Chapter 320: The Moment the Call Connected

"Ring— Ring—"

The moment the call connected, Elena Ward could sense the tension draining from Mayor Martin Reed's voice.

"Elena, this girl has given us such a scare!" His voice was heavy with exhaustion. "She left a note and ran off, saying she was going to find work. Her mother hasn't stopped crying for two days..."

Emily Reed hovered by the phone, ears perked.

Elena glanced at her before speaking softly, "Uncle Martin, don't worry. Emily is safe here with me."

"Thank goodness." He exhaled in relief. "Her mother and I will come get her tomorrow. This child is so reckless—"

Emily stomped her foot in frustration, shooting Elena pleading looks.

"Uncle Martin," Elena interjected, "I think... it might be better if Emily stays with me for now."

Silence stretched on the other end.

"Listen," Elena chose her words carefully. "Emily's an adult now, and she's finished high school. Instead of forcing her into an early marriage back in the village, why not let her explore opportunities here in the city? The provincial capital has so much more to offer—"

"But..." Martin's voice trembled. "After what happened with Harold Martin..."

"I understand your concern," Elena softened her tone. "But you can't keep her sheltered forever. Emily's smart—she won't repeat the same mistakes."

A weighted sigh traveled through the line.

"You're right, Elena." His voice suddenly sounded older. "This girl's stubborn as a mule. Even if we drag her back, she'll just run off again..."

Emily's eyes reddened instantly.

Elena silently handed her the receiver and turned to clear the dining table.

"Dad..." Emily's voice cracked on the first word.

"You foolish girl!" Martin scolded, but his own tears came first. "Do you have any idea how worried your mother's been?"

"I'm sorry..." Emily's tears fell freely. "I just... didn't want to spend my whole life trapped in the village..."

The line went quiet for several seconds.

"How... how did you even find Elena alone?" Martin suddenly asked.

Emily wiped her cheeks. "I—I followed the address and asked for directions..."

"You didn't get lost?"

"Not once!" Her voice brightened. "Dad, the city is enormous! There are skyscrapers everywhere, movie theaters, department stores..."

As Emily animatedly described her discoveries, Martin's tone gradually softened.

"Child..." He sighed deeply. "I never wanted to hold you back. I just feared you'd get hurt..."

"I know." Emily sniffled. "Dad, I promise—I've really grown up this time."

Simultaneous silence settled between them.

"Come home... for New Year's." That was all Martin finally said.

"Yes! I will!" Emily nodded vigorously as if he could see her.

After hanging up, Emily stood frozen in place. She realized then that the words she'd struggled to voice, the knots she thought would never loosen—all it took was one honest conversation.

Elena handed her a steaming cup of tea. "Everything settled?"

Emily accepted the cup, the warmth seeping into her fingers making her eyes sting again. "Yes. Everything's settled."

She understood now—her parents' love had never been chains, but the sturdiest safety net she could ever have.