Ashley stood at the corner of the stage, just outside the barricades, her arms crossed as she observed the mall show. Her gaze lingered on Mia, who was performing alongside her co-artists. A small smile tugged at Ashley's lips as she watched Mia's poised and elegant movements under the spotlight.

"Detective Amosa!" a cheerful voice called out, snapping Ashley out of her thoughts. She turned to find Gabriela approaching, a bright smile lighting up her face.

"Lab queen!" Ashley greeted, raising a hand as Gabriela high-fived her. "Long time no see."

"It really has been a while," Gabriela said, stepping beside her. "You haven't been dropping by the office much these days. What have you been up to?"

Ashley shrugged casually, the corner of her lips twitching. "Nothing exciting, just swamped with tasks."

Gabriela arched a brow, her tone teasing. "And those tasks include watching a mall show?"

Ashley chuckled. "Sort of. But what about you? What's a forensic investigator doing at a mall show? Don't tell me there's a case to solve here."

Gabriela smirked. "I spotted a familiar figure from a distance and came to confirm. Turns out, I was right—it was you."

"Sharp eyes, huh?" Ashley laughed, turning her attention back to the stage. Her gaze briefly locked with Mia's, and she noticed the subtle way Mia rolled her eyes before looking away. What was that about? Ashley wondered, frowning slightly.

Gabriela nudged her, breaking her thoughts. "Don't tell me you've got your eyes set on Mia Tran," she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Ashley blinked, startled. "What are you even talking about, Gabi?"

Gabriela grinned mischievously. "You've been staring at her like she's your next case. Is she your type?"

Ashley scoffed, rolling her eyes. "As if. I'm just trying to watch this peacefully, that's all."

Gabriela chuckled, shaking her head. "If you say so," she said, turning back toward the stage. After a pause, she added, "So, when are you free?"

Ashley glanced at her briefly before focusing on the stage again. "Why? You planning to ask me out?" she joked.

Gabriela clicked her tongue. "Maybe I am," she quipped, laughing softly.

Ashley smirked. "I've been busy lately, but you're always welcome to drop by my firm if you need me," she said, playfully winking.

Gabriela leaned in slightly. "How about visiting my place tonight? If you're free," she asked, her tone light yet suggestive.

Ashley tilted her head, meeting Gabriela's gaze. "Not sure if I can swing tonight, Gabi. Tomorrow night, though—how about that?"

Gabriela shrugged with a good-natured laugh. "Do I have any choice? Tomorrow it is," she said, giving Ashley's shoulder a friendly tap. She leaned closer to whisper, "See you around," and brushed a light kiss against Ashley's cheek before walking away.

Ashley chuckled softly, shaking her head as she turned her attention back to the stage. Her smile faded slightly when she noticed Mia staring in her direction, a raised brow hinting at something unspoken.

"What?" Ashley mouthed, but Mia quickly looked away, shifting her focus back to the crowd in front of her.

Ashley frowned, puzzled. What's wrong with her now?



Ashley raised a brow as she opened the passenger door, but Mia slid into the back seat instead, leaving Ashley momentarily speechless. Chuckling to herself, Ashley closed the front door and headed to the driver's side.

Settling into her seat, Ashley glanced at the rearview mirror. Mia was leaning against the window, her eyes shut. After her mall show and the subsequent fan signing, Mia had barely spoken, which was unusual and unnerving.

Sighing, Ashley turned to look over her shoulder. "Are you mad-mad? Like, for real?" she asked.

Mia's sharp gaze flicked to Ashley as she raised a brow. "Why would I be mad?"

Ashley tilted her head. "I don't know. But if you're not, then what's with the attitude, little superstar?"

Mia rolled her eyes and chuckled bitterly. "I'm not mad. But if you see me with this face"—she pointed her index fingers at her serious expression—"you better keep your mouth shut."

Ashley opened her mouth to respond, but Mia cut her off, emphasizing her point by pointing again.

"Come on!" Ashley groaned. "Why are you—"

Mia silenced her with the same stern gesture.

"Fine!" Ashley huffed, turning back around and starting the car.

The ride was quiet. Ashley, trying to break the tension, turned on the music at a low volume. She stole a glance at the rearview mirror and caught Mia watching her. Their eyes met briefly before Mia quickly looked away, focusing on the scenery outside.

Frustrated by the silence, Ashley sighed and took an unexpected turn.

Alarmed, Mia sat upright. "Where are we going?"

Ashley didn't answer, her focus on the unfamiliar road ahead.

"Hey—"

"If you see me with this face," Ashley interrupted, glancing at the mirror and mimicking Mia's earlier gesture, "shut your mouth."

Mia scoffed, rolling her eyes. "What's wrong with you?" she muttered, though her lips curled into a small, amused smile.

Moments later, Ashley pulled into a stop at a campsite with a small convenience store. She unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out. "Stay here," she said firmly before disappearing into the store.

Left alone, Mia leaned back with a sigh. "Why am I feeling like this?" she mumbled to herself. "I'm not jealous, right?"

She bit her lip, her thoughts racing. "You keep telling yourself you're straight, and yet here you are, feeling... whatever this is. Great. Just great."

Mia shook her head, giving herself two quick taps on her cheeks as if to snap out of it. "What's with this pull, Ash? I'm not supposed to feel this way." She laughed bitterly, gazing out the window.

When Ashley returned, she knocked on the window, startling Mia. Mia rolled it down.

"Come here," Ashley said, holding up two bags.

Raising a brow, Mia opened her mouth to ask something, but Ashley preempted her. "No questions. Just get out of the car."

With a sigh, Mia rolled up the window and stepped out. Ashley offered her hand to help, but Mia ignored it, brushing past her. Ashley chuckled as she walked to the trunk, motioning for Mia to follow.

"Can you climb up here?" Ashley asked, gesturing at the back of her customized Jeep Wrangler.

"What? Do you think I'm that small?" Mia scoffed, attempting to climb up—only to struggle with the car's unusual setup.

Biting her lip to suppress a laugh, Ashley stepped forward. "Here, let me." Without waiting for permission, she lifted Mia and set her on the edge of the trunk.

Mia gulped, her face flushing as she avoided Ashley's gaze. "So much for your attitude," Ashley teased with a chuckle.

Mia shot her a sharp glare and smacked Ashley's shoulder. "Ow!" Ashley yelped, frowning as she rubbed the spot. "You're abusing your authority right now, little superstar!" she exclaimed dramatically.

Mia arched an eyebrow, rolling her eyes. "You're overreacting, weird detective," she retorted with a scoff.

Ashley shrugged, sitting beside her. She pulled out two pints of ice cream. "Pick one."

Mia hesitated, glancing between the pints and Ashley before finally choosing vanilla. "Thanks," she murmured.

Ashley nodded silently, setting the pint of ice cream beside her. She reached into the bag, pulling out a wrapped sandwich and a bottle of water, placing them gently next to Mia. Mia bit her lower lip at the thoughtful gesture. "Why did you...?" she began, her voice soft.

Ashley shrugged casually. "Figured you haven't eaten anything since your show," she said. "You didn't even touch the food the organizers gave you."

Mia lowered her gaze, guilt flickering in her eyes. "Sorry," she mumbled. "I honestly don't know why I acted the way I did earlier," she admitted quietly.

Ashley glanced at her, offering a small, understanding smile. "It's fine," she said lightly, unwrapping the sandwich for Mia and handing it over. "Here, eat this before you even think about starting on that ice cream."

Mia nodded, setting the pint aside. "Thanks," she murmured as she took the sandwich from Ashley's hand.

Ashley turned her gaze to the scenery in front of them, the stillness of the evening wrapping around them like a blanket. "How about this spot? Pretty calming, right?" she asked, unscrewing the cap of the water bottle and placing it within Mia's reach.

Mia nodded again, her eyes scanning the horizon. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Ashley's small but deliberate movements—unwrapping the sandwich, uncapping the bottle, ensuring she had everything she needed. Her heart fluttered unexpectedly, warmth spreading through her chest. "It is," she said softly, taking a small bite of the sandwich.

Ashley noticed a smudge of sauce at the corner of Mia's lips and instinctively reached out, brushing it away with her thumb. Mia froze at the touch, her wide eyes locking onto Ashley's.

Ashley tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "Why do I get the feeling," she began, her voice low, "that during your entire marriage, you weren't treated the way you deserved to be?"

Mia's breath hitched. She averted her gaze, returning her focus to the serene landscape. "What do you even know?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We barely know each other, and yet... here we are."

Ashley sighed softly, her gaze lingering on Mia's troubled face. "I can just tell," she said, her tone uncharacteristically gentle. She blinked in surprise when she noticed a single tear slipping down Mia's cheek. Without hesitation, she reached out, wiping it away with her fingers.

"Let it out," Ashley said quietly, her voice steady but tender. "You're holding so much inside. It's okay... just cry." She turned her head, giving Mia the space to release the storm within her.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Mia let herself crumble, tears streaming silently down her face.