past few years, our conversation flowing effortlessly, as if no time had passed at all.
Luce was more than just a cousin—she was a dear friend, but I knew she wanted something more than just a familial bond.