Chapter 26: Lost

**Solene's POV**

My chest caved in as I saw Fire’s gleaming blue eyes looking straight at me when I turned around. I felt like a cornered rat after finding out that a cat was just right behind me. I felt guilty and pity for myself as I recalled the reason why I am back here, attempting to search for something I should have in the first place.

I slumped on the bus seat and rested my head back. My legs and body are weak from my encounter with Fire. Maybe I can no longer look at him the way I do before.

I remembered the caretaker of the mansion. I didn't see him when I rushed out of the house when he said he’ll be just waiting for me outside. How did even Fire knew I was there anyway? Does he knew the caretaker? Was he following me? Did he put someone to follow me?
But why would he even do that? He no longer have a reason to do so.

It's not impossible but what if one Fire bought one of the girls and told him where I am?

I groaned as I closed my eyes tightly. Thinking too much won't get me anywhere.

I took my phone out of my pant’s pocket and messages from our groupchat popped one by one on the screen.

**Jam: *Where are you now? We have already arrived two hours ago and are at our own houses now.

**You: I’m now at the bus terminal. I think it will only take a few minutes before this bus takes off. I’ll get home shortly.

**Grace: *So, did you find the necklace you're looking for?

**You: *No

**Iris: Why? I told you, we should have just come along with you and help you find it.

**You: *It's okay. I don't mind losing it anymore.

**Sophia: Ok then, have a safe travel girl!

I heaved a sigh as I peered into the open window. The cold air breezed against my face as the bus started to move to our destination. I took in the view outside, the dimming sky, the lights from the minimal houses that we pass, and the dim streetlights.

But I still can't take away the image of Fire on my head as I saw him earlier. He seemed to have lost weight, eyebags and dark circles were also visible around his eyes. His arms hung loosely on his shoulders. He looked weary. What could have made him into that?

He’s not a picky eater. I remember him eating anything I serve him everytime he visits my apartment without notice just to eat. He's not also the kind of person to dwell on his problems, he often brushes them aside and waits for them to get settled on their own. He's also not the kind to get stressed out too much — or get depressed. He’s the kind of person who knows many ways to entertain himself. Be it with material things or physical pleasures.

“You know you shouldn't stay outside very late because it's dangerous.” Shan’s voice cut in the air of the night like a mom catching her daughter coming home late.

“I can perfectly manage to go home no matter what time of the day it is.” I rolled my eyes at him as I passed by him in my front yard. My trolley bag rolled behind me as I made my way onto my front porch where Shan followed me into. The keys jangled as I picked them out of my bag and used a specific one to open my apartment’s front door.

After switching on the lights, I stepped in and turned to Shan who was just standing behind.

“Aren't you going to come in?” I asked.

“Nah, I just wanted to make sure you came home this evening. Besides, I’ve already eaten dinner. Here's for you.” He said, extending to me a paper bag which I assume is a take-out dish from a restaurant.

“I was planning to eat with you but I got hungry while waiting for you for so long.” He complained.

“I guess that's my fault.” I chuckled.

Shan turned and with his back at me, he raised his left hand and waved it. “Have a good night!” I said before closing the door.