n

n

nOn the patio of the Millicent's private beach resort - one that has a clear view of the sun-kissed, lacy sea waves, there stood an eye-catching masculine figure.

nEye-catching due to his stunningly symmetrical profile, lustrous light brown hair, deep ocean blue eyes, and toned muscular build. Though he possesses the aura of imposing prominence, he still carries the air of a debonair and amicable gentleman.

n

"Why isn't he answering?

"

nAs of this moment, Edward is on his phone, trying to reach Adrian. The birthday party is about to start in just a couple of hours, but he still can't get in contact with him.

nHis brother sent a text message earlier, telling him that their car was stuck in the middle of a service road. It turned out that the reason why he suddenly went missing was because he returned to his mansion to escort his wife.

nEdward was taken aback by that at first, considering that Adrian never paid any extra attention to Cassidy like this before. In fact, the married couple usually goes out in separate cars. But then, he recalled that his wife had just gotten into an accident recently, which was probably why he decided to do what he did.

n

"Well, there's that but... Why isn't he picking up any of my calls?

" Edward asked to no one in particular, thinking that it's so not like his brother to ignore anyone's calls.

n

"Edward...

"

nAt the arrival of an unexpected company, he lowers his cellphone for a moment and turns around. There, he finds his mother making her way to him along with Sophie who's been tagging behind her for a while now.

nAt first glance, these two may look like they have a close relationship, especially with how they often bond like a true mother-and-daughter duo, but Edward has his silent suspicions for some time now. Though Sophie has indeed contributed a lot of things to the family's business, all she's probably really after here is a certain brother of his.

nWhile it may be true that she did publicly display her romantic feelings towards him back then, it should already be a given that she would give up since he's married now.

n

"Where is Adrian? I haven't seen him since this morning,

" Gertrude inquired, a stern frown marring her frame - just like usual.

n

"Oh, that... I received a message from him a few minutes ago. He told me that he came back to the mansion to get his wife-

"

n

"Wait, what?!

" Sophie then suddenly cut him, reacting completely nonplussed.

nThe two of them turn to look at her in surprise, not expecting her somewhat exaggerated response. It's not everyday they find this elegant and demure lady lose her composure as well as her perfect poise.

nThen again, the only thing that will ever stir her up this much is her target of affection, though they're not really aware of that.

nAs soon as Sophie saw Gertrude's displeased reaction to her shrill, she hastily collected her bearings once more. She couldn't afford straying from the public's angelic image of her, especially when she's in front of the Millicent's.

n

"I-I apologize for that. I was just... taken aback...

" Sophie begged pardon, averting her gaze.

n

"It's just that Adrian has a very important role in the party tonight, right? Doesn't he need to be here as soon as possible?

"

n

"Well, that's the thing. He already said that they're on their way, but it seemed like they encountered some sort of a problem,

" Edward explained, staring back at the screen of his phone.

n

"Why does he need to go get her in the first place...?

" Gertrude trailed off with a sigh, her brows scrunched tightly together in miff.

n

"Get their location as soon as possible. Track his phone if you have to. I'll just have our chopper fetch him.

"

n

"And his wife, Mother.

"

n

"Ughhh... Yes, yes... And that woman.

"

nWith a dismissive wave, she turns back around again and starts to walk away. But then, her companion only remains silent on her spot, still not moving. He ends up tilting his head quizzically at this.

nOnly when Sophie looked up again and suddenly locked eye contact with Edward did she finally swerve back around and tail after Gertrude.

n

"Hmmm... Now, I'm nearly convinced that she isn't gonna give up on him any time soon,

" he pondered quietly before heaving a sigh, recalling just how head-over-heels in love she used to be with his brother in the past.

nEdward could tell so since he found Sophie scowling for as brief as a second there.

n---

nBack at where the couple of concern is, the situation isn't really getting better - much like how the flames aren't letting up.

nConsidering how hot the weather is that afternoon, it's expected that heat meeting heat is the worst possible combination. With that, the car keeps burning underneath the mercilessly blazing sun.

nFortunately, Adrian was able to get Cassidy away from there right before the bomb set off.

nIt was a very close call, but he still managed to make it in time and push her to the other side of the road. The two ended up nearly crashing on the ground from this abrupt action, which worked out for the best since they're also able to shield themselves at the last minute.

n

"W-W-What the hell...?

" Cassidy breathed out tremulously, her entire figute shuddering for a moment in aghast shock.

n

"Eleanor, are you alright?

" Adrian asked from beside her, evident concern laced in his voice.

n

"Y-Yeah, I am...

" she replied until she suddenly recalled something crucial.

n

"Wait, forget about me! The driver...! What about the driver?!

"

nAt that, she made haste and rose on her feet again, thinking that the driver was left trapped inside the car. But then, he held her wrist out of nowhere, making her halt on her tracks.

n

"Don't go there! It might explode again...!

" Adrian bolted out at her, making her flinch in surprise.

n

"And the driver... He's not there, okay? He just texted me and warned me about not coming close to the car.

"

n

"H-Huh?

"

nAt this point, she could only look back at him in utter flummox. Her train of thoughts is becoming a huge clutter now. She's not sure what to think of this eventful road trip anymore.

nWith that, both Cassidy and Adrian found themselves stranded on that road again, but this time, an unreckonable premonition is keeping them company.

n