Chapter 263. Thrills with Sophia

Lara steps out of the hospital, the sterile scent of antiseptic still clinging onto her skin, mingling with the afternoon air. Her heart races, an uneasy urgency gripping her — she's finally discharged and all she wants is to get home, to see her children.

A fog of confusion clouds her mind. How about her sons? Where are they? The thought gnaws at her, but she pushes it aside while hailing a taxi. The yellow cab navigates the streets, the driver's eyes flicking to her in the rearview mirror as concern etches on his brow.

"Ma'am, you okay?" He asks, raising a brow.

"I'm fine," she lies. "Just anxious to get home to my kids."

***

When the cab finally pulls up to her house, a chill crawls up her spine. The front door is ajar, swaying gently in the breeze. She distinctly remembers locking it before leaving. Panic sets in.

"Hello?" Lara's voice trembles as she steps inside. The house is e