Chapter 4
As Lucille looked at the two anxious men in front of her, she remained calm and said, “It’s just some photos. We can always t another. &
take
“Well, since it was burned so cleanly, I guess we’ll have to take new ones later. Besides, we haven’t been on a vacation in ages,” Ayrton
conceded –
Walter quickly chimed in, “And this time, we can bring Claire. She’s always said she’s never been on a trip before.”
Hearing Walter’s suggestion, Lucille chuckled to herself, a hint of irony in her smile.
Ayrton and Walter mistook her reaction for agreement, feeling a wave of relief wash over them.
Just as they were about to head inside, they noticed a few boxes in the living room that hadn’t been there when they left that moming. “What’s all this?” they both asked in unison.
Lucille glanced over and replied, “Oh, I quit my job. I’m planning on finding something else.
Wasn’t she quite fond of that job?
The same puzzled thought crossed both of their minds.
Something about Lucille seemed different today, and both Ayrton and Walter felt an uneasy flutter in their chests.
Walter parted his lips, about to ask more, when an unexpected ring shattered the silence.!!
Ayrton answered the phone, and Claire’s anxious voice spilled out on the other end. “Ayrton, my power just went out, and I’m really scared… What should I do?”
Walter’s expression shifted immediately, and he quickly interjected before Ayrton could respond. “Claire, don’t worry, I’ll be right over Ayrton’s brows knitted together, his typically composed demeanor now tinged with concern.
Worry for Claire took precedence, and both Ayrton and Walter grabbed their car keys and rushed out the door
Lucille remained serene throughout. After they left, she called her aunt.
As a child, she had stayed with her aunt, who treated her like her own daughter. Now that she was leaving, it was only right to say a proper goodbye…
Hearing that Lucille was returning to get married, Fiona’s voice was filled with both surprise and a touch of sadness. “Lucille, do Ayrton and Walter know about your decision?“?!
Lucille paused for a moment before saying. “They don’t know. Please keep it a secret for me, I don’t want any complications.” There was a brief silence on the other end.!!
Then Fiona sighed deeply, “Oh, Lucille, you’ve always been their treasure. Anyone could see that those two have feelings for you. You were always together, and I thought you might end up marrying one of them. It’s a pity…”
Lucille smiled gently and said, “There’s nothing to regret. We’re just not meant to be.”
Fiona didn’t press further, only adding, “Lucille, I always knew you’d return home someday. I just didn’t expect it so soon. I’ve watched you. grow up, and before you leave, come see me. Once you’re back in Axelvale City, who knows when we’ll meet again…”
Lucille’s voice softened with a playful tone, “Of course. I have some gifts for you too. I’ll miss you, Auntie.”
After a bit more affectionate chatter, they ended the call 8
No sooner had Lucille hung up than another call came through. It
It was from
from her company director.
“Lucille, your design recently won an award for the company, and the trophy just arrived. Since you left before receiving it, I’ve arranged for your intern to drop it off at your place.”
Just as the words left the director’s mouth, the doorbell rang.
Lucille ended the call and opened the door to find Claire standing there, holding the trophy.
