18 I glanced at Alec to tell him to wait, then took my sister by the hand and led her into the bedroom alone. "What's the matter, Soleil?" she asked. I squeezed her hand tightly, guilt rising in my chest. "Marley, tell me the truth-do you like Alec?" Her cheeks flushed instantly. She looked down, embarrassed. "Hey, don't say that. How could like Alec? He's yours, after all." The look on her face betrayed her words; the fondness was practically written all over her though her mouth wouldn't admit it. I sighed and fixed her with a steady gaze. "Marley, you don't have to hold back for my sake. If you truly like him, I'll support you." Her eyes widened in surprise. "Soleil, what are you saying? I would never take someone you like Besides, Alec likes you-not me." I let out a long breath, emotions twisting inside me. "Marley, haven't you noticed? Alec cares fo me as a friend and partner, yes, but there's no romance there. And I'm divorced now. I'm broke in other people's eyes. How could I be worthy of him?" When it came to feelings, I owed Alec something and didn't want to steal away the man my sister might care for. When it came to reason, they were a perfect match; he and she suited each other more thar either of us. Marley grew anxious. "Soleil! Don't talk about yourself like that. You're the best person I know And it's not your fault you're divorced. It's just that that jerk didn't know how to cherish you. Ale wouldn't care about that. If he knew you were thinking like this, he'd be upset!" Watching her worry, I felt more certain about my decision. "Marley, I mean it. Alec is a good man You deserve his love. As for me, after everything I've been through, I just want a quiet life." She was silent for a moment, then looked at me with resolve. "I understand how you feel, Soleil But I won't give up my own feelings. If Alec really likes me, I'll be brave and pursue him. If he only has eyes for you, I'll quietly wish you both happiness." Her words moved me; I felt both touched and relieved. "Ah, Marley, you've grown up. You have your own thoughts and desires. I support you. Just be happy." We exchanged a smile, and the knot of misunderstanding and worry between us dissolved. patted her shoulder. "Alright. Let's go. Don't keep Alec waiting." She nodded and followed me out of the bedroom. Alec was waiting in the living room, his face full of gentleness and expectation. "Have you two finished talking? Shall we go?" he asked with a smile. I looked at him, a complicated tide of feeling rising in my chest. "Alec, there's something I want to tell you." I drew a deep breath, pressed my lips together, and forced the words out. "Alec, I know you've always taken care of me and worried about me. But I don't want to be a burden anymore." He froze; surprise and a touch of disappointment flashed across his face. "Soleil... what are you saying? You're leaving me?" His voice went low. There was the same loneliness on his face I'd seen the day I told him we were getting married-a familiar ache, even when he tried to hide it. Seeing that only made me feel worse. "Alec, don't misunderstand. I'm not leaving you. I just don't want to rely on you any longer. I wan to prove to myself that I can live well on my own." He fell silent, heavy with thought. After ten years apart, we had imagined our reunion would mean forever; instead, it felt fleeting. He studied my determined expression, then, at last, he nodded. 'I respect your decision, Soleil," he said. "But remember this-no matter when, I will be here waiting for you."