**Chapter 3: Secrets and Revelations**

Mila's words hung in the air, and Joel's mind began to racing with possibilities. What could she possibly have to tell him that would change things between them? He looked at her, trying to read her expression, but she seemed hesitant and unsure. "What's going on, Mila?" Joel asked, his voice low and gentle. "You can tell me anything." Mila took a deep breath and glanced at Sarah, who was busy playing with her toys in the backseat of the car. "It's just...I'm not who you think I am," she said, her voice still barely above a whisper. Joel's eyes narrowed, confusion etched on his face. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Mila hesitated again, collecting her thoughts before speaking. "My name is not really Mila," she said, her eyes darting to Joel's face. "At least, not entirely. My full name is Ammila, and I...I have a bit of a complicated past." Joel's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a sense of unease wash over him. What kind of complicated past could Mila, or Ammila, possibly have? He leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "What kind of complicated past?" he asked, his voice gentle. Ammila took another deep breath before speaking. "I'm running from someone," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Someone who...who wants to hurt me. And possibly Sarah." Joel's heart skipped a beat as he processed Ammila's words. Who was she running from? And why would they want to hurt Sarah? He felt a surge of protectiveness towards his daughter and Ammila, and he knew he had to keep them safe. "Tell me more," he said, his voice firm. "What happened?" Ammila's eyes welled up with tears, and she looked away, trying to compose herself. "I...I used to work for a company that did some shady dealings," she said, her voice cracking. "I discovered some things that I shouldn't have, and...and they want to silence me." Joel's mind was racing with questions and concerns, but he knew he had to keep Ammila and Sarah safe. He reached out and took Ammila's hand, his touch reassuring. "You're safe now," he said, his voice firm. "I'll do everything I can to protect you and Sarah. But you have to tell me more. Who are you running from? And what do they want?" Ammila looked at him, her eyes searching, and for a moment, Joel thought he saw a glimmer of trust there. Then, she nodded, and began to tell him her story.