Chapter 2

Before dawn, Vincent returned home, weary and chilled.

The damp cold enveloped Mira, startling her with goosebumps.

She woke from a restless sleep, tear tracks still on her face.

Vincent, exhaustion etched on his face, showed a flicker of concern. "Mira, I messed up last night."

His voice turned sharp with irritation. "She's so clueless. I told her how to use the emergency app on her phone, but all she does is cry."

In the dim morning light, Mira took in his disheveled state.

His coat was missing, his usually pristine shirt wrinkled and stained with what looked like tear marks.

His sleeves were rolled up, revealing small scratches on his arms.

Her gaze paused at a faint red mark on his neck.

Mira's heart sank. She pulled her hand from his grasp, lowered her eyes, and said softly, "Vincent, do you remember our agreement?"

Vincent's face stiffened, a bitter smile forming. "Mira, this time was different. Ella was in real danger. I couldn't just let her die."

His eyes held deep fatigue, as if he were utterly drained. "We're getting engaged in a week. Don't say things you don't mean, okay? Trust me, I'll make it clear to her. She won't interfere with our lives anymore."

Mira lifted her gaze and asked abruptly, "Where's your coat?"

He blinked, shrugging. "Probably left it at the scene. I-"

His phone rang, cutting him off. "Hello, Mr. Fuller, this is the South Crestwood Police Department. Your friend, Miss Ella Clayton..."

Vincent shot to his feet, stepped onto the balcony, and slid the door shut.

His movements were quick, but Mira still caught Ella's name.

A mocking smile curved her lips.

Her phone pinged with an email notification.

As she moved to open it, Vincent rushed out, saying, "Mira, I'm heading to the police station. I'll be back soon."

She watched his retreating figure, her heart aching.

She opened the email from her supervisor.

It informed her that the university recommended her as the medical department's top candidate for advanced studies in Eldoria.

The departure date coincided with their engagement.

Mira clutched her phone until the sky brightened, then replied to her supervisor, "Professor, I've decided. I'll go."

...

Vincent returned with Ella.

Mira, eating breakfast, froze when they entered.

Ella, eyes red and swollen, hid behind him, wearing his coat, clutching his sleeve, and warily scanning the villa.

Vincent's expression was uneasy as he pulled free from her grip and approached Mira. "Mira, she was followed. Her place isn't safe, so I brought her here for a few days. She promised she'll find a new place before our engagement. She won't affect us!"

Mira looked away and said flatly, "We're done. You don't need my permission to bring anyone home."

Vincent's face darkened. He strode to the table, grabbed her hand, and dragged her to the kitchen despite her resistance. "Mira, stop this nonsense!"

He frowned, rubbing his temple.

Mira massaged her reddened wrist and said calmly, "I'm not making a scene. I'm keeping my promise."

He dropped his hand, sighing heavily. "Mira, we're about to get engaged. Invitations are out. How can you talk about breaking up now? This isn't just about us. The Fuller and Saunders families are prominent in Crestwood. Our marriage involves both families."

A sharp crash came from the living room.

Vincent's face changed, and he rushed out.

Mira followed.

Ella had shattered their framed photo on the wall.

The frame lay in pieces, the picture torn by a deep scratch, splitting their once-close figures like a dividing line.

Ella's hands bled, tears streaming down her face. "Vincent, Mira, I'm so sorry. It wasn't on purpose..."

Her voice broke. "I just wanted to look at your photo and accidentally broke the frame. I'm so sorry. I'll fix it, please don't kick me out!"

Her helpless, pitiful tone softened Vincent's heart.

He hurried to her, lifting her hand, where a shard of glass was embedded in her palm.

Mira stared at their ruined photo, her lips curling with sarcasm. "You're awfully careless, breaking the frame and even tearing the picture."

Ella's tears fell like beads. "I'm so sorry, Mira. I'll fix it. I'm sorry!"

"Enough." Vincent's gaze toward Mira held irritation. "She said it was an accident. Why are you being so snide? Can't you see how badly she's hurt?"

He carefully removed the glass with tweezers, disinfected the wound, and insisted on taking her to the hospital to check for infection.

As the door closed, Ella shot Mira a smug smile, as if taunting her.

Mira let out a laugh.

She grabbed a broom, swept the glass into the trash, and picked up the torn photo.

After staring at it for a long moment, she ripped it into pieces and threw it away.