Chasing Shadows: Luna and Maxim's Pursuit of Truth

Chapter 17: "Torn Ties

The airport was bustling with activity as Luna, accompanied by Maxim, saw her family off. Catleya, Luna's mother, embraced her daughter tightly.

**Catleya:** (teary-eyed) I'll miss you, Luna. Take care, my dear. I love you.

Luna, moved by her mother's words, reciprocated the hug. Shanaia, Luna's sister, promised to miss her and declared her choice to remain single for the time being. Kies, Luna's brother, bid farewell and, with a handshake, entrusted Luna's well-being to Maxim.

**Kies:** Take care of my sister, Maxim. I'll be back.

**Maxim:** Don't worry, bro. I promise I'll never hurt your sister.

After escorting her family to the airport, Luna decided to treat Maxim to a meal at the airport cafeteria. As they sipped their drinks, Maxim gently wiped foam from Luna's lips. Luna, feeling the tenderness, thanked him, and Maxim, with a smile, called her "babe," causing Luna's cheeks to blush.

Meanwhile, in another part of town, Amanda Winslet, Kelsey's mother, had a heated argument with her sister, Janine. The disagreement revolved around the mishandling of their family business. Kelsey, troubled by the tension, sought solace from Dom Kennedy.

**Dom:** (comforting) Things will get better, Kelsey. Just give it time.

Days later, while Kelsey was in the backyard, she witnessed her mother's murder. Overwhelmed by grief, Kelsey contacted Maxim and Luna for assistance.

In the investigation that followed, Dom shared the information about the argument between Amanda and Janine. Luna and Maxim questioned Janine, but found no evidence linking her to the crime.

**Luna:** We need to look deeper, Maxim. There's something missing.

As they delved into the lives of those close to Amanda, they discovered a connection with Jennifer Lorwell.

Weeks of investigation revealed that Jennifer killed Amanda. Luna and Maxim confronted her, learning the motive behind the crime.

**Maxim:** Why, Jennifer? Why did you do it?

**Jennifer:** She tried to humiliate me, call me a dirty prostitute. I couldn't take it.

Luna and Maxim, while understanding Jennifer's pain, knew justice had to be served. Jennifer was arrested for her actions.

In the aftermath, Kelsey expressed gratitude to Luna and Maxim. The chapter unfolded, highlighting the fragility of family ties, the impact of misunderstandings, and the lengths some might go to protect their pride.