After hanging up the phone, Van's other hand finally settled fully on Winnie's body. He pulled her tightly into his embrace, and she felt herself surrounded by the warmth of his presence, her whole being consumed by it.

The staff members remained quietly waiting by the side of the hallway. When Van stepped out first, Winnie followed right behind him, her earrings gently swaying, catching and reflecting faint flashes of light.

"Winnie, your earring..." One of the staff members ...