The security and Ranita split up to find Ayaan.
Ranita wasn’t aimless; she hadn’t lived in the community for long, but Ayaan’s favorite place was the playground, so Ranita went there first.
But she didn’t find anyone.
Ayaan’s second favorite place was the fountain pool. After passing through an artificial landscape from the playground, she would arrive at the fountain pool.
From afar, Ranita saw a tall figure sitting on a chair by the fountain pool with their back facing her. She couldn’t see their face clearly, but their silhouette looked familiar.
“Ranita?! Come over here!” The person suddenly spoke upon hearing footsteps.
Upon hearing his voice, Ranita immediately recognized Brendon’s voice.
Ranita rushed over and heard him say, “Don’t run! Watch your step.”
“Brendon, why haven’t you left yet?”
“Shh!” Brendon gestured for her to speak softly. Ranita leaned in and noticed that the man was holding a little bundle in his arms.
It was none other than Ayaan.
“How did Ayaan end up with you?” Ranita was overjoyed and felt a sense of relief wash over her.
At least he was safe with Brendon, which was the best-case scenario.
“Have a seat first.” Brendon adjusted his position, making room for Ranita as he held Ayaan. After she sat down, Brendon explained, “You had just left a little while ago, and as I was about to drive away, I saw Ayaan wandering in the driveway. I called out to him, and he seemed a bit confused.”
“He said he was looking for you.”
“Looking for me?” Ranita had been going to the hospital every day recently, and then she was busy with Monolith Technology. Ayaan was still asleep when she left, and he was already asleep when she returned home. It had been many days since she had properly spent time with Ayaan.
Ranita felt guilty and reached out to hold the child. “Let me hold him.”
“He’s a bit heavy. Let me carry him back for you!” Instead of giving Ayaan to her, Brendon lifted him up, still fast asleep like a little pig, and started walking briskly towards Building Three.
Ranita followed behind, about to refuse, when a beam of light shone on them, followed by the security guard’s voice, “Ms. Bowman, is that you?”
“Yes, it’s me! I found the child. Thank you for your help!” Ranita thanked the security guard and said a few kind words before turning back to find Brendon waiting for her at the intersection.
The community was well-maintained, and there were no people outside at night, only the quiet sound of their footsteps.
Ranita lowered her gaze, her eyes falling on the shadows of the two figures almost standing close together, lost in her thoughts.
When they arrived at the doorstep, Ranita stopped, not intending to invite him inside.
“Brendon, thank you for today! It was my negligence. I’ll take better care of Ayaan from now on.”
“Be safe on your way back.”
Brendon didn’t move. “I’m a bit thirsty. How about offering me a glass of water as a way to repay the favor?”
Originally, Brendon wanted to say there was no need to thank him, but considering Ranita’s personality, he decided to be petty.
Ranita hesitated for a moment but ultimately invited Brendon into the house.
After settling Ayaan, Ranita awkwardly poured a glass of water for Brendon. “Drink up and leave quickly. It’s late!”
Brendon didn’t say anything and silently finished the glass of water, then obediently left.
“Aren’t you going to see me off?”
Speechless, Ranita followed him and escorted him to the door. Just as she was about to speak, Brendon grabbed her wrist and pulled her against the door.
Before Ranita could react, Brendon pressed his lips against hers.
Ranita struggled, but soon she found herself growing warm from the kiss, her breath quickening. She was like a fish gasping for water, weakly surrendering in his embrace.
The kiss moved from her lips to her ear, and Brendon’s breath became hurried and somewhat angry as his low, hoarse voice filled her ears, “Ranita, you lied to me!”