"Let's go inside and talk, okay?" Aurelia said softly, brushing strands of hair away from her daughter's face. Laura nodded quietly and walked beside her mother, trying to steady her emotions.
But before they could take a step toward the door, a loud crash rang out from the gates, followed by a voice—a voice Laura recognized immediately.
"Laura!"
Both Laura and Aurelia turned in shock. Standing by the gates, disheveled and out of breath, was Jonathan. His clothes were wrinkled, hair unkempt, as if he had sprinted miles just to reach her.
For a moment, their eyes met. Jonathan's gaze was desperate, pleading, filled with emotions he could no longer suppress. But Laura... her face remained unreadable. She didn't flinch, didn't react the way he hoped. Instead, she stared at him, her eyes c
