4002..

Dominic had enough fun for the day and stopped teasing her. They walked to a nearby shop for snacks, the silence between them now more comfortable. As they perused the shelves, Dominic casually glanced at Ivy, noticing how her eyes lit up when she picked her favorite snacks. A quiet smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he watched her, appreciating the little things that made her who she was. Once they had what they needed, they returned to their duties, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

---------------------------------------------------

"Finally, no more work for the next three days! Let's enjoy and just chill. Aurora and Liora, you two young girls better behave. No looking out for boys, no sneaking around behind them," Ronan said with a mischievous grin.

Both girls chuckled, sharing a knowing look.

------

The whole company was heading to "Town B" for an outing.

Next day, "Shit, I'll be super late," Aurora groaned, dialing Ronan's number to let him know. "Hey, you guys go ahead. I'll catch up directly."

Zane, unamused, replied through Ronan's phone. "For once, be on time, kid! Get up early, Aurora."

Aurora couldn't help but laugh softly. "Yeah, yeah, I'll try."

By the time she checked into the hotel, it was already noon. "They're sure to kill me when they find out I'm not on the same floor as them," she muttered to herself. "4002, 4002..." She wandered the hall on the 5th floor, searching for her room while her friends stayed on the 2nd.

Suddenly, she heard a small voice. "No! I don't know you, Uncle. I want to go back to my mom! No!"

Aurora froze, hearing the faint cry coming from around the corner. She peered down the hallway to find a man in his mid-30s, trying to calm a distressed young girl, probably around 10 or 12.

"Shh, be quiet. The uncle is taking you to your mom," the man said in a calm voice, though it sounded a bit forced.

Aurora walked toward them, concerned. "Hey!" she called out, catching the man's attention. "I've been looking for you. Our mom is going to scold me when she finds out I almost lost you," she said to the girl, her tone warm and reassuring. "Thank you, Uncle, for taking care of my sister."

The man eyed her suspiciously. "Girl, mind your own business. I'm just taking care of my niece. Now leave us be," he snapped, starting to drag the girl towards his room.