Beyond the Headlines

CHAPTER 10

It was a great time in Mathew's house they enjoyed it there .

Ryan Honey and Millie returned back to their respective apartment.

Millie's Apartment – Late Evening

Millie enters her cozy apartment, the soft hum of the city night filtering through her windows. She sets her bag on the table, her mind still replaying the evening at Mathew's mansion. Sammy’s cheerful laughter, Mathew’s easygoing charm, and the warmth of the evening all left a lingering impression.

Her phone buzzes on the coffee table. She picks it up to see Honey’s name flashing on the screen. Smiling, she answers and sinks into her couch.

Millie:
"Hey, Honey. Just got home?"

Honey (on the phone):
"Yup, kicked off my heels and already missing that wine. What about you?"

Millie (chuckling):
"Same. It was such a lovely evening. Sammy’s adorable, isn’t she?"

Honey:
"She really is!  And she’s so attached to you already! It’s like she’s known you forever."

Millie smiles, thinking about Sammy.

Millie:
"She’s a sweetheart. I really enjoyed spending time with her. Mathew seems like such a great dad, doesn’t he?"

There’s a brief pause on the other end of the line before Honey speaks, her tone more serious now.

Honey:
"Yeah, he does. But, Millie, didn’t you notice something... odd?"

Millie furrows her brows, her smile fading slightly.

Millie:
"Odd? What do you mean?"

Honey:
"I mean... we spent the whole evening there. Mathew gave us a tour, Sammy was everywhere showing us her drawings, and Mathew mentioned her school and hobbies, but... where’s her mother? We didn’t see her at all. Not even a photo of her in the house."

Millie leans back, considering Honey’s observation.

Millie:
"Now that you mention it... you’re right. I didn’t see any sign of her. Not even a passing comment from Sammy or Mathew."

Honey:
"Exactly. And I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but it felt... strange. I mean, it’s not like we were snooping around or anything, but shouldn’t she at least have been mentioned? Even Sammy didn’t say a word about her."

Millie exhales, her thoughts swirling.

Millie:
"Maybe there’s a reason for that. It’s not really our place to ask, though, is it?"

Honey:
"No, of course not. But it just feels like there’s more to the story. You know what I mean?"

Millie nods to herself, even though Honey can’t see her.

Millie:
"I get it. There’s definitely something... missing. But, Honey, maybe it’s something personal. Mathew didn’t seem like he was hiding anything, though. He was so open about Sammy."

Honey:
"True. And Sammy seems happy, so whatever’s going on, she’s clearly well cared for. Still, I can’t help but wonder... what’s the story there?"

Millie (softly):
"Yeah. Me too."

The two friends sit in silence for a moment, both lost in thought.

Honey (cheerfully, breaking the silence):
"Well, let’s not get into it. For all we know, we’re overthinking it. Maybe next time, we’ll learn more. For now, let’s just focus on what a great evening it was—and how much Sammy absolutely adores you."

Millie chuckles, grateful for Honey’s lightheartedness.

Millie:
"She’s such a joy. I think she made my whole week."

Honey:
"Same here. Alright, I’ll let you go for now. Get some rest, and see you tomorrow at the office.

Millie (laughing):
"Yeah see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Honey."

Honey:
"Goodnight, Millie."

Millie ends the call and sets her phone down, her thoughts drifting back to Sammy and Mathew. Despite the warmth of the evening, Honey’s observation lingers in her mind. Who is Sammy’s mother, and why wasn’t she part of the picture?

As the city lights twinkle outside, Millie comfortably slept in her bed.

________________________________

MORNING: 8:00 AM (alarm sound)

Millie shuts her alsr5off and heads to the bathroom, brushed her teeth and took bath .

Took her black flared formal pants a black coast sleeves rolled up to her arms black heels and a white vest top making her look chic.

"Let me cook my breakfast"

As the time went 8:00 to 8:15 she quickly cooked an omelette and bread, took a bite "ummm"

She's done with her breakfast. As he was heading to her car she realised there no enough petrol so she might have to opt for a bus.

"Oh no I have to wait for the bus now "

Morning - Bus Stop

The morning sun casts a golden hue over the bustling city streets. Millie stands at the bus stop, her shoulder bag slung casually over one arm. She glances at her watch. Her car had run out of fuel this morning, forcing her to take the bus. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, her mind wandering back to the conversation she had with Honey the night before.

As she waits, her attention is drawn to the school across the street. A group of kids, laughing and chattering, is making its way through the gates. Her eyes scan the scene absentmindedly until they land on a familiar figure—Sammy.

Sammy, in her neat little uniform, is walking hand-in-hand with another child, her face lit up with excitement. Millie’s heart skips a beat, a smile tugging at her lips. For a moment, she feels a rush of warmth seeing the girl so carefree and happy.

Millie (to herself):
"Sammy... She looks so adorable."

Her first instinct is to cross the street and say hello. She takes a step forward but hesitates, unsure if it would be appropriate.

Just as she gathers her resolve to approach, the rumble of the approaching bus pulls her attention. It screeches to a halt in front of her, and the driver gives her a brief glance, waiting for her to board.

Millie looks back at Sammy, who is now waving goodbye to the other child before skipping into the school building. Millie’s heart tugs, but she knows she can’t delay. With a sigh, she steps onto the bus, glancing back one last time as the doors close behind her.