Chapter 340 What Worries Me the Most

His expression grew more serious, tinged with a hint of guilt.

 “When we found out about the baby, it was a mix of emotions. We were devastated about losing you, but at the same time, this new life gave us something to hold onto. It’s like we had to keep moving forward, even if we didn’t know how.”

Steven’s tone softened as he continued, “Ethan was born as we were still grieving. But when we held him for the first time… it was like a spark of hope in all that darkness. We thought of you constantly, wondering what you would’ve said if you were there. If you would’ve teased us about becoming parents again.”

Steven suddenly gasped, as if a new thought struck him, and the serious tone in the room took a lighter turn. 

“Oh, wait! I almost forgot to tell you - Antonio! You liked the guy, right? The poor guy took the news of losing you hard. He was like a ghost for months after you disappeared. You know how he used to be, always with that grin on his face? Well, after you went missing, it was like that light went out in him. With each passing day, he looked more and more defeated. He even stopped coming around as much.”

Steven leaned in, his voice softening with concern. 

“I don’t think he ever really got over it. He stopped smiling altogether and barely talked to anyone. It was like a part of him just disappeared. I think seeing you again would lift his spirits, Suzu. You should stop by his place and surprise him. I bet he’d be over the moon to know you’re alright. It would do him a world of good to see you walk through his door, alive and well. You might just bring that smile back to his face.”

Suzuka smirked, leaning back in her chair with a hint of playful sarcasm in her tone. 

“Oh, I already ran into the guy. Trust me, Dad, he knows I’m back and kicking, alright. But yeah, I’ll drop by his place tomorrow, bright and early. I’m sure he’ll love the surprise wake-up call,” she chuckled.

Steven nodded with a relieved smile, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. 

“I’m really glad to hear that, Suzu. That boy’s been through the wringer since you disappeared. I hope seeing you will bring him some peace. It was hard watching him waste away like that. He was such a promising young man, but after we lost you, it was like a light went out in him.”

He sighed, his eyes softening as he continued, “I’m just glad he knows you’re safe now. Maybe it’ll give him the push he needs to get back on his feet.” 

Stretching her arms with a yawn, Suzuka added, “But seriously, it’s getting late to go anywhere now. We should be winding down for bed or something. Catch up more in the morning when everyone’s fresh.” She gave a relaxed look as she glanced at the cozy room, already feeling a sense of comfort from being back home.

Megan agreed with Suzuka’s suggestion, her motherly tone warm and caring. 

"Dear, you’re right, it’s getting late. We should all get some rest. It’s been such a long day, and I can’t imagine how exhausted you must be after everything. But how about your friend, Olivia? Is she staying the night with us, too?” She glanced over at Olivia, a welcoming smile on her face, eager to include her in the family’s warmth.

“I mean, it’d be lovely to have her here. We can set up a cozy spot for her, and she can join us for breakfast in the morning. It’ll be nice to catch up and hear more about your adventures together!”

Suzuka smiled warmly at her mother’s offer. 

“Yeah, that sounds great, Mom. Olivia’s been with me through a lot, and I’m sure she could use a comfortable place to crash. It’ll be nice to have a little family breakfast in the morning.”

Olivia, who had been quietly observing the familial exchange, gave a soft chuckle and nodded in agreement. 

“I’d be honored to stay, Mrs. Garner. It’s been a long journey, and I’ve heard so much about your cooking already - how could I pass up breakfast?” she teased lightly, her usual cool demeanor softened by the welcoming atmosphere.

With a playful smirk, she added, “Plus, I wouldn’t mind getting a taste of that legendary home life Suzuka’s been talking about. I’m sure it’ll live up to the hype.”

Suzuka laughed and nudged her friend lightly.

 “Oh, it definitely will. Mom’s got some serious skills in the kitchen.” 

She turned back to Megan, “Thanks for having us both.”

As the door to Suzuka’s room clicked shut behind them, the soft glow of the moonlight seeped through the curtains, casting a calming atmosphere. The room was simple, with a few personal items still scattered around from before Suzuka disappeared. Olivia stretched casually, her arms reaching above her head, and let out a long, relaxed sigh.

"You know, Suzu. I never thought I'd see the day when the great warrior princess slept in a room with pink curtains and stuffed animals. Well, not that your room in Mystic Oasis Inn looks any different now that I think about it. Do you have some toys hidden under your bed here as well?"

Suzuka rolled her eyes, her face flushing slightly as she glanced around the room. 

“Oh, come on, don’t start with my toys under the bed. There are none here. And I was, like, ten when I decorated this place, I liked pink back then, okay?”

Olivia stepped further inside, laughing as she picked up a plush bunny from Suzuka’s bed.

 “Sure, sure, ‘back then,’” she said, exaggerating her air quotes. She held the bunny close to her chest, pretending to speak in a soft, cutesy voice. 

“Tell me, Princess Suzu, do you still cuddle with Mr. Fluffy when you’re scared?”

Suzuka threw a pillow at her with a grin, shaking her head.

“Oh, shut up, Olivia. You’re just jealous you don't have Mr. Fluffy to cuddle with.” She flopped down on the bed, resting her hands behind her head.

Olivia tossed the bunny back onto the bed and slowly approached Suzuka, her smirk growing.

 “Oh, I don’t need Mr. Fluffy to cuddle with. I think I’m pretty happy with you in my life. I’ve got you all to myself, and now... I get to tease you, fearless leader, all night long.” Her voice dipped playfully as she stood over Suzuka, her eyes twinkling with naughtiness.

“Is that so? I’d like to see you try. Just so you know, no funny business while we are at my parents' home. I don't want them to walk in on us while we having fun. That would be embarrassing.”

Without missing a beat, Olivia leaned down and gently flicked Suzuka's forehead. 

"Oh, I don't know about that. Sounds tempting, exciting even. I don't know If I will be able to resist the temptation not to touch you," she teased, laughing softly as Suzuka swatted at her hand.

They continued like that, bantering back and forth, the atmosphere light and playful until they both finally decided to call it a night. 

In the morning, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, drawing everyone to the kitchen. Megan was already bustling about, setting out plates of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon, while Steven poured coffee into mugs at the counter. The table was set, and the warm sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the room in a golden glow.

Suzuka and Olivia emerged from the hallway, still playfully bickering, with Suzuka rubbing her forehead and shooting Olivia a mock glare.

“Morning, everyone!” Suzuka greeted, flopping down into her chair with a smile.

 “What’s on the menu, Mom? It smells amazing.”

Megan smiled warmly as she set a plate in front of Suzuka. 

“Just a little something special for my girl. You too, Olivia,” she added, placing a plate in front of Olivia with a wink. 

“I hope you’re hungry.”

Olivia’s eyes sparkled as she took in the spread. 

“Oh, I could get used to this,” she said with a warm smile. 

“You’re spoiling me already, Mrs. Garner.”

Steven chuckled from across the table. 

“Enjoy it while you can. My wife’s cooking is what kept me around all these years,” he joked, earning a playful nudge from Megan.

"Is that so? Here I thought of my good looks," Megan playfully teased.

As everyone settled in, the atmosphere was one of warmth and joy. They dug into the breakfast, talking about plans for the day, with Olivia occasionally throwing a teasing comment Suzuka’s way, keeping the mood light and carefree.

But as the plates began to empty, the mood around the table gradually shifted. The conversation turned to more serious matters. Steven, who had been mostly smiling and quietly enjoying the morning, leaned forward, his eyes settling on his daughter.

"Suzuka," he began, his voice careful but firm, "I was thinking a lot last night, after everything you told us. I’m proud of you, we both are," he added with a glance toward Megan, who nodded in agreement. 

"But there's something that's been weighing on me, especially since you mentioned being a 5-star MBPU."

"You see," Steven continued, his eyes locking onto Suzuka’s, "well, you probably know this already but I will say it anyway. Greedy people - powerful people - will always try to take advantage of someone like you. People with power like yours... well, they're always targets. It could be harassment, threats, blackmail... even kidnapping. It’s happened before. Hell, it's common knowledge in this world."

The room fell quiet, Megan’s face tightening with concern as Steven spoke. Even Olivia, usually quick with a joke or a teasing comment, listened with a more serious expression.

Steven’s eyes softened as he looked at his daughter.

 "I know you’re strong, Suzu. Stronger than any of us ever imagined. But that power comes with danger. Not just to you - but to the people around you. To us, to anyone close to you. People like us, commoners, have no hope if it comes to that. Let it be MIS or the ruler of the town himself. If someone with power decides to make a move against you, we’re defenseless. And that's what worries me the most."

He hesitated, the room thick with the unspoken weight of his fears.

 "That's why... I think it would be best if everyone still thinks you’re dead. I know it’s harsh. But if no one knows you’re true identity, there’s nothing left for them to threaten you with. You could protect those you love better if they think you’re gone."