The Wrong Woman

With that, Nathan bolted out of Sudvilla, with Cole following closely behind.

Mila remained rooted in place, her fists clenching slowly as tears clouded her sight.

She knew Nathan all too well. A man of his mettle would help even a stranger, let alone a friend and colleague in need. Yet, she couldn't approve of his actions as well as shaking off the unease gnawing at her.

Phoebe, alerted by the commotion, dashed out of her room. She caught sight of Cole and Nathan hurriedly leaving.

Rushing downstairs, she asked, "Mila, what's happening? Why are they in such a rush?"

Mila stood motionless, offering no response.

Phoebe approached her. Seeing the tear stains on her face, she grew alarmed and gently held her hand. "Mila, why are you crying? Are you not feeling well?"

Mila closed her eyes, tears trickling down her cheeks. She shook her head, unable to articulate her feelings. It felt as if a heavy weight was pressed upon her chest.

The night sky was shrouded in darkness, without a single star in sight. Two hours had slipped by, and Nathan had yet to return.

of the streetlamp in the garden path. Her gaze pierced through the darkness,

here in the

instant, Phoebe noticed a red dot on Mila's forehead. Her face drained of color, her

Perplexed, Mila frowned. "What?"

get down!" Phoebe exclaimed, rushing over and throwing herself at

pierced Mila's ears as a suppressed sniper rifle shot

bodies spun before they tumbled into the garden bushes. Phoebe shielded Mila and her unborn baby

rapid gasps, her heart raced,

sweat, her face drained

Mila touched Phoebe's arm, her voice trembling with emotion. "Phoebe, are you injured? Where

shoulder, her breaths ragged as she

inside the house. She briefly searched Phoebe

toward the security booth at Sudvilla's entrance. "Security, there's a sniper! Take