10
Ethan and Mason settled at the table next to ours, showering Qiana with attention.
Both men vied for the chance to serve her, their eyes full of adoration.
Tiffany was furious, stabbing her steak with such force it almost tore through the meat, but I remained calm, and she held her tongue.
Soon, we finished dinner and left.
After a final goodbye to Tiffany, I returned home.
That night, Ethan and Mason didn’t come back.
I didn’t care.
1 focused on packing.
In the morning, I heard footsteps.
Ethan and Mason were home. It was moving day.
they
didn’t know that their new life, their new home, wouldn’t include me.
The noise outside intensified as they started moving things.
then my moth
Ignoring it, I finished checking my luggage, when my mother called.
Her voice was gentle.
“Lanie, what time is your flight? We’ll pick you up.”
I checked my ticket.“Around seven.”
The door opened.
Ethan and Mason stood there.
Mason casually asked, “Who were you talking to?”
“Nobody.”
I hung up, my voice cold.
The chill in my tone startled them.
”
Since Qiana’s arrival, I’d been distant…
Menu
Ethan hadn’t thought an explanation was necessary, but my recent behavior kept replaying in his mind, unsettling him.
He spoke impulsively, “Lanie, Qiana is different. She had a hard childhood, a difficult life. That’s why I’ve been helping her. There’s nothing more to it.”
Mason chimed in. “Yeah, we just feel sorry for her. Besides, didn’t you introduce her to us? Why are you jealous?”
I remained calm.“Why are you telling me this?”
They said in unison, “Because we care about you!”
We’d grown up together, sharing an unspoken understanding.
A single word, a simple gesture, and they’d know what I needed.
They knew I cared.
But now, they couldn’t read me anymore.
My gaze was cold, detached, as if looking at strangers.
‘I don’t care. Didn’t you say you just considered me a friend? She’s your friend too. So why should I care?”
They were speechless.
After a long silence, Ethan finally said, “Lanie, you know I don’t want to just be friends.”
Mason couldn’t hide his emotion.
“Lanie, you know how I feel about you. Do you really think we’re just friends?”
50%
< 10
Mera
I knew what they were saying.
They both liked me, wanted to be with me.
But if their way of showing affection involved hurting me for Qiana, I couldn’t take it.
I nodded. “Yes, well have a different kind of relationship.”
Soon, we wouldn’t even be friends.
Just strangers.
Ethan’s heart skipped a beat.
Unease washed over him.
He was about to speak when the driver arrived to collect my luggage.
I stopped the driver.
“You go ahead. I’ll take my bags myself.”
Mason was annoyed.“So much luggage! How would you take? Don’t be difficult. It’s my fault. I apologize.”
Mason
I refused.
“I really don’t need help. Help Qiana. She lives alone, she’s hurt, she can’t move easily. A fragile girl can’t lift heavy things, she needs your help more.”
Ethan noticed the sarcasm, his brow furrowing.
At that moment, Qiana called.
“Ethan, Lanie, can you come help me? I’m so clumsy; I can’t do anything.”
Her vulnerable voice reached everyone clearly.
They exchanged a look, seeing my firm refusal, and decided to leave.
Ethan hung up, looking at me.“Qiana needs help. I’ll go.”
Mason grabbed his keys.“Me too.”
Before leaving, Ethan hesitated.
“Lanie, I know you won’t listen now. I made a reservation. After we move into the new house, let’s all have dinner. I’ll explain everything about Qiana later.”
He rushed out the door before I gave a answer.
I smirked, looking at their back.
Explain later?
There was no later for us.
And Ethan and Mason’s actions had already said more than any explanation could.
My phone buzzed.
A message from Qiana, dripping with malice.
“Sorry, Lanie. I guess I managed to get Ethan and Mason to leave you again. We’ll all be living together now. Take care!”
I smiled, typing a reply.
“It’s important that you three have a great life. I’m out.”
I blocked Qiana when I sent the message.
Then Ethan.
Then Mason.
My contacts were empty.
They were gone from my life.
Finally, I picked up my suitcase, walked out of that house filled with memories, and never looked back.
