As she stepped out of the building, Effie spotted Lyman''s car waiting across the street.


    She hurried over, pulling open the door as she slipped inside.


    "Did you have to wait long?" she asked apologetically.


    Lyman nced up, his eyes lingering on her tired face. A gentle smile yed at his lips as he asked, his concern clear, "I just got here. Are you alright?"


    Effie settled into the passenger seat, buckled her seatbelt, and turned to look at him. "I''m fine. Thank you foring to get me. How did you have time to pick me up today?"


    He started the engine, his tone low and certain. "Youe first. Everything else can wait."


    Truth was, after the events of today, Lyman had wanted nothing more than to be by her side.


    Even though Effie tried to y it down, he knew none of this had been easy for her.


    His words warmed her. "It''s just a few people stirring up trouble on purpose," she said softly.


    He nced over, unwavering. "You''re with me. I won''t let anyone mess with you."


    Effie''s heart skipped; her ears burned at his words.


    She turned to the window, trying to hide her fluster.


    They drove through bustling city streets, neon lights painting Effie''s profile in


    sharp relief, outlining every delicate feature.


    After a moment, Lyman spoke again, his tone gentle but firm. "Whatever happens


    in the future, promise me you''ll tell me."


    Effie''s lips curved into a smile. "Alright."


    There was something about hismanding tone that set her at ease.


    The car pulled up to an upscale restaurant. Lyman got out, circled around, and


    opened her door. "You must be hungry. Let''s eat first."


    Effie looked up at him, her smile bright. "Thank you, Mr. Etheridge, for the generous hospitality."


    Lyman reached out and ruffled her hair, his voice teasing and warm. "There''s more to look forward to tonight. Ready for it? Come on."


    She instantly caught his meaning, and her cheeks flushed crimson.


    Most days, he seemed reserved,posed. But when it came to this, he had no filter at all-he''d say the wildest things without batting an eye.


    Was this his true self?


    The thought of what might happenter made her face burn.


    Together, they walked into the restaurant, the golden light casting their silhouettes in perfect harmony.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Mitchell was lost in thought.


    Remembering what Effie had said earlier, he dialed Suzan''s number.


    Suzan lit up when she saw his name on the screen.


    "Mitchell!" she answered sweetly, excitement in her voice. "Are you done with work?"


    Mitchell''s tone was cool. "Suzan, what''s going on online about Effie?"


    She froze, then quickly feigned ignorance. "What are you talking about? Mitchell, I don''t know anything."


    He frowned. "Was this your doing? The stuff about Effie?"


    Suzan''s heart raced, but she forced herself to sound aggrieved. "How could you think that of me? Why would I do something like that? Did my sister tell you that? She''s always had it out for me—she must be misunderstanding..."


    Mitchell''s expression softened a little. "As long as it wasn''t you. I don''t want you involved in any of this."


    Suzan bit her lip, her eyes welling with tears. "So you''d rather believe her than me? Is that it?"


    "It''s not that," Mitchell sighed, rubbing his forehead, "It''s just...st night was strange, that''s all. Don''t overthink it."


    "Mitchell, do you not care about me anymore? We haven''t spent any time together


    in ages," she said, her voice small and wounded.


    He let out a tiredugh. "Don''t be silly. Of course I do. I''lle over tonight, okay?"


    Suzan brightened instantly. "Alright! I''ll get ready. I''ll have a surprise for you."


    He gave a nomittal "Yeah," and hung up.


    Nothing seemed to be going right these days.