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 strang 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." 17:11 6 Ethan and Mason visibly relaxed. "Well, you're both in L.A. 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. "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!" 19 Turning back, they made sure I wasn't angry and I saw the relief on their faces. Ethan stepped closer, taking my hand. Don't bother packing. It's too much. I'll send the family driver; we'll move your things to the new place together." Mason nodded in agreement. For a moment, I saw a flicker of the old Ethan and Mason, the ones whose world revolved around me. We were young once, carefree and happy. Now, youthful promises were just empty words. My gaze drifted to Qiana. I shook my head."No, thank you. I need to pack myself." Ignoring their expressions, I turned and left. Back home, I packed, showered, and just as I was settling into bed, Qiana called. Her voice was smug. "Lanie, I went to Ethan and Mason's family homes tonight. Their parents were so nice to me." They even gave me family heirlooms. Don't you think they..." I interrupted her calmly. I'm not interested in your life. Don't tell me this. It's none I hung up. of my business." The day before my departure, I met my best friend, Tiffany, for dinner. I didn't have many friends in LA. Ethan and Mason had strictly controlled my social life from childhood, forbidding boyfriends, intercepting love letters, even interfering in my friendships with girls. They'd whined then, "Lanie, isn't it enough that you have us as your friends? You're so amazing, other girls might like you, too." Their possessiveness was suffocating; they wanted me to only see them. And now, they were the ones pushing me away. Tiffany was already waiting at a new restaurant. Seeing me, she rushed into a hug. The thought of my leaving brought a fresh wave of sadness. Lanie, I can't believe you're leaving for Miami to get married. I'm going to miss you.""I thought you'd end up marrying Ethan or Mason and staying in LA. Then we could hang out all the time." I smiled faintly."They had other choices. So did I." Tiffany's face fell. Remembering Qiana, her expression soured. You were so nice to that Qiana girl, and yet..." I interrupted, laughing. "Forget about her. Once I'm married, I won't have to deal with her anymore. Whatever she does won't affect me." 17.11