I mulled over Danielleâs excessive closeness to Harlan, which was atypical for siblings, and Harlanâs obliviousness in matters of the heart.
The more I pondered, the more annoyed I felt.
It seemed Harlan was the only one who couldnât discern Danielleâs true feelings towards him.
This was precisely why I felt at a loss with Harlan.
If Harlan and I continued together under these
circumstances, Danielleâs affection for him would surely breed anger and jealousy.
She would likely resort to malevolent acts to sabotage our relationship.
As time passed, no matter how close we were, fractures in our bond seemed inevitable.
Moreover, I didnât want a third party involved in our relationship.
Danielleâs presence consistently made me uneasy.
However, I couldnât be completely open with Harlan about these feelings because I didnât want to put him in a tough spot.
After all, it wouldnât be right to push poor Danielle away just for the sake of our love, would it?
Danielle was Harlanâs colleagueâs sibling who had already endured much.
If I pushed Danielle away, Iâd feel guilty, and I knew Harlan wouldnât consent.
What was I to do?
Worry washed over me, prompting a sigh.
Danielle felt like a persistent blemish on the relationship between Harlan and me.
Touching upon it only made it itch, a discomfort that seemed everlasting.
But was I truly ready to relinquish Harlan over this?
My steps grew increasingly heavy.
This moment felt like a pivotal juncture in my life.
I faced a choice: abandon the man I cared for or continue with him through strife.
Delaying a decision wasnât the solution.
Lost in my thoughts and speculations, I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder.
âWhoâs there?â
Out of habit from my police days, I was instantly on alert.
My hand instinctively went up, ready to execute a suplex on the person behind me.
But then, a familiar voice halted me.
âItâs me, Zoe.
â
The voice was calm and assertive, tinged with a hint of excitement.
It was Harlan.
My hand stopped mid-air.
My emotions were complex.
Often, when I considered ending the relationship, a persistent voice haunted my thoughts and dreams.