"Oh, so you're a natural talent, Mr. Blackwood. Picking up so much from just a few episodes," Darcy teased. By now, Jethro's ears were burning red. He leaned in closer, as persistent as a golden retriever. "I want my goodnight kiss." Utterly defeated, Darcy cupped his face in her hands and planted a soft, quick peck on his cheek. Then she gave him a look that said, "There. Happy?" Satisfied, Jethro finally opened the car door for her. "You go up first. I'll wait until your lights come on." After a final goodnight, Darcy headed upstairs. At her door, she waved down to the street. The Rolls-Royce lingered for a moment before reluctantly turning and driving away. Unlocking the door, she found her mother still awake in the living room, the TV flickering. "Mom, why are you still up? I texted you not to wait." Darcy said, kicking off her shoes. Ione turned off the TV, her gaze scrutinizing. "Who were you out with tonight?" Darcy's hands paused on her coat. Her lashes trembled. She wasn't planning to tell her mom about Jethro. "With Cindy. The friend from work I told you about. Why?" Ione sighed heavily, gesturing to the gift boxes on the table. "Hugo brought these. He waited here for you for a long time. When you didn't come back or answer his messages, he left." Darcy sat on the couch and saw they were the same things Hugo had given last time—likely the ones from his car earlier. She'd told him not to wait, yet he'd come to her home anyway.A wave of frustration washed over her. "Mom, I've already ordered those online. They'll be here in a few days. Please don't let Hugo in again. I don't have feelings for him. Letting him in only gives him false hope." Ione's eyes sharpened. "Then who do you like? Don't tell me it's your boss." "Mom, I—" "Darcy, you don't have to like Hugo. But let me be clear—I won't allow you to be with your boss." Darcy was speechless. She knew changing her mother's mind would be a monumental task, impossible to rush. Besides, things with Jethro were brand new, still in the "trial period." Who knew what the future held? "I get it, Mom. You should get some rest." Darcy stood and headed for her bedroom. Ione watched her go, sighing again. Her mind was already racing, cataloging which single young men lived in their apartment complex.If she doesn't like Hugo, that's fine. I can arrange other blind dates. After her shower, Darcy lay in bed, scrolling through her phone before sleep as usual. A message from Jethro caught her eye. "Home safe. Goodnight, my girlfriend." Her heart melted. A soft smile touched her lips as she sent her boyfriend a simple goodnight emoji in return. He seemed to be waiting, replying instantly, "Goodnight. (No need to reply. Get some rest.)" Clutching her phone, Darcy couldn't stop smiling. She scrolled a little longer before finally drifting off to sleep, though her rest was fitful, her heart beating a happy, anxious rhythm. It was well past midnight before she finally fell into a deep sleep. She woke up feeling refreshed. It was already 10 a.m. Stretching, she got up to wash up.Stepping into the living room, she found it empty. "Mom?" She pushed into the kitchen—no Ione. She checked the bedroom—still no one. Probably out buying groceries. She fixed a quick bowl of oatmeal for her late breakfast. After cleaning up, she noticed Ione still wasn't back. That's strange. She's been gone a long time. A knot of unease formed in her stomach. She went to her room for her phone and called her mother. The phone rang and rang. No answer. Darcy's heart plummeted. She threw on a jacket, ready to rush to the market. As she reached the front door, her phone rang."Mom?" she answered. But the voice on the other end wasn't Ione's. It was Zora, sugary-sweet. "Darcy, dear! You are coming to my engagement party with Zane today, aren't you?" Darcy's blood ran cold. A terrible suspicion solidified in her mind. Her voice went low. "My mother is missing. Did you kidnap her?" On the other end, Zora gave a light, mocking laugh. "Darcy, watch your language. Today is my special day. I simply sent someone to invite your mom to join the celebration. How can that be called kidnapping? We're family. Asking her to witness—doesn't that make sense?" "You're despicable," Darcy hissed, her knuckles white around the phone. Zora's red lips tilted in a smile. "Darcy, that hurts my feelings. Here I am extending a gracious invitation, and you insult me instead. Well, if you're not coming, that's fine. I'm sure your mom won't mind enjoying the ceremony on her own."