Chapter 178. Only Just Becoming Real

It had been four days, and Rico still hadn’t returned. The search teams had widened their reach, combing through nearby towns, while divers had scoured the river multiple times, yet there was still no sign of him.

Calla’s days blurred together. She moved through the house almost on autopilot, her mind constantly on him. Eli, sensing her worry, clung to her side, asking questions she didn’t have the energy to answer. She tried to smile, tried to reassure him, but every time she looked into his innocent eyes, the fear in her chest grew heavier. 

Luxe stayed close too, a steady presence, offering quiet support, ready to step in and help with Eli, but letting Calla feel in control.

Meals went mostly untouched. Calls and messages went unanswered. Even when she tried to busy herself by reading a book, her hands shook slightly, and her eyes kept drifting toward the