Rose Harrison seemed to sense Caspian Hughes’s gaze. She turned her head and saw him standing there. "Caspian, you’re here."

Caspian shook off his trance, walked toward her, and asked softly, "How are you? Feeling any better today?"

"Much better," Rose laughed. "I wasn't hurt that badly. I was just terrified to eat anything they gave me, so I’m mostly just wiped out."

Caspian’s face darkened. "Don't tell me you're fine. You scared the hell out of me yesterday. I got the news and rushed over, but by the time I reached the site, you had already been sent here. Who on earth was brazen enough to pull this off?"

The memory of yesterday hit Rose like a physical blow. She fought back the stinging sensation in her eyes and nose, turning to look out the window. "Don't ask, Caspian. It was just a misunderstanding—some random person snatched me by mistake and then ended up dropping me off. There's nothing left to investigate."

Caspian sighed, defeated. If she didn't want to talk about it—and she clearly looked traumatized enough—he wouldn't push her. He offered a low, comforting murmur, "Alright, I won't force you. I’m just glad you’re safe. I’ve already messaged Lily; she’s on her way to keep you company."

As if on cue, a whirlwind of energy burst through the door: Lily Hughes. She was wearing a striking, bright red mini-dress that was vibrant and daring, yet somehow suited her perfectly, making her look luminous.

"Rose! What happened? My brother said you were kidnapped? How are you? Where are you hurt?" Lily’s temperament was as fiery as ever; she was practically throwing questions before she even finished crossing the room.

Rose couldn't help but laugh. Even after all these years, Lily hadn't changed a bit. "I’m fine, Lil. Just a few minor scrapes, nothing serious."

And it was true. The men had been surprisingly gentle—perhaps even a bit intimidated by their "merchandise." The bruises looked horrific, but they were just superficial marks.

"Are you lying to me?" Lily didn't buy it. She grabbed Rose’s arm, inspecting the skin, her brow furrowing in fury. "Rose Harrison, are you trying to break my heart? Look at these bruises! Which bastard did this to you? I’m going to personally hunt them down and tear them apart!"

Tears welled up in Lily’s eyes, her porcelain-white teeth gnawing at her cherry-red lip as she stared at the marks, clearly heartbroken.

Rose pulled her best friend into a hug, reaching up to wipe away the tears. She offered a gentle, soothing smile. "I told you, I’m alright. Stop crying—your tears are far too precious to waste on someone like me."

Lily sniffled, her voice thick with emotion. "When did you even get back from abroad? I thought you were still living your best life in Europe! You terrified me!"

*Living my best life?* Rose caught the phrase, and for a moment, her vision blurred. She lowered her head, biting her lip to keep the bitterness from spilling over. With a sharp, steadying breath, she put on a bright mask and wiped Lily’s eyes.

"Yeah, that’s right. I was just enjoying myself. I’d only just gotten back when I got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. See? I’m perfectly fine."

"So, it really was just a case of mistaken identity?" Lily asked.

Rose suppressed the ache in her chest and nodded. "Yeah. Totally the wrong girl."

Lily pouted, putting on a mock-ferocious glare. "What kind of blind kidnapper goes after a target like that? They’ve clearly got no taste—or vision!"

Rose knew Lily was just trying to lighten the mood. She shot her a playful look and giggled, "You’re right. They must have been blind as bats."

Even Caspian, watching from the side, couldn't help but crack a smile. For a moment, the tension that had been suffocating the room vanished, replaced by a rare, genuine warmth.