Chapter 30: It’s Too Small
*Inside James Car*
It was already dark and late when Lily sat in the front seat of James’s car, a vehicle distinctly different from the one he usually used to drop off and pick up Mira. The unfamiliarity of the car only heightened her anxiety. Her face was a portrait of worry; she had never imagined things would turn out this way. The shock of Mira’s kidnapping hit her like a cold wave, leaving her feeling numb and helpless. If she had known, she would have insisted on Mira staying at the company. But she hadn’t known. Her pallor was so pronounced that James, noticing her distress, turned to her with a look of quiet sympathy.
"It’s not your fault," he said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that felt almost like a comforting hug. His gaze was steady and reassuring, like a lighthouse guiding her through the stormy sea of her emotions.
Before he could say more, his phone rang, breaking the tense silence in the car. He answered it, and after a brief, tense pause, his expression transformed from anxiety to relief. "They’ve found Mira," he said, his voice carrying a note of hope.
Lily’s heart skipped a beat. She immediately sat up, her eyes wide with a mix of relief and lingering worry. "How did they kidnap her? Who did this? What happened? Why is all of this happening?" Her voice trembled, revealing the depth of her anxiety.
James looked at her with a mixture of concern and reassurance. "The important thing is that Mira has been found," he said gently, his eyes softening with sincerity.
Lily nodded, trying to process the relief mingled with her remaining anxiety. Just then, her phone screen lit up—her mum was calling. Lily’s eyes widened in panic. Her mother’s overprotectiveness was legendary, and with the late hour, she knew her mum would be frantic. The thought of her mother finding out a guy was dropping her off made Lily’s heart race.
She quickly picked up the call, striving to steady her voice. "Hey, Mum."
Her mother’s voice came through, loud and anxious, with a touch of frustration. "Lily, where are you? I’m so worried! Where are you? I’m outside and can’t find you at the company!"