Love Unspoken

As dusk descended, the solar-powered lamps encircling the farmhouse flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the secluded property.

Returning from the house, Kyle carried two sandwiches and a bottle of water, which he handed to Quinn.

She accepted them with a grateful nod, taking small bites of the bread, her mind swirling with Kyle's words.Suddenly, the flash of headlights pierced the darkness outside the yard. Quinn ceased her chewing, her eyes fixated on the quivering light beyond the gate. Moments later, a Maybach rolled into view.Quinn froze, the bread slipping from her grasp onto the ground.She stared at the car, as if attempting to see through it.

Kyle Astor was equally taken aback, disbelief etched on his face as he watched the vehicle and the figure emerging from it.Alexander stepped out of the car, forcefully slammed the door shut, and strode towards the house without sparing Quinn a glance.

Not even as he passed her by. The breeze stirred by his coat carried the scent of gardenia to her nostrils, and that's when Quinn realized this was no illusion, no dream.

with a resounding "bang," obstructing the view for everyone in the yard.Quinn remained crouched there, an inexplicable warmth spreading in her eyes.Unable to

outside, causing

sudden, swift motion, Alexander seized Walter by the collar, hoisting him up from the bed. "First thing tomorrow morning," he demanded, "defuse the bomb

of my word."Alexander responded with a cold, disdainful sneer before taking a seat across from Walter. ---Meanwhile, outside the room, Kyle Astor was pressing his ear against

"Oh man, what do we do now? If this delays us all night, Alexander will miss the shareholders' meeting."Quinn, standing nearby, gazed

and forth outside the door. ---A whirlwind of emotions churned within Quinn as she glanced down at the watch around

I need to use the bathroom."Uh... do you want me to come with you?" he asked,

walking away. Kyle watched her figure recede beyond the yard, a nagging feeling of unease settling in his gut. Ten

the backyard vegetable garden twice, but found no trace of anyone. He ventured further, searching all the likely places someone might go for a bathroom break, but Quinn was nowhere to be found."Damn!" Kyle smacked his forehead and yelled down the