The one he’de to see? Suddenly, Bruce understood that this was the girl who had captured Leon’s


    attention.


    “What’se over Leon? Why would he take an interest in her? His taste seems to have faltered.”


    Bruce’s mind was upied, while Millie walked towards themunity, seemingly oblivious to his


    presence.


    Millie’s phone resounded with a persistent melody. It was Derek calling.


    “Mrs. Thomas, your whereabouts elude me. I’ve crossed the hospital’s threshold, yet neither your


    silhouette nor the two enigmatic shadows shadowing you have graced my sight.”


    In that moment, like petals unveiled by the wind, Millie’s realization bloomed. She had inadvertently


    neglected to update Derek on the situation.


    “My sincerest apologies, Derek. In my neglect, I omitted to apprise you of my encounter with Bruce. His


    sagacity illuminated our quandary.”


    Derek exhaled an unburdened sigh, his voice carrying the cadence of relief. “I find sce in the


    knowledge of your well-being.”


    Marcus was in a prior meeting. Derek received Millie’s summons, catapulting him into a frenzied dash


    to her side. His concern for her well-being was etched upon his visage.


    Unaware of Millie’s departure from the hospital gate, he swiftly reached for his phone to initiate a call.


    Journey’s end was Millie’s abode, apanied by Bruce’s presence, akin to an inspector’s quest


    within the domicile’s confines. Unperturbed by his investigations, Millie focused on the task of arranging


    her thoughts on paper.


    Having taken a seat on the sofa, Bruce engaged in contemtion, his thoughts dancing through realms


    of introspection.


    Thoughpact in scale, the dwelling emanated an aura of pristine cleanliness, weing Bruce with


    a warmth akin to a homestead’s embrace.


    Bruce realized he should start a family too.


    Bruce had believed Marcus wouldn’t marry, but now he had a stunning wife.


    “Indeed, Marcus’ devotion to you is palpable. You seem to be kissed by the divine itself,” ruminated


    Bruce.


    Millie’s gaze rested upon Bruce, and her response was delivered with a touch of sardonic amusement.


    “And so, the premise is that since your cousin, a man of means, married me, I’m crowned with fortune?


    Yet, Bruce, | proffer that wealth’s true worth is not the fulcrum of existence.”


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Bruce sensed Millie’s offense.


    “My words bore no such implications. Instead, I marveled at Marcus’ readiness to stand as your


    sentinel, a defender of your every dawn.”


    Millie’s headshake signaled a divergence of perspective. “My aspiration is not to see Marcus imperil his


    life for my protection. What I yearn for is a world where safety encircles us all.”


    A drawer received Millie’s design drafts, an embrace that concealed her aspirations.


    Yet, the mention of life’s jeopardy seemed to resonate in a manner both unsettling and familiar within


    Millie’s soul. A shadow of disquiet clung to her being.