Chapter 63: Departure

Chapter 63: Departure

In a seamless collaboration, Miles and Ethan managed to capture and confine the ghost haunting the local mall. Despite the ghostly terror being merely a Class C apparition, it presented a challenge beyond what they had initially anticipated. Understanding its behavioral patterns, locating its true form, and devising a containment strategy were tasks laced with peril. One wrong move could spell disaster.

Miles was particularly shaken when the ghost tried to possess Ethans arm. Quick thinking and a readiness to act were the only things that saved them from a ghastly demise.

As Miles made his way out of the mall, he noticed several officers congregating outside. Approaching them, he quipped, Hard at work, I see? I thought youd already left.

Just fulfilling my duties. Not the type to shirk, you know. How are things inside? an officer asked.

Miles assured them, The situation is under control. You wont experience any more unusual disturbances in the mall. His expression turned serious, We found one of the missing people. The others, well Ill let you fill in the blanks.

His gaze shifted to River, who was standing close by. Her hair was tousled, her face weary, yet her eyes sparkled with relief and gratitude. She had survived and now stood free beside Miles.

I trust the mall is safe now. Ill leave the rest to you, as I have some pressing matters to attend to. If you need any further assistance, dont hesitate to call me.

After expressing their gratitude, they took Miles contact information and watched as he departed.

Where are you off to? River quickly caught up with him.

Big sister, why are you tagging along? Youre safe now. If theres nothing else, you should head home. Your family must be worried after your disappearance. Dont cling to me, Miles urged her.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Rivers face fell a little at being called old, You make it sound so cold. I did agree to be your girlfriend, did I not? You cant just leave me.

Miles raised an eyebrow at her, Wait, when did I say you could be my girlfriend? Are you trying to trick me?

We agreed on this in the restroom, remember? And stop calling me big sister, Im not that old! River fired back.

Miles regarded her with a curious look, How old are you anyway?

Im 25 well, actually 24, but 25 in lunar years. See, Im still young, River argued, looking quite pleased as if being his girlfriend was quite a catch for him.

Sorry to break it to you, but Im only 18, or 19 in lunar years, Miles countered, So, I think big sister fits you better. Im being considerate by not calling you auntie. Isnt that polite of me, Big Sister River?

Rivers face fell at this. She had always thought Miles was in his mid-twenties. His persistent use of big sister now made sense, and the comparison left her feeling a tad less triumphant.

In Miles perception, she was the epitome of an elder sister.

My dear brother, my gratitude for today knows no bounds. Your help has been invaluable, she expressed.

Just as Miles was about to take his leave, Mr. Calm darted towards him, gripping his hand with earnest thankfulness.

Miles merely chuckled, Im merely doing the job Im paid for. No need to be overly formal.

Nonsense! Youve saved my life. Heres my card. If you ever require assistance, dont hesitate to reach out, Mr. Calm handed him a business card with a sense of deep gratitude.

Just saving my life alone qualifies you for a boyfriend. Besides, why dont we grab a bite together? My apartment is conveniently close by, River suggested, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Why do I get the feeling that youre more interested in having me for dinner rather than inviting me over? But if you offer me a place to stay for a bit, then sure. Just to be clear though: I wont be covering rent or food, Miles countered.

Alright, deal. Lets go. Suddenly, Rivers enthusiasm seemed to skyrocket as she clung to Miles.

Unlike the average young girl who falls in love during college and marries without prospect, River was a career woman, an accountant in a company. Her profession and instincts directed her towards the type of boyfriend she needed for success. After experiencing the supernatural incident, she felt that aligning herself firmly with Miles was the only way to ensure her future.

If another such paranormal event occurred, River doubted she could make it through.

Times have changed.

Linking her arm tightly with Miles, she was confident that he wouldnt be able to resist her charm after some time together.

Soon enough, Miles was cruising on the road in the robust SUV, River comfortably seated next to him, her face resting against the window, a subtle smile on her lips.

She pondered, He might be a tad younger, but did that really matter?

However, in the next instant, Miles hand shot up, gripping Rivers neck with such force that it left her gasping for breath.

Cough, what are you doing? River reacted, struggling instinctively.

While maintaining his hold, Miles turned to her, I failed to ask earlier. Did the ghost at the mall have a head? If not, thats okay. But if it did, where would the head be?

I I dont know. Cant you be a bit gentler? River managed to respond.

Sorry, Im a bit edgy, but I need to clarify this, Miles reasoned, I wouldnt want the ghost to catch me off guard at the last moment.

He slightly loosened his grip, his hand carefully feeling around her neck, ensuring her head hadnt been replaced.

Cant you give me a warning next time you want to check? I would cooperate willingly, River grumbled, slightly peeved.

However, she didnt dare to resist Miless inspection.

He was the only one capable of handling ghosts, and she was ready to comply unconditionally with anything related to supernatural events. She definitely didnt want to invite any trouble herself.

After thoroughly inspecting her neck and finding nothing more than her smooth skin, Miles was assured that her head hadnt been switched.

This implied that River hadnt been tampered with while he was absent from the surveillance room.

Perhaps, Im just overthinking, Miles voiced out, relieved.

With a pout, River retorted, Could you be a little less rough next time?