HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 811

As the oldest in that small group, Naomi worked up the courage to move first. Even though her heart was still pounding from the gunshot they had just heard, she forced herself to stay calm. At least, as calm as she could manage.

"Naomi..." Grace's voice came softly from behind her. The little girl was now clutching Josh's arm tightly.

Naomi glanced back. "It's okay." She wasn't sure whether those words were meant for Grace or for herself.

Josh looked like he wanted to say something. From the expression on his face, it was obvious that he wanted to take over and walk ahead instead. But before the young man could step forward, Naomi shook her head first.

"You should make sure Grace and Eli stay behind me."

Josh looked unconvinced. "But—"

"Josh." Naomi's tone wasn't harsh, but it was firm enough to make him stop speaking.

A few seconds later, the young man let out a quiet breath and nodded. "Alright."

Naomi turned her gaze forward again and began walking slowly. Every step felt much heavier than before. The trail that had seemed pleasant earlier now looked different. The pine trees that had previously appeared beautiful were casting long shadows that made the surroundings feel even more silent.

No one spoke. The only sounds were their footsteps and the rustling of leaves whenever the wind stirred them. Naomi tried to ignore the trembling in her legs, but it wasn't easy. The closer they got to the campsite, the more terrible possibilities began to fill her mind.

What if someone had attacked the Miller family? What if that gunshot had really been aimed at someone? What if...

Naomi immediately cut off her own thoughts. No. Don't think too far ahead, Naomi. There's no proof of anything yet, she told herself. But for some reason, that uneasy feeling refused to go away.

Behind her, Eli walked in silence. The girl was trying to appear calm as usual. Even so, Naomi had noticed that her fingers were gripping the edge of her jacket a little tighter than normal.

Eli was afraid too. Maybe all of them were afraid. It was just that no one wanted to be the first to say it.

Naomi didn't answer right away. Her gaze remained fixed ahead—toward the campsite, which was now only a few dozen meters away from them. That uneasy feeling was still there, making her heart beat faster.

But a few seconds later, her brow gradually furrowed. Because what she saw was nothing like the many terrible possibilities that had been filling her mind. There were no strangers, no commotion, or... signs that everyone had been held captive in one place. On the contrary, the campsite looked... normal.

In fact, it looked far too normal because near the barbecue area, Cale and Chris had just emerged from the forest. They were carrying their catch, covered in blood, large, and seemingly difficult to carry. Yet the satisfaction on their faces was unmistakable.

Chris was even laughing loudly enough for his voice to reach where Naomi was standing.

Not far away, Lydia was walking toward them. A broad smile was clearly visible on her face as she looked at what her husband was carrying. As though the gunshot that had nearly sent them into a panic earlier was nothing worth worrying about.

Naomi blinked, then blinked again. It took several seconds for her to truly understand what was happening. And when she finally did, an overwhelming sense of relief immediately flooded her chest.