After arriving in Merila, Nick wasted no time locating the venue where Mia’s art exhibition had been held. From there, he went store by store along the street, asking anyone who might know her whereabouts.
By nightfall, his persistence paid off. Someone finally provided him with Mia’s current address.
Grateful beyond words, Nick wasted no time heading to the address. He had imagined Mia, alone in a foreign country, living in a rundown apartment. But when he arrived, he was stunned to find an opulent mansion in an upscale neighborhood. A property of this caliber in such a location must have cost milliq
“How could Mia afford to live in a place like this?” Nick frowned, unsure if he had the right address. Despite his doubts, he knocked on the door.
It was Zoe who answered. She hadn’t met Nick before, so her initial demeanor was friendly. Hello, can I help you?”
”
“I’m looking for Erin Ivano,” Nick replied. “Her name is Mia Larson. I heard she lives here.”
“Oh, you’re a friend of Mia’s?” Zoe’s face lit up with a warm smile. “When did Mia make such a handsome friend and not tell me? How sneaky of her!”
Nick relaxed slightly, relieved to know he had found the right place. Whatever her circumstances, at least he had found her..
“Is Mia home?” Nick asked, his tone tinged with urgency. “I really need to see her.”
“Ah, what a shame. She’s out at a party right now,” Zoe said apologetically. “What’s your name? Maybe leave a number, and I’ll have her call you when she gets back.”
Nick hesitated, the words on the tip of his tongue. But then he stopped himself. Mia had been avoiding him. If she knew he was here, would she run again? After all the effort it had taken to find her, he couldn’t risk losing her again.
“It’s fine. If Mia isn’t here, I’ll just wait until she gets back,” Nick said with a strained smile. “I really need to see her.”
