“Think of it as a bonus for your love life,” Brandon said in a steady tone. “Congratulations on keeping your relationship strong and warm.”

Eugene stared at the piece of paper in his hands, silently counting zeros, unable to speak for a moment. Shock kept him rooted to the spot. When he finally snapped out of it, Brandon was already moving toward the elevator on his own.

“Thank you, Mr. Watson!” Eugene called after him.

The elevator doors slid closed as Brandon gave a small nod, leaving Eugene behind. Soon after, Eugene headed out while Brandon made his way back into his empty apartment.

Ever since that woman had forced her way inside, he had replaced the entire security system. Now he knew for certain that no one else occupied the space with him. He switched on every light in the room and stopped by the window, taking in the stream of cars flowing through the city below.

The apartment held only his presence.

#MillieWokeUp held its ground at the very top of every trending list, refusing to budge. The public finally learned what had everyone in a frenzy that same afternoon. Even though Myron had tried to keep things quiet, the secret never stood a chance. With the commotion happening right at the hospital, where medical staff and reporters had already gathered, and on the exact day marking a year since he and Millie’s wedding, it took only a spark for word to spread everywhere.

Online, speculation erupted like wildfire, every corner of the internet alive with fresh gossip.

“Is it true? Did Millie really wake up, or is someone just making things up again?”

“She’s been in a coma for a whole year, and now they’re saying she’s awake? That’s wild.”

“Has anyone actually seen her? Is there proof?”

“No way. There’s no chance Myron would let anyone take a picture of her. It’s all secondhand rumors.”

“So what’s the real story, then?”

“I’d bet on it being true. Powerful people in this city have suddenly cleared their schedules, and that only happens for one reason. Millie must be back.”

“Go ask Charles! He’s practically Millie’s shadow. If anyone’s going to spill the news, it’s him!”

“Someone hurry up!”

Charles had barely made it out the door after dinner when a wave of reporters descended on him, each one desperate for a scoop.

Charles held the bags of food meant for Myron and Millie. A wave of confusion washed over him at the sight of all the reporters. He and his friends shared a quiet look, choosing not to say anything, and moved quickly, following security’s lead.

Their discreet exit only made everyone more curious. Why had so many people gathered here?

The scene looked like a meeting of the region’s most influential families. People from Crobert’s three major families were all present. Egbert was among them, but Myron and Brandon were nowhere to be seen. Millie was absent as well. The crowd buzzed with speculation and unanswered questions.

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