Lost and Found

It couldn't be her.

Nick's hands trembled as he turned the girl over, his breath caught in his throat. He prayed silently, hoping—begging—that it wasn't Jane. The fear clawed at him, twisting his stomach into knots. But when he saw the girl's face, relief and guilt crashed over him in waves. It wasn't Jane.

The distant wail of ambulance sirens grew louder, closing in fast. Sweat slicked his palms as paramedics arrived and carefully lifted the unconscious girl onto a stretcher. Nick staggered backward, his legs weak, his chest tight with lingering panic. He hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath until it escaped in a shaky exhale.

Even though Jane wasn't the one lying there, the fear refused to release its grip on him. His fingers still trembled as he walked to his car, struggling to steady his breath. He had to find her. He had to find Jane.

With unsteady hands, he yanked open the car door and slid inside. His grip on the steering wheel was white-knuckled, the pressure the only thing grounding him. Fumbling for his phone, he dialed a number. The moment his friend picked up, Nick's voice cracked with desperation.

"Please, look for Jane. I can't find her."

As he ended the call, the weight of his own words crushed him. Richard's voice echoed in his head: Go after her before it's too late. The thought rang louder than the pounding in his chest.

He started the car, the engine roaring to life. He wasn't going to stop until he found her. He couldn't lose her. Not now. Not ever.

The night stretched on like an endless nightmare as Nick and Emily scoured the streets. Every alley checked, every empty sidewalk passed only deepened the gnawing pit of fear in Nick's stomach. It felt like the universe was keeping Jane just out of his reach.

He met up with Emily at a small park, their next search point. She approached him cautiously, concern written all over her face.

"Nick, you need to calm down," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Nick shook his head, frustration boiling over. "How can I calm down? She's out there somewhere, and I said terrible things to her." He raked a hand through his hair, his voice tight with regret. "Where could she have gone?"

Then, like a flash of lightning, a memory struck him. He knew where Jane was.

Without another word, he bolted toward his car. Before he could get in, Adam grabbed his arm.

"You're shaking, Nick. Let me drive."

Nick hesitated, but he knew Adam was right. With a nod, he climbed into the passenger seat as Adam started the car.

The beach. That's where Jane would be.

The waves crashed against the shore, mirroring the turmoil in Nick's chest. As soon as the car stopped, he and Adam split up, searching in different directions.

Nick's heart pounded as he ran toward the spot where Jane always went when she needed to be alone.

But when he got there, it was empty.

He swallowed hard, lifting his face to the sky. "Please let me find her," he whispered, his voice raw. "I'm sorry. Just… please."

The sky seemed to respond as rain began to fall. First, a light mist, then a downpour that soaked through his clothes. He wiped his face, scanning the shore—

And then he saw her.

A lone figure sat on a large rock, her back to him, shoulders hunched against the rain. Relief surged through him, followed immediately by dread.

"Jane?" he called, his voice hoarse.

She turned slowly, her tear-streaked face breaking what was left of his heart.

"Why are you here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

She stood, swaying unsteadily with a bottle of soju in her hand, and turned to walk away.

"Jane, wait!" He sprinted forward, reaching for her hand. "Please."

"Let me go," she said, her voice thick with anger.

Nick tightened his hold and pulled her to his chest. "I'm sorry," he choked out. "I didn't mean what I said.. Please, forgive me."

Her lips trembled. "Why are you sorry?" Her eyes glistened with fresh tears. "You were right, weren't you? I let men use me. I'm just a—"

"Don't!" Nick's voice came out sharp, almost desperate. "Never say that again."

Jane stared at him, anger and pain flickering in her gaze. "Why? That's what you think of me, right?"

"No! Jane, I—"

"Jane!" Adam's voice cut through the rain. He ran toward them, eyes filled with worry.

She turned, her eyes glazed, and staggered toward him, her legs wobbling beneath her. "I don't want to see him. Can you take me home?" she asked Adam in a flat tone.

"Of course," he replied gently, but before he could reach for her, she leaned against him and fell, passed out from the exhaustion.

"Jane?" Nick rushed forward but Adam stopped him. 

"Give her some space, Nick" he said, his voice firm but calm. "She's just drunk. I'll take her home." With that, he scooped Jane up in his arms and carried her toward the car.

Nick stood frozen, his heart heavy with helplessness. "John," he called after his friend. "Please take her to my apartment." Adam sighed.

"You can come with us, but don't try to wake her up," John instructed, and Nick nodded, willing to do anything to be near Jane, even if it meant keeping his distance.

The drive back to Nick's apartment felt like an eternity. Rain tapped against the windows, the only sound filling the heavy silence. Jane sat slumped in the passenger seat, her body limp, her face pale. She was lost in a deep sleep. Nick stole glances at her, worry gnawing at him. He wanted to wake her, to make sure she was okay, but he didn't dare. 

When they finally arrived, John turned off the ignition and unbuckled his seatbelt. He leaned toward Jane, but Nick quickly stopped him, his voice firm.

"I'll take her inside."

"When she wakes up call me." Emily informed Nick and climbed into the passenger seat. 

John sighed. "Fine. Just... sort things out and if she wants to leave you let her go, do you hear me?" Adam said firmly. 

Nick nodded. Carefully, he lifted her into his arms, cradling her as he carried her to his apartment. He placed her gently on the bed, pulling the blanket over her. As he brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead, his gaze drifted to her feet. Bruised and bloodied. Guilt twisted inside him. Kneeling by her bedside, he cleaned the wounds with a clean towel and applied medicine.

"Happy birthday, Nick," Jane murmured in her sleep, a faint smile touching her lips.

Nick froze. His chest tightened as tears pricked his eyes. Even in her sleep, she remembered. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before slipping out of the room, leaving her to rest.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, painting the room in a soft, golden glow as Jane stirred awake. Blinking groggily, she took in her surroundings, her mind struggling to piece things together. The spacious penthouse felt unfamiliar, sending a rush of panic through her.

Where am I?

She sat up quickly, wincing as pain shot through her feet. As she shifted, fragmented memories from the night before came rushing back—the fight, the drinking, the escape. Dread settled in her stomach.

Her gaze swept across the room, searching for answers. Spotting a nearby door, she hesitated before pushing it open. Her breath caught at the sight of Nick sprawled across his bed, the peacefulness on his face irked her anger yet she felt a bit relieved to know it was him who brought her back. But the anger wasn't far behind. How could he have said those things? How could he have made her feel so small?

Clenching her jaw, she turned back into the room, searching for her belongings. She had to leave. Now.

She tiptoed toward the main door, reaching for the handle with urgency. But when she twisted it, the door wouldn't budge. Confusion flickered across her face as she tried again. Nothing.

"Are you going somewhere?"

Jane yelped and spun around at the sound of Nick's voice. He stood leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his lips.

"Let me out," she demanded, glaring at him, her temper flaring.

"Not like that," he replied calmly, his gaze steady. "Go take a shower first, and then we'll talk."

"Absolutely not! Let me out now!"

Nick held his ground, folding his arms tighter across his chest, his expression serious. Jane sighed, knowing she wouldn't win this battle. Annoyed, she retreated to the bedroom and locked the door behind her, frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Nick remained in the living room, ordering breakfast while she stewed in her thoughts. Inside the bedroom, Jane stood in front of the mirror, taking in her reflection. Her mascara was streaked down her cheeks, her hair a wild tangle, and her clothes were stained with mud and remnants of the previous night. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as the exhaustion weighed on her.

Reluctantly she stepped into the shower. The warm water cascaded over her, washing away the mud and pain on her feet. She let the heat soothe her aching muscles, allowing herself a moment of quiet before stepping out. In the cupboard, she found a pair of men's shorts and a t-shirt. They were oversized but comfortable and it smelled of Nick. She didn't mind putting it on.

Taking a deep breath, Jane slowly pushed open the door and stepped into the living area. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm toast filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of morning silence. Her eyes landed on Nick, his back turned to her as he quietly arranged breakfast on the table. He moved with effortless grace.

The golden morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, casting a warm glow across the room. As he turned slightly, the sunlight hit his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jawline, the smooth lines of his cheekbones, and the unruly strands of dark hair that curled slightly at the ends. He was breathtaking.

Her gaze traveled lower, taking in the way his crisp white button-down shirt clung to his broad shoulders, the top few buttons undone, revealing a teasing glimpse of his toned abs. The fabric stretched subtly across his chest, accentuating his physique in a way that made her throat go dry. With every movement—each time he reached for something or adjusted a dish—his arms flexed, the muscles tightening beneath the soft cotton of his sleeves.

Jane swallowed hard, her breath catching as warmth pooled in her stomach. She hadn't planned to stand there, hadn't meant to stare, but something about the sight of him, so effortlessly attractive held her in place. It was maddening—how he could look so perfect while doing something as simple as setting a table.

Nick must have sensed her, because he suddenly turned, catching her off guard. His dark eyes met hers, flickering with a teasing smile.

She cleared her throat, forcing herself to snap out of it. "Breakfast smells good." She spoke awkwardly. 

He smirked, the corner of his lips quirking up, making her stomach flip. "Come sit," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

Jane hesitated for a moment before stepping forward. "I'm getting out of here after eating," she muttered, grabbing a piece of toast and stuffing it into her mouth. Without another word, she turned sharply and marched toward the main door, determination in every step.

"Do you even know where we are?" Nick's voice stopped her in her tracks.

She turned back, eyes wide, still chewing on the toast. A flicker of confusion crossed her face.

"We're in Amsterdam," he stated, watching her reaction closely.

"What?" Jane's voice came out in a half-choke as she swallowed too quickly. Her heart pounded. "Are you kidding me?"

Nick leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "You don't remember?"

Jane frowned, sifting through the hazy fragments of the previous night. I was at the beach… I remember drinking… then everything goes blank.

"I picked you up and brought you here," he continued, his voice calm, yet firm.

Jane stared at him in disbelief, her mind reeling. "Why? Are you insane?" Her pulse quickened as frustration bubbled to the surface. "Why didn't you take me home? Why the hell would you bring me to another city?"

Nick held her gaze steadily. "I wanted to talk."

Jane let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "Perfect timing, don't you think?"

"Jane, give me a chance to explain." His voice softened slightly, but she wasn't buying it.

"I don't want to be anywhere near you, Nick." The words came out sharper than she intended, but she meant them. Every inch of her body screamed to get away from him.

Nick sighed, running a hand through his hair. "At least have breakfast first. I'll take you home after." His tone was gentler now, almost pleading.

"No." Jane folded her arms, her anger unwavering.

"You drank too much last night. You didn't have dinner, either. Please, just eat something," he urged.

"I don't care, Nick. Let me out." Her frustration spiked again, her voice trembling with rage.

Nick's patience finally cracked. "Do you want me to force you?" His voice rose slightly, his jaw tightening.

Jane took a step back, stunned. He had never spoken to her like that before.

"I understand you're angry," he said, exhaling slowly. "But look at yourself. You're acting like a brat."

Jane's fingers curled into fists at her sides. "Excuse me?"

"Eat," Nick demanded, his gaze unwavering. "And I'll let you go."

The challenge in his eyes made her blood boil, but something about the way he looked at her—exasperated yet concerned—made her pause. With an irritated huff, she yanked out a chair and sat down.

The air between them remained thick with unspoken words as she picked at her food, barely eating. Nick stayed silent, watching her, as if waiting for her anger to simmer down.

Finally, she pushed the plate away. "Can I go now?"

"Not yet." Nick stood, grabbing a small medicine kit from the counter.

Jane frowned, eyeing it warily. "What are you doing?"

"Sit on the sofa," he said simply, his voice leaving no room for argument.

She narrowed her eyes, but something in his tone—firm, yet gentle—made her hesitate. What now? she thought, her frustration still burning, but curiosity beginning to creep in.

Nick examined Jane's foot with careful precision, his fingers gentle as he applied medicine to the open wound before placing a plaster over it. He moved with a tenderness that made her chest tighten. Just as she was about to glance away, she noticed something wet on her toes.

Tears.

Her breath hitched as she realized they were his. Nick's tears were falling onto her skin.The sight made her heart melt and the anger she felt seconds ago was long gone.

She knew that he didn't mean what he said last night but she was hurt by his words. Part of her wanted to forgive him, to reach out and wipe away his tears, but the anger still lingered, refusing to fade so easily.

Nick hastily wiped his tears away and placed her foot gently back on the floor. Jane shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to do with the emotions stirring within her. She stood up,ready to leave. But before she could take a step, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist from her back, pulling her against a firm chest.