[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-2603222E6F78-142":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},142,44,"Chapter 44: The Kidnapper's \"Mistake\"","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Rose Harrison seemed to sense Caspian Hughes’s gaze. She turned her head and saw him standing there. \"Caspian, you’re here.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Caspian shook off his trance, walked toward her, and asked softly, \"How are you? Feeling any better today?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*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.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"So, it really was just a case of mistaken identity?\" Lily asked.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Rose suppressed the ache in her chest and nodded. \"Yeah. Totally the wrong girl.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">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.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272922933]