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Leaning against the wall, I clutched the medicine bottle, my hand covering my mouth and nose, trying to avoid any trace of seafood scent.
Before I could catch my breath, Ethan’s accusation exploded.
“Do you hate Qiana that much? She made breakfast for us, and you ruin it like this?”
Mason followed, his voice laced with anger.
“Lanie, you’re unbelievable! What’s gotten into you?”
A surge of bitter resentment flooded me.
Trembling, tears welling, I opened my mouth to explain, to express my frustration and anger.
But all that came out was a choked sob.
I’ve changed? I have changed? Or have your hearts changed?”
I choked out, my voice thick with emotion.
I’m allergic to seafood! Have you both forgotten?”
“When I had reactions before, how did you both treat me? And now… this?”
My voice was raspy and weak, yet each word was a sharp blade, piercing Ethan and Mason’s hearts.
They used to be so protective.
Every time I had an asthma attack, they’d be frantic, skipping school, rushing to my side, red–eyed and anxious, tending to me.
No one could get them to leave.
orgotten
And now… they’d forgotten something this crucial.
Ethan’s face paled.
After a moment, he murmured, “Sorry.”
His voice was low and heavy.
Mason’s brows furrowed, images of my past allergic reactions flashing through his mind. They’d been there countless times, witnessing my suffering and
helplessness.
He stepped forward. “Are you… are you okay now? I’m sorry. That porridge… Qiana said she picked out fresh seafood… it was her way of showing her
kindness, so I was just…”
I remained silent.
Once my color returned after taking the medicine, Ethan and Mason quickly removed the offending bowl.
For the next few days, they were like ghosts, their rooms dark and silent.
I didn’t care.
I was busy packing my bags.
Once most of my belongings were packed, I really looked around the house, a place once filled with laughter.
I’d bought it, and Ethan and Mason had bought the houses on either side, connecting them to create a large home, so we could live closer together.
Now, only a third of it felt like mine.
Selling it would be complicated.
But I was determined to leave the past behind.
Ethan and Mason finally returned, just as a realtor arrived to discuss the sale of the house.
Seeing a stranger in their home, Ethan’s face darkened. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”
The realtor, visibly intimidated, stammered, “Gentlemen, I’m a realtor. The homeowner wants to sell the property.”
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Sell the house?
Ethan and Mason exchanged shocked, bewildered glances.
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They were about to order the realtor out when I came down the stairs.
I’m selling the house. I was about to discuss it with you both,” I said calmly.
Ethan and Mason’s hearts sank.
They asked in unison, Why? Everything’s fine here, isn’t it?”
Mason, remembering the incident with the porridge, felt a sense of foreboding.
“Are you still upset about the porridge? We didn’t mean to forget about your allergy. Do you really have to do this?”
I shook my head, my voice flat. “It’s not about the porridge…”
It’s about you two.”
I don’t want anything more to do with you.
I didn’t say that, though.
“You know I quit my job. I need a fresh start, and this house isn’t convenient anymore. Besides, we’ve lived together for years. We don’t need to be constantly together.”
Ethan’s face hardened. “If it’s work, we can drive you. We’ve lived together for years; we’re used to each other. Why separate?”
In added.
“Yeah, with me and Ethan here, what do you have to worry about? I don’t agree with this,” Mason added.
Their insistence tested my patience.
I laid down my trump card.
“Fine. Let’s sell this house and buy a bigger one. You can move Qiana in then.”
At the mention of Qiana, their eyes lit up, but a flicker of hesitation crossed their faces. Mason, unable to resist, spoke first. “If that’s the case, maybe.”
Ethan, however, remained thoughtful, his gaze complex.
“You’re willing to… to have Qiana live with us?”
He sensed something wasn’t right.
I chuckled, a hint of mockery in my voice.“Of course. We’re all friends, right?”
I made a decisive decision.“Let’s do it. Sell this house and buy a new one.”
Ethan and Mason offered no further objections.
