Zach''s expression froze for a moment.


    But by then, Mirabe had already looked away, distracted by her phone buzzing


    in her pocket. Checking the screen, she stood up from the couch and grabbed her coat draped over the sofa. "I''m just stepping out to grab something," she said casually.


    Zach watched her make her way to the door, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. He rubbed his left shoulder, wondering if he had given anything away.


    Outside, the sky was already dark. Mirabe walked through the garden, spotting a man standing in the distance. d in a dark Grady jacket, he exuded an aura of cool elegance, like a mountain covered in fresh snow. He held a package in one hand while the other was casually tucked in his trouser pocket. Initially looking down, he seemed to sense her presence and nced up.


    Mirabe gave her nose a quick rub and stepped outside.


    Seeing her bundled up in a thick coat, James raised an eyebrow. "You''re all wrapped up, huh?"


    Mirabe gave a vague hum in response.


    Detecting a slight nasal tone in her voice, James handed her the package and gently took her hand, noticing its chill. "Caught a cold?" he asked.


    "It''s getting better," Mirabe replied with a cough, feeling the warmth from his hand seep into her fingers, chasing away the cold.


    James gave her a half-smile, staying silent as he took her other hand in his. They stood quietly for a moment until her hands warmed up. He then tucked them into her coat pockets. "Get some rest tonight."


    "Okay," Mirabe replied. As she looked up, she noticed the faint shadows under James''s eyes. She hesitated, then added, "You should too."


    James nodded, the wind teasing strands of Mirabe''s hair. Her eyes seemed to shine even brighter in the breeze. He smiled, then suddenly pulled her into a hug, his cheek brushing against her ear. After a moment, he released her. "Alright, head back."


    "Okay." As Mirabe reached the door, she nced back to see James still standing there. After a moment''s thought, she asked, "You seem troubled. Is something up?"


    James looked taken aback for a second, then shook his head. "No, nothing."


    Mirabe adjusted the bag on her arm, deciding not to press further. "Goodnight." "Goodnight."


    James watched her until she disappeared through the iron gate, his gaze deep and thoughtful. Only then did he turn away. His car was parked at the corner, and once inside, he drove out of the neighborhood, bypassing his vi.


    When Mirabe returned to the living room with the package, Zach was sipping a steaming cup of water, nning to head to bed once he finished.


    Mirabe ced the package on a side table and, remembering something, looked up. "Hey Zach, did Owen need something from you?"


    "Just dinner, some casual chat," Zach replied, recalling Owen''s demeanor earlier. After a pause, he added, "But I think he might want to talk to you about something."


    Mirabe nodded thoughtfully. "Got it."


    She mentally calcted the time; the medicine she had givenst time should be nearly used up.


    Nick nced at her, a sharp pain shooting through his left shoulder. Not wanting to reveal his difort, he kept quiet, only reminding Mirabe of a few things before heading upstairs.


    Mirabe leaned against the couch arm, watching Zach climb the stairs. She couldn''t shake the feeling that his back looked unusually stiff, especially that left shoulder, hanging low as if burdened by something heavy.


    She narrowed her eyes, deep in thought.