Not A Small-Town Girl

Danielle, unprepared, tumbled into David’s chest.

David reacted instantly, wrapping his arms around her. She was soft and warm, and for a moment, he just held her there, reluctant to let go.

"My apologies, Mr. Charrington, Miss Darling!" Nathan called, sounding overly repentant.

David shot him a look. "Drive carefully."

Then he glanced down at Danielle, his tone softer. "Are you alright?" His gaze was steady, his eyes dark and intense, like the night sky scattered with stars.

Danielle felt her cheeks heat under his stare. Her heart raced. "I’m fine," she muttered, sitting upright as quickly as she could.

The rest of the drive passed in silence, though the air between them felt charged.

When they arrived, Nathan announced, "Mr. Charrington, we’re at Treeside Villa."

Danielle stepped out of the car, turning to David. "I’m heading in. You should get some rest too."

David nodded, his gaze lingering on her as if he could watch her forever.

Inside her room, Danielle’s phone buzzed with a message.

[Someone’s asking about the Miracle Healer. It’s a complex case, and they’re desperate for help.]

Her fingers moved swiftly across the screen. [I’m busy. No time.]

She had enough on her plate-work at the lab, her grandparents’ health-it all needed her attention.

[They’re offering a blank check. Whatever the price, they’ll pay it.]

But Danielle had already turned off her phone. After a quick shower, she slid into bed and let sleep take her. In a shadowy corner of the Darling family estate, a figure typed out a cautious message, their eyes darting around nervously.

[Sir, the Darling family’s eldest daughter has been found. Rumor has it her medical skills are exceptional. She’s been seen treating Caleb and Alice at the hospital.]

Thousands of miles away, in a grand estate shrouded in darkness, a man stood by a tall window. Dressed in black, he seemed to merge with the night itself. His eyes, sharp and cold, glinted as he read the message.

[Keep watching her.]

The next morning, Danielle arrived at the lab nestled deep in the mountains. Security was tight, with armed guards patrolling the perimeter.

Danielle arrived at the lab early in the morning. The staff greeted her respectfully as soon as she walked in.