âRaegan, whatâs wrong?â Luis asked, patting her back gently.
This tiny gesture unleashed the flood of tears Raegan had been holding back.
Raeganâs tears fell like scattered beans, spreading across the ground.
âEhâ¦â Watching Raegan break down, Luis felt a surge of helplessness.
He quickly reached for a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her.
âDonât cry.
Tell me whatâs wrong,â he urged softly.
Despite her efforts, Raeganâs tears continued to flow uncontrollably.
Raegan accepted the handkerchief from Luis and hurriedly dabbed at her eyes.
Then, she shrugged and held her breath, managing to choke back her tears, but her shoulders kept trembling.
Looking up, she asked, âDid you know that Mitchelâs back?â
âIâ¦â Luis scratched his head, pausing before admitting, âI knew.
â
âs BunnyBookery âWhen did he come back?â Raegan pressed.
Luis thought for a moment and then answered honestly, âHe flew back yesterday morning.
â
Upon hearing this, Raeganâs expression darkened.
If Mitchel had landed yesterday morning, he must have known Janey had disappeared and the mess her studio faced.
Yet, he didnât show up until today.
That was to say, Mitchelâs sudden appearance today wasnât for her and Janey, but because Luciana was in danger.
Raegan fell completely silent.
Her small face, still wet with tears, looked fragile yet endearing.
âDid something happen to Mitchel?â
Now it was Luisâ turn to be silent.
He hesitated, struggling to find the right words.
Finally, he managed to say, âLet it go, Raegan.
â
His advice hit Raegan unexpectedly hard.
She was completely dazed and disoriented.
She blurted out without thinking, âWhy?â
Seeing Luis stay silent, she pressed, âWhy? He risked his life for me.
Why the sudden ask of me to let it go?â
Tears filled Raeganâs lovely eyes, and Luis couldnât stand it.
He felt like cursing in his heart.
âRaegan, just listen to me.
Try to forget him.
Convince yourself he has gone.
â
Being friends, Luis didnât want Raegan to get hurt.
After all, he had seen the resolve in Mitchelâs eyes.
For Raegan, the best defense was to keep her expectations low.
âHeâs obviously here.
How can I pretend heâs not?â Raeganâs attempt at a smile was more painful than her tears.
The elevator had reached the first floor, and Raegan didnât want to impose on Luis any longer.
âMr.
Stevens, Iâm fine.
You go ahead.
â
With that, Raegan stepped out of the elevator.
Luis, concerned, peered out to check on her.
It was a distressing sight as Raeganâs knees buckled, and she collapsed heavily to the floor.
âShit! Raegan!â
âHey! Raegan!â Erick dashed forward, accidentally colliding with Luis, who was on his way out to offer support.