Then, a sharp ringtone shattered the moment.

Sanford froze, frustration etched on his face.

His pleasure plans had been thwarted once more. Why couldn't he just have some fun?

"Your phone's buzzing," Maggie gently reminded him, her eyes flickering open at the disturbance.

"Let it ring. We're not done," he insisted.

Ignoring the call, he resumed kissing her.

But the persistent ringing refused to stop.

Maggie broke the kiss. "Check who it is. It might be important."

Sanford's expression darkened as he reached for his jacket and the phone.

Seeing the caller ID, his brow furrowed.

It was his father calling.

“Dad, what's going on?"

"Sanford, come home quick. Your mom's heart condition has flared up again."

His father's worry cut through the line. His face grave, Sanford nodded. “I'm on my way."

Straightening his shirt, he prepared to leave for Wragos.

Maggie, wrapped in his jacket, asked, “Is everything okay?"

“Mom's health's acting up. I have to head back," Sanford said.

Maggie felt like she'd been hit with ice water. All the romance vanished.

The joy of their reunion faded as reality called.

Thinking of what Janiya had done, Maggie's fists clenched.