As the car came to a stop in front of the gated two-story house, Mia gulped. This wasn't her first time here; the first time had been under much darker circumstances, when Ashley had saved her from her attacker. Clutching her chest, she took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

Beside her, Zoey reached over, placing a reassuring hand on hers. "Nervous?" she asked, laughing softly at Mia's flustered reaction.

"I..." Mia cleared her throat. "Why would I be? I'm just worried, that's all. It's not like I'm visiting her for... anything else." Her voice faltered as she noticed Harriet suppressing a grin. "What's with that face, Harriet?"

Harriet pressed her lips together, failing to hide her amusement. "You're trying so hard to convince us," she teased with a shrug.

Mia glared at her. "Zoey, can I smack your wife on the head? Just once, please?"

Zoey chuckled, shaking her head. "Don't worry, I'll take care of her later."

"Oh, sure you will," Mia shot back, clutching her chest dramatically. "But I bet it's a different kind of smacking."

Zoey burst into laughter as Harriet rolled her eyes. "Stop being so overly dramatic, Mia," Harriet said, stepping out of the car. She walked around to the back seat and opened the door for Mia.

"This is Ashley's place, right?" Harriet asked, glancing between the house and Mia.

Mia nodded as she stepped out, Zoey following close behind.

"Go on," Zoey said, giving Mia a gentle nudge forward. "You've been dying to see her, haven't you?"

"Aren't you two coming with me?" Mia asked, looking over her shoulder.

Zoey shook her head, grinning. "Nope. I still owe Harriet that smack, remember?"

Mia sighed, covering her ears in exasperation. "You two are impossible."

Harriet chuckled as she stepped up to the gate and rang the doorbell. The gate buzzed and slid open automatically. "Well, that's convenient," Harriet said, motioning toward the entrance. "Go on."

Mia glanced at her phone as a message from Ashley popped up: Gate's open. Just come in.

"Go inside, Mia," Harriet encouraged, gesturing toward the house. "And if you need a ride later, call us. Don't even think about taking a cab."

"Got it," Mia said, offering them a small wave. "Thank you!"

Harriet opened the passenger door for Zoey, and as they both got back in, they waved at Mia before driving off.

Left alone, Mia hesitated for a moment before stepping through the gate. As it began to close behind her, she let out a deep sigh, shutting her eyes tightly.

"Come on, Mia," she muttered to herself. "You're just visiting her. It's not a big deal... Right?"



Standing at the main door, Mia hesitated. She rubbed her temple, chuckling nervously. Ever since that night when Ashley had somehow confessed to her—though it wasn't like they were romantically involved—Mia found herself overthinking every interaction. What the hell are you doing, Mia? Just knock and check on her! she hissed to herself.

With a deep breath, Mia raised her hand to knock, but before she could, the door swung open, and she was abruptly pulled inside. Her eyes widened as she found herself pinned against the door, her breath hitching.

"A-Ash," she stammered, glancing up and instantly catching a whiff of Ashley's scent. Her gaze instinctively dropped lower before she snapped her eyes shut, her face flushing. "Oh gosh!"

Ashley stood in front of her, wearing an unbuttoned long-sleeve shirt that revealed her bra and a hint of her toned, bandaged abdomen.

"What's with the reaction, sugarplum?" Ashley teased, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"At least wear something!" Mia hissed, keeping her eyes tightly shut.

"I am wearing something," Ashley replied with a soft laugh.

Mia calmed herself, opening her eyes but deliberately avoiding Ashley's gaze. "Sure, you're technically wearing something, but it's—"

"What's the problem? We're both women here," Ashley said with a shrug, still keeping Mia pinned to the door.

Mia groaned, rolling her eyes. "And why are you pinning me against your door?"

Ashley frowned mockingly. "Did you come here just to nag me?" she teased before stepping back and heading toward the couch.

Feeling guilty, Mia bit her lower lip before following her. "Why did you leave the hospital without telling me?" she asked, her tone softer but tinged with frustration.

Ashley sank onto the couch with a wince, holding her abdomen. "It's boring staying in that hospital room. I'd rather be home," she said, shutting her eyes.

Mia took a deep breath, trying to process what she was seeing—bandages covering Ashley's arm, hand, and abdomen. She stood in front of her, crossing her arms. "What did the doctor say?"

Ashley shrugged. "That I'm not going to die from these wounds," she said with a chuckle.

Frustrated, Mia ran her fingers through her hair. "You older people always have that kind of attitude, don't you?" she scoffed bitterly.

Ashley opened her eyes, blinking at Mia. "Why do you look so worried but act like you're irritated?"

"I am worried, and I am irritated," Mia said firmly.

"You young people are always so quick to get irritated over little things," Ashley said, rolling her eyes.

"Maybe because older people like you are so hard to deal with!" Mia snapped. "I'm trying to have a serious conversation, but all you do is deflect with nonsense."

Ashley sighed and slowly stood up. Mia instinctively took a step back. "Would you mind..." Ashley began, smirking as she tilted her head, "not nagging me like you're my wife?"

"What?"

Ashley chuckled. "You sound like a nagging wife. Unless, of course, you want to be my wife—then I guess I'd allow it."

Mia blinked, her brain struggling to process Ashley's words. "What the heck are you even saying?"

"I'm fine, Mia, if that's what you're so worried about," Ashley said, patting Mia's head. "The doctor said I just need a week of rest. It's not like I needed stitches or anything serious."

As Ashley turned to leave, Mia mumbled, "Thank you."

Ashley paused, glancing back. "For what?"

"For saving Maya... and for protecting me," Mia said softly, lowering her gaze.

Ashley gulped, her expression softening. "It's my job, Mia. No matter who it was, I'd have done the same thing. It's my responsibility—"

Before she could finish, Mia suddenly hugged her tightly.

"Still," Mia whispered, her voice trembling. "Thank you."

Ashley bit her lower lip, hesitating before wrapping her arms around Mia and gently rubbing her back. "How are you? And how's Maya?" she asked quietly.

"I'm fine," Mia mumbled, still holding onto her. "Maya says she's okay, but I've scheduled her for a trauma check-up. The management and production team are handling the legal side of things."

Ashley nodded, resting her chin lightly on Mia's head. "That's good." She exhaled, her voice softening further. "Did I really make you worry this much for you to hug me like this?"

Realizing what she was doing, Mia snapped back, stepping away quickly and clearing her throat.

Ashley laughed softly. "I guess not," she teased, shaking her head.