CHAPTER 29: A DANGEROUS DISCOVERY
667 Words
The mysterious photograph remained on Kelvin's desk long after he returned to Lawson Manor.
He had studied it countless times.
His parents stood smiling beside another couple whose faces had been deliberately burned away.
Who were they?
And why would someone go to such lengths to erase their identities?
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
Damien stepped inside.
"Our investigators examined the photograph."
Kelvin looked up.
"What did they find?"
"The fire damage wasn't accidental."
Kelvin's eyes narrowed.
"It was done intentionally."
Damien nodded.
"Someone wanted to hide the identities of the other couple."
Kelvin carefully folded the photograph.
"Find out who they were."
"No matter how long it takes."
"Yes, Boss."
---
Across the city...
Mackenzie was enjoying a rare day off.
Instead of attending meetings or inspecting event venues, she wandered through one of Noctis' oldest bookstores.
The familiar scent of paper and ink instantly relaxed her.
She smiled as she browsed the shelves.
"You really do love bookstores."
She turned.
Kelvin stood a few steps away, holding a novel in one hand.
A smile spread across her face.
"Were you following me?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"I happened to be nearby."
She laughed.
"What an incredible coincidence."
"It is."
Neither of them believed it.
---
An elderly bookseller approached them.
"It's nice to see young people buying books instead of staring at their phones."
Kelvin smiled politely.
"We're trying our best."
The bookseller looked between them and grinned.
"You make a lovely couple."
Mackenzie's cheeks flushed.
"We're..."
She paused.
Kelvin looked at her with quiet amusement.
"...friends," she finished.
The bookseller chuckled.
"That's how every good love story begins."
---
An hour later...
They left the bookstore carrying far more books than they had intended to buy.
"I blame you," Mackenzie said.
"You introduced me to the history section."
"And you introduced me to classic novels."
"I suppose we're even."
As they walked through a nearby park, they noticed children gathered around a street artist painting portraits.
One little boy tugged on the artist's sleeve.
"Can you draw them?"
The artist smiled.
"The couple?"
Kelvin and Mackenzie exchanged surprised glances.
Before either could object, the children began cheering.
"Please!"
The artist laughed.
"It'll only take a few minutes."
Mackenzie looked at Kelvin.
"Should we?"
He smiled.
"Why not?"
---
They sat together while the artist worked.
The children watched excitedly.
"You two look very happy together," the artist remarked as he painted.
Neither of them answered.
But both found themselves smiling.
When the portrait was finished, the artist handed it to them.
At the bottom, he had written:
Some people are destined to meet, even if fate takes the long road.
Mackenzie stared at the words for a moment.
"It's beautiful."
Kelvin carefully rolled up the portrait.
"We'll treasure it."
---
Not far away...
Hidden behind dark sunglasses and a newspaper, a man quietly photographed the scene.
He wasn't interested in the portrait.
He was interested in the smiles.
He sent the images to Ricardo.
Within minutes, Ricardo's phone buzzed.
He studied the photographs without speaking.
Vincent stood beside him.
"They're getting closer."
Ricardo nodded.
"Closer than I expected."
Vincent folded his arms.
"Do we interfere?"
Ricardo slowly shook his head.
"No."
"If they're building trust..."
He looked at the photograph of Kelvin and Mackenzie laughing together.
"...then let them."
Vincent frowned.
"Why?"
Ricardo's smile was cold.
"Because when the truth finally comes to light..."
"The fall will be much greater."
---
That evening...
Back at Lawson Manor, Kelvin carefully placed the street portrait inside his study.
Not among his business awards.
Not beside expensive artwork.
He placed it beside the silver pocket watch that had belonged to his father.
Damien noticed.
"You value it."
Kelvin looked at the portrait.
"It reminds me..."
"That not everything worth protecting can be measured in money."
Damien smiled faintly.
"Your father would be proud."
Kelvin didn't answer immediately.
He looked toward the city lights beyond the window.
"I hope one day..."
"...I'll believe that too."
- Writer
