Chapter 73: Chapter Seventy-two

Mirabella’s phone rang again for the thirteenth time that day. She groaned in frustration, looking at the screen flashing Aria. She pressed the answer button before the ringtone could finish.

“Aria, really? Can you let me breathe for a moment?” she snapped, rubbing her temple. “We’re already about to close the shop!”

She was standing near the counter, wearing Rena her tiny denim jacket over her orange color outfit, ready to head home. But Aria had been calling nonstop — every fifteen minutes, if not less. It was as if the woman’s new hobby was harassing her.

“This bulky guy wouldn’t even let me eat in peace!” Aria’s voice exploded through the phone. “He wants to eat out of what I made! He didn’t even help me in the kitchen, now he’s fighting for my food!”

Mirabella sighed and leaned back against the wall. Her patience was really wearing thin. It was really tiring to have to be in the middle of two adults. It's crazy even. “You know what? We’ll soon be home. Just… hold on until then, okay? Can you do that for me at least?”

“I could,” Aria said dramatically, “but who knows if I won’t strangle the bulky guy before you get here!”

Mirabella rolled her eyes even though Aria couldn’t see her. The other woman have been issuing empty threats and it was exhausting.

“You’ve been saying that all day, Aria. You’ve threatened to strangle him ten times already, and guess what? He’s still alive.”

“That’s because you begged me not to do it!” Aria replied defensively.

“No, I didn’t. Not even once,” Mirabella said flatly, tightening Rena’s jacket on her little shoulders.

“I thought you did,” Aria said, pretending to think. “But whatever, I won’t do it because you pleaded.”

Mirabella shook her head, completely done with the conversation. “I didn’t plead, Aria.” She said looking at Hunter who was crouching down to pick Rena up.

“Whatever you say, fairy lady,” Aria teased in her sing-song voice.

“What… fairy…” Mirabella stopped halfway, shaking her head. “You know what? Whatever, Aria. Whatever. And…bye!”

She ended the call, slipped the phone into her pocket, and looked up at the ceiling as if begging the heavens for calmness and taking in a long calming breath. She let out a deep sigh, rubbing her forehead.

Beverly, who had been watching her with amusement, blinked and then grinned wickedly. “You don’t need to tell me anything. I already know she’s giving you trouble again.”

“She’s been calling non-stop,” Mirabella muttered, dragging her fingers through her hair. “And she’s been complaining about Tobias every single time.”

“Well, we can all agree now that Aria is the troublemaker,” Beverly said, crossing her arms.

Mirabella gave her a look. “No, no… you both are the same. You’re just as crazy as she is.”

Beverly raised both hands like someone surrendering. “But I’m not the one giving you trouble right now.”

Mirabella sighed and laughed softly despite herself. “No, you’re not. But I swear, there will even be more trouble when I explain everything to her tonight.”

“Definitely,” Beverly said with a smirk. “Can’t wait for the drama.”

Mirabella turned her attention to Hunter, who was helping Rena with her shoes. His large hands were gentle as he tied her laces, and Rena giggled softly, holding onto his shoulder for balance.

“Hunter,” Mirabella began, “Aria might be rude or loud, but please, don’t get angry with her. Everything she’ll say will just be out of concern for me and Rena.”

Hunter straightened and looked at her, his eyes narrowed. “Do you think I’d hit a woman or argue with her?”

Mirabella shrugged one shoulder. “You might not do it directly, but you always have your ways of getting back at people.”

Hunter’s lips twitched. He knew she wasn’t wrong. He always had subtle ways of teaching people lessons. But this was different — Aria was Mirabella’s close friend. He didn’t want to make things worse and he didn't want to give Mirabella more reasons to create more distance between them. “I won’t do anything, babe. Rest assured.”

She eyed him suspiciously. “You promise?”

“Yes, baby,” he said with a small smile, reaching out to adjust a loose strand of her hair. “Now can we lock the store and go home? My princess is tired,” he said, kissing Rena's forehead.

He bent to lift Rena into his arms. The little girl giggled and laid her head against his shoulder, already drowsy. Mirabella’s heart softened a little. As frustrating as he could be, Hunter was gentle with Rena in a way that melted her every single time.

“Phew… it’s been such a long day,” Mirabella muttered as she slung her bag over her shoulder and handed Rena’s backpack to Hunter.

They closed the store together. Hunter locked the door while Beverly hummed a song and stretched her arms dramatically. The evening breeze was cool and comforting as they began their short walk home.

Today, Beverly didn’t enter her compound as they got to the front of her house. Instead, she followed Mirabella and Hunter all the way to Mirabella's house. “I have to see this she-devil Aria with my own eyes,” she said, grinning mischievously.

Mirabella laughed softly. “You’ll regret it.”

“Never,” Beverly replied. “I live for drama.”

As they reached the compound, Mirabella slowed her steps. Something felt… off. It was too quiet.

Usually, if Aria was left all alone in the house, her companion was loud music and her loud voice could be heard echoing from halfway down the street. But today, the house was quiet.

Also, how could it be so quiet when Aria and Tobia have been stressing each other out since afternoon. What happened to the quarrel, the strangling and everything?

Mirabella exchanged a glance with Hunter. “This is strange,” she said.

“Maybe they finally killed each other,” Beverly muttered half-jokingly, but her tone had a hint of nervousness.

Hunter’s jaw flexed as he adjusted Rena in his arms. “Stay behind me,” he said calmly.

Mirabella frowned but nodded. As they approached the door, the air felt heavy, almost tense. The front door was half-open… another very unusual sign that something was off. Aria never left the door unlocked.

“Aria?” Mirabella called out, stepping closer.

No response.

She turned to Beverly. “Did you hear anything?”

Beverly shook her head, wide-eyed. “Nothing.”

Hunter pushed the door open with his free hand, his tall frame blocking their view for a moment. The hinges creaked softly. He walked in and the living room came into view. Everything was in place,except…

Hunter came to an abrupt stop.

Mirabella and Beverly peeked from behind him, and their eyes widened in utter shock.