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.

streetlamp in the garden path. Her gaze

you out here in

turned to look at her. In that instant, Phoebe noticed a red dot on Mila's forehead. Her face drained of color, her

Perplexed, Mila frowned. "What?"

Phoebe exclaimed, rushing over and throwing herself at

sound pierced Mila's ears as a suppressed sniper

a swift motion, Phoebe lunged forward and enveloped Mila in her embrace. Their bodies spun before they tumbled into the garden

gripped by panic, lay atop Phoebe. Her breaths came in rapid gasps, her heart raced, and her abdomen ached with sharp pains. A sense of

in sweat, her face drained of

touched Phoebe's arm, her voice trembling with

at her shoulder, her breaths ragged as she whispered in anguish,

my phone?" Mila frantically searched her pockets, realizing it was inside the house. She briefly searched Phoebe for her phone, but it was

"Security, there's a sniper! Take cover, call