4
Looking at the two anxious men, I said, “They’re just photos. We can take more.”
My voice was steady, my gaze unwavering.
“Since they’re completely gone, we’ll just have to take some new ones. It’s been a while since we’ve gone on a trip anyway.”
Ethan’s brow relaxed slightly.
Mason seized the opportunity.”We could bring Qiana along. She’s always said she’s never been on a real vacation.”
I simply hummed in acknowledgement, turning away.
They took my response as agreement, visibly relieved.
They were about to go inside when they spotted several suitcases in the living room-they hadn’t been there that morning.
“What’s this?” they asked simultaneously.
I shrugged.”Oh, I quit my job. I’m looking for something new.”
But you loved your job, the unspoken question hung in the air.
My behavior was so unlike me, a subtle unease settled over Ethan and Mason.
Mason opened his mouth to ask more, but a ringing phone interrupted.
Ethan answered. Qiana’s voice, panicked and distressed, filled the room.
“Ethan, the power went out! I fell and twisted my ankle… What should I do?”
Mason’s face paled.
He cut Ethan off.
“Qiana, don’t be afraid. I’ll be right there.”
Ethan, his usually calm expression creased with worry, was clearly more concerned about Qiana.
Together, they grabbed their car keys and rushed out.
I remained calm.
After they left, I called my aunt.
I’d lived with her since childhood; she was more like a mother to me.
Now that I was leaving, I wanted to say goodbye properly.
When I told her about the marriage, her voice was filled with reluctance, but more with surprise.
“Lanie, do Ethan and Mason know about this?”
I paused.”No, Aunt. Please keep it a secret. I don’t want any more drama.”
Silence over the phone.
Then, a sigh.”Well, you’ve always been their precious little girl. Anyone could see how much those boys adore you. You three were inseparable. I thought you’d end up marrying one of them. Such a shame…”
I smiled, saying calmly.”It’s not a shame. We weren’t right for each other.”
My aunt didn’t press further.
“Lanie, I knew you’d eventually go home. Just not this soon. I’ve watched you grow up. Come see me before you go. If you move back to Miami, we don’t know when we’ll see each other again…”
“I will. I have some gifts for you, Aunt. I’ll miss you too,” I said, a touch of playful whining in my voice.
After a few more words, she hung up.
Before I could even put my phone down, another call came in.
My department head.
Menu
“Lanie, your design work won an award for the company. The trophy just arrived. Since you’ve left, I sent your intern to deliver it to your place.” The doorbell rang.
I hung up and opened the door to find Qiana holding the trophy.
