My Cold-Hearted Husband Wants Me Back-Chapter 13: Burned To A Crisp

Lunara could only gasp in shock. The shop she had left yesterday morning was now burned to a crisp. What had happened the entire night?

Unable to believe her eyes, she rushed inside, walking through the shop that was now blackened and destroyed.

"Ara, be careful..." Naomi tried to stop her, but Lunara continued walking in, her expression blank.

She could barely feel her legs and almost collapsed to the floor when Naomi quickly grabbed her arms, doing her best to steady her. The floor was littered with sharp, dangerous debris, and falling could hurt Lunara.

"Naomi..." She gripped Naomi's arm tightly. "What happened? I'm sure I checked everything before leaving yesterday..." She looked around again; nothing had survived.

"Maybe we could check with the police. Didn't you get any calls last night?" Naomi suggested, sighing lightly, her heart heavy with everything Lunara had to endure.

Lunara could only shake her head, her gaze downcast. "My phone was left at the hospital when..." She bit her lip, fighting to hold back her emotions. "Naomi... Why is this happening to me?"

Naomi quickly pulled her into an embrace. "Let's go. We'll check with the police to figure out what happened."

"Excuse me, miss..." The officer's voice interrupted, and both Lunara and Naomi turned to face him. "You can't be here," he said firmly.

Lunara rushed forward, her heart racing. "Sir, what happened? Was it a power surge? I made sure everything was safe a few weeks ago. Please, tell me."

The officer regarded her carefully before asking, "Are you Lunara Hayes, the owner of this shop?"

Lunara nodded, feeling her stomach twist. "Yes, that's me. What happened? Was it electrical? I checked everything, I swear."

"We're still in the early stages of the investigation," the officer replied, his tone serious. "It could take some time to determine the exact cause. From what we've gathered so far, we haven't ruled out a few possibilities. It could be electrical, but it's too early to confirm anything."

Lunara clenched her fists, feeling a surge of helplessness. "So, you don't know yet?"

The officer sighed, "Not yet. But if you remember anything unusual or have more information, it might help us but for now, it would be better to stay away from this place to not disturb the investigation.

Lunara nodded weakly, looking at Naomi, feeling utterly lost. "I understand, sir."

After the officer left, Naomi turned to Lunara with concern in her eyes. "Hey, stay with me for a while. You can't stay alone right now."

Naomi frowned, clearly not giving up. "I understand, but you don't have to worry about that. There's a room in the back of the house, it doesn't even need to go through the front door. You can have it all to yourself."

Lunara hesitated, still feeling unsure. "I don't want to be a burden, Naomi."

Naomi's expression softened. "You're not a burden. We've been friends for years, and I want to help. Just let me do this for you, okay?"

Lunara glanced at the ground for a moment before meeting Naomi's eyes. "Can I?" Her voice trembled, tears threatening to fall. "I'm really lost, Naomi... Can I really stay while I look for a place?"

"Of course, you can!" Naomi said without hesitation, wrapping an arm around her. "Stay with me for as long as you need." She smiled, relieved. "We'll figure everything out together."

=====

As they approached Naomi's home, Lunara hesitated. "Are you sure this is okay?" she asked softly.

Naomi gave her a reassuring grin. "Trust me, it'll be fine. We just have to be a little sneaky."

"Young Miss—"

Naomi quickly pressed a finger to her lips, signaling the maid to stay quiet. "This is my friend, Ara. She'll be staying here for a while..." She took the maid's hands in hers, flashing a playful smile. "Help me keep it a secret from my brother and Mom, okay?" She winked.

The maid hesitated, glancing between Naomi and Lunara before sighing. "Young Miss, you know I can't hide things from Madam for long..."

Naomi pouted. "Just long enough until I figure something out. Please?"

The maid shook her head but smiled softly. "Fine, but if Madam asks, I won't lie."

Lunara stood quietly, watching their interaction. Even in this unfamiliar place, Naomi's warmth made her feel a little less lost. She had been here twice before, once last night and almost three years ago when her mother collapsed and had to be hospitalized.

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"Come on," Naomi said, grabbing her wrist. "Let's get you settled before anyone notices."

She led Lunara inside through the back door, careful not to make a sound.

Lunara stood still in front of the door, looking at the whole room. It was smaller compared to the rest of the house, but it was cozy and private.

"Did you just come back?" A woman's voice from behind startled them all.

Naomi quickly pushed Lunara inside and shut the door behind her. "Mom..." she said with an awkward smile. "What are you doing here...?"

"Madam..." The maid quickly bowed her head.

"What are you doing?" Her mother's sharp eyes scanned Naomi from head to toe. "What are you trying to hide this time? I barely saw you this past week after you returned to the country, and now here you are..." Her gaze shifted from Naomi to the maid, scrutinizing them both.

Laughing nervously, Naomi quickly linked her arm with her mother's. "Are you sulking? I'm sorry... I was just hanging out with my best friend, you know... Ara..."

"Ara?" Her mother's eyes lit up with interest. "I see..." She gave Naomi a knowing look, as if recalling something only she was aware of.

"Bring her here. I would like to meet her sometime," she added before turning, leaving the two of them sighing in relief.

"Bring her here?" Naomi asked, getting some hope.

"Yup, it would be great to meet her." She added continue walking away with a smirk formed on her lips.