N O A H

I slam my fist into the wall again, the sharp sting traveling up my arm doing nothing to dull the fire inside me. My breath comes out in harsh, uneven gasps as I stare at the cracked plaster. The sound of glass shattering earlier still lingers in the air, mocking me.

"She just walked away," I growl, my voice low and bitter. I rake my fingers through my hair, gripping the strands tightly as if that'll keep me from punching something else. "Like I'm nothing."

Leelo's footsteps are slow and deliberate as he steps into the room.

"Well, this is... dramatic," he says in a tone that grates on my nerves. "What's next? You gonna throw a tantrum and break the whole house?"

I turn sharply, glaring at him. "Not now, Leelo." My voice is a warning, but he doesn't care.

"Oh, I think now is exactly the time," he says, stepping over the broken glass like it's just another Saturday. "You're losing it over someone you knew for what? A month? She was just a maid, Noah. Deal with it."

The words hit like a slap, and I lunge at him before I can think better of it. My hands fist in his shirt as I shove him against the wall. "Don't you dare talk about her like that!" I bark, my voice trembling with anger.

But Leelo doesn't flinch. Instead, he raises an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smirk. "Go ahead, Noah. Show me how tough you are. Break another wall. Punch me, if that'll make you feel better. But here's the thing-"

He shoves me back with surprising strength, straightening his shirt. "Your anger? Your strength? It doesn't work on me. So cut the crap."

I stagger back, my chest heaving. His words dig under my skin, sharp and infuriatingly true.

"I just..." My voice cracks, and I run a hand over my face, trying to push the anger down, but it's no use. "I can't stop thinking about her, Leelo. She's everywhere. And now she's gone, and I-I don't know what to do."

Leelo's smirk fades, replaced by something softer. "Noah, you're acting like the world's ending because someone walked out on you for once. Maybe try asking yourself why."

His words sting, but I don't argue. The tension in my chest shifts, turning into something heavier, more suffocating.

"I need her back," I mutter, my voice barely audible.

Leelo sighs and shakes his head. "Of course you do." He walks to the window, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Lucky for you, I'm better at keeping track of people than you are."

I look up at him, frowning. "What are you talking about?"

"Bluebuck Hills," he says, turning back to me. "That's where she is. And guess what? Our next project happens to be there. I can arrange for us to get a homestay nearby."

My heart lurches at his words, but I keep my face neutral. "You'd do that?"

Leelo shrugs, his sarcasm creeping back in. "Sure. Can't let you completely fall apart, can I? But don't think this is me supporting your little obsession. It's about the project. And maybe, just maybe, it'll give you a chance to fix this mess you created."

I nod slowly, the fire in my chest dimming slightly. "Thanks, Leelo."

"Don't thank me yet," he says with a dry grin. "You've still got a long way to go, boss."

Bluebuck Hills. It's my chance. And I'm not going to waste it.

I step into the living room with Leelo, my jaw tight and my fists still aching from earlier. The sight of familiar faces, my old guards pulls me out of my head. They stand in a loose line, uniforms sharp and postures straight.

"Mr. Jackson!" Cristan, the team leader, steps forward, his broad grin catching me off guard.

"Good to have you back. The place hasn't been the same without you," I say, forcing a small smile.

"Carlo, Zake, Toby. Good to see you." I glance at the others, each of them nodding in respect. "How's everyone holding up?"

"Stronger than ever," Zake says proudly. The others murmur in agreement, their confidence almost infectious. Almost.

"Good," I reply, keeping my tone even. "We've got a lot coming up. Stay sharp and ready."

"Yes, sir!" they echo, their voices filling the room.

As they break away to take up their posts, I head toward the dining area, the sound of clinking and scrubbing drawing my attention. I step into the kitchen and see the cleaners at work, wiping down counters, polishing the floors, and arranging everything as if Sarah hadn't been the one holding this place together for weeks.

One of the older women, Mrs. Harper, looks up from her mopping and gives me a warm smile. "Mr. Jackson, the house is finally coming back to life," she says, her voice soft and motherly.

"Thanks, Mrs. Harps," I manage, though her words feel hollow. The house doesn't feel alive.

It feels...empty.

She tilts her head, studying me like she used to when I was younger. "You look tired, dear. Everything alright?"

I wave her off, muttering, "Just a long day."

She doesn't look convinced but doesn't press further, returning to her work.

I move through the house, every sound, the cleaning, the chatter of staff grating on my nerves. None of it feels right. It's like the house is back to normal, but I'm not. My steps falter when I catch sight of the stairs, my chest tightening.

Sarah used to be everywhere in this house,fixing things, arguing with me, laughing with Leelo.

Now, she's nowhere.

Just a month?

A month can be this long?

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out and immediately groan when Ryza's name flashes on the screen. Just seeing her name is enough to make my blood boil.

Clenching my jaw, I accept the call. "What?" I snap, not bothering to hide my irritation.

"Hello to you too, darling," Ryza's sickly sweet voice comes through. "I thought you'd like to know the wedding date is set, two months from now. And next week, we're going shopping for rings and outfits. Isn't that exciting?"

I grip the railing so tightly my knuckles turn white. "You've got to be kidding me."

"I'm not," she replies, a smug lilt in her tone. "I've already told my family, and they're thrilled. Besides, it's not like you have a choice, Noah. Unless you want me to ruin Sarah's life."

My jaw tightens, and my stomach churns at her threat. I want to yell, to lash out, but I know better. She'd only enjoy it.

"Fine," I bite out. "Whatever you want."

"Good boy," she purrs. "I'll text you the details."

Before I can say anything else, she hangs up. I stare at my phone, the urge to throw it across the room almost overwhelming. My chest feels like it's going to explode with frustration.

I storm into the living room, where Leelo is lounging on the couch with a book. He looks up as I walk in, clearly sensing my mood.

"You look like you're about to punch something again," he remarks dryly.

"Ryza," I growl, throwing myself onto the chair across from him. "She just called. The wedding is in two months, and she's dragging me shopping next week."

Leelo raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And you said yes?"

"What the hell else was I supposed to say?" I snap. "She's threatening Sarah. If I don't play along, she'll ruin her life."

Leelo sets the book down and leans forward, his expression calm but calculating. "So you're just going to let her control you like that?"

"Do you think I want to do this?" I shoot back, my voice rising. "Do you think I enjoy pretending to be fine while she pulls every string?"

Leelo doesn't flinch at my outburst, his tone sharp. "Calm down. Yelling at me isn't going to fix anything."

I glare at him, breathing hard, but I know he's right. I lean back, trying to steady myself. "What am I supposed to do? If I say no, Sarah's the one who pays the price. I can't let that happen."

Leelo watches me for a moment, then nods. "Alright. We'll figure something out. I'll come up with a plan to deal with Ryza."

I scoff, shaking my head. "She's not just going to back down, Leelo. She's-"

"She's human," he cuts me off, his voice firm. "And humans have weaknesses. Trust me, we'll find hers."

I stare at him, the weight in my chest easing just a fraction. For all his annoying sarcasm and calm demeanor, Leelo has always been good at figuring things out.

"You'd better," I mutter, leaning forward to rest my elbows on my knees. "Because I can't do this much longer."

Leelo smirks, the confidence in his expression a small comfort. "Don't worry, boss. I've got this."

But even as he speaks, the knot in my stomach doesn't loosen. Two months. I have two months to figure out how to stop this wedding and keep Sarah safe.

And the clock is already ticking.