8
Finally, the house was sold.
A wave of relief washed over me.
The pressure had lifted.
While signing the paperwork, I noticed the closing date was the same day I was leaving for Miami.
Perfect.
No need for explanations to Ethan and Mason.
Signing my name felt liberating.
It was almost over.
Only one thing left.
I went shopping, carefully selecting a massage gun and a pair of jade bracelets.
Then I went to my aunt’s house.
She enveloped me in a hug the moment I walked in.
“Lanie, sweetheart, I’m going to miss you so much. You’ve lived here for so many years, and you’re like a daughter to me. This is going to feel so strange without you.”
Wiping away tears, she held my hand tightly.
A lump formed in my throat. I forced a smile.
“Aunt, I’m going to miss you too. But we’re family. Flights and trains are easy; we can see each other at Christmas.”
She understood.
She managed a smile, pulling me onto the sofa.
“Sit tight, honey. I took a few days off knowing you were leaving. You’re staying with me for a few days, and I’m making all your favorite dishes!”
She didn’t give me a chance to refuse, heading to the kitchen to prepare a feast.
Watching her busy herself, I couldn’t help but smile,
I couldn’t say no to her, so I agreed to stay a few more days.
When the time came to leave, I said goodbye reluctantly.
“Aunt, I really have to go. I’m flying back to Miami for the wedding in three days.”
Fighting back tears, she nodded, pressing a substantial amount of cash into my hand.
“I have three surgeries that day; I can’t come. This is a small gift. Lanie, be happy.”
My eyes welled up.
I accepted the money respectfully.
“I will, Aunt. Grandpa chose him; you should have no worries.”
The elevator doors opened, revealing Ethan and Mason flanking Qiana.
They saw me tearfully bidding my aunt farewell, their hearts sinking.
“Lanie, Aunt… what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”
I wiped my eyes, remaining calm.
“Nothing. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Aunt. I’ll miss her when I’m gone.”
Ethan and Mason visibly relaxed.
“Well, you’re both in LA. You can see her anytime you want, Ethan said.
My aunt knew they were still in the dark.
She looked like she was about to spill the beans, but I quickly changed the subject, turning to Qiana.
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“What are you guys doing here?”
Ethan and Mason, clearly flustered, started to explain.
“It’s Mid–Autumn Festival. Qiana was alone, so we brought her here to celebrate with us.”
Yeah, don’t get the wrong idea. We called you, but you didn’t answer,” Mason added.
Their panic was understandable.
Every Mid–Autumn Festival, they’d fought over who got to take *me* home.
The boy who took you home for this family–centric holiday implied they’d chosen their wife.
I’d always ended up going to Ethan’s family’s home, and then to Mason’s.
This year, they’d brought Qiana.
The meaning was clear.
I didn’t call them out on it.
“Okay, that’s nice. Enjoy yourselves. I’m going to finish packing.”
I started to leave.
Ethan and Mason called out to me.
“Lanie!”
“Lanie!”
