She picked up her phone, her thumb hovering over his name. But instead of calling him back, she scrolled aimlessly through her contacts.
One of her friends had just ended a relationship and had even asked her to introduce her to someone new just a few days ago.
The day Michael and Lacey were discharged from the hospital, their family and friends gathered to celebrate. There was no hesitation, no seeking approvalâthey were each otherâs choice for life.
Though the whirlwind of the wedding and the subsequent trip had been tiring, Lacey drank in the scenery at every turn, each moment a delicate imprint she wanted to leave on Michael in her final days.
As they left Illerith behind, Joelle felt like the city itself had shifted into autumn, its warmth slowly ebbing. The bond between the Miller and Finch families deepened as their children grew closer.
Joelle often heard gossip from elite circles through Gracie.
âJoelle, did you hear? Liza lost her baby.â
Few knew how Liza got pregnant.
The Romero family had chosen not to share it widely since the babyâs parents were considered siblings.
Rumors about the babyâs father circulated widely. Joelle had not anticipated that, amidst these rumors, Liza would endure a miscarriage.
âJoelle?â
Gracieâs gentle nudge snapped Joelle out of her thoughts.
She resumed tuning her violin.
âWhat happened next?â
Gracieâs voice was low as she said, âI heard she almost lost her life. Belle wept for a long time. It was not easy for her to conceive, and it might be challenging for her to do so again.â
Joelle listened but didnât comment on it.
Gracie suggested, âShould we go see her, since we used to hang out together?â
She didnât know about the tension between Joelle and the Romero family. Her suggestion came purely from her compassion for Liza.
Joelle was sure neither Liza nor Belle would be eager to see her.
âIâll just skip it.â
Visiting Liza hadnât been on Joelleâs agenda, nor did she anticipate a visit from Liza herself.
Days later, Joelle and Adrian were picking up Aurora from kindergarten.
There stood Liza, a mere ghost of what she once was, standing quietly apart. Amid the hustle, her weak and pale appearance was striking.
Quickly, Joelle shielded Auroraâs eyes and hurried her into the car.
Liza moved towards them slowly, her presence ominous. Adrianâs eyes swept over her, vigilant for any sign of danger.
However, she carried nothing, her attire light and devoid of pockets, as though she might be swept away by the next breeze.
âYou look so content.â
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