Forsaking the Years of Longing
Chapter 3

Chapter

3

Looking at the two anxious men in front of her, Charlotte said calmly, "They're just photos. We can always take new ones."

"If they're gone now, we'll just make more memories," Jaziel replied, trying to replace a compromise. Nolan quickly added, "And this time, we can bring Sophie along. She's always said she's never been on a trip before."

Hearing this, Charlotte gave a faint, self-mocking smile. Jaziel and Nolan seemed to take her silence as agreement, both visibly relaxing.

As they were about to step inside, they noticed several boxes suddenly sitting in the living room. They hadn't been there when they left that morning.

"What's all this?" they asked in unison.

Charlotte glanced at them and replied, "Oh, I resigned from my job. I'm planning to switch

careers."

Didn't she used to love this job?

The same question crossed both of their minds. Today, Charlotte was acting so out of character that an uneasy feeling crept over Jaziel and Nolan.

Nolan opened his mouth to probe further, but an abrupt ringtone broke the silence. Jaziel answered his phone, and Sophie's worried, panicked voice came through.

"Jaziel, the power suddenly went out at my place. I'm so scared... What should I do?"

Hearing this, Nolan's expression changed. Before Jaziel could respond, Nolan quickly reassured her, "Don't worry, Sophie. I'll come over right now.'

Jaziel frowned, his usually calm face showing clear concern. Their worry for Sophie took precedence, and both grabbed their keys, rushing out the door.

Charlotte, however, remained composed. Once they'd left, she dialed her aunt.

Growing up, she had stayed with her aunt, who had treated her with great kindness,

practically raising her as her own daughter. Since she was leaving, Charlotte naturally wanted a proper farewell.

When her aunt heard about her upcoming marriage, her voice was filled with a mixture of reluctance and surprise. "Charlotte, do Jaziel and Nolan know you're going back to get married?"

After a brief pause, Charlotte replied, "They don't know. Auntie, please help me keep it a secret. I don't want any more complications."

There was a moment of silence on the other end before her aunt let out a deep sigh. "I understand. You were always their treasure. Anyone could see those two boys adored you. You three were inseparable, and I thought you'd end up marrying one of them. Such a pity..." Charlotte chuckled, her tone calm. "There's nothing to regret. We're just not suited for each

other."

Hearing this, her aunt didn't press further, but said, "Charlotte, I knew you'd go back eventually. I just didn't think it would be so soon. I've watched you grow up, and I want to see you before you leave. Once you're back in New Orleans, who knows when we'll meet again..."

Charlotte's voice softened with a playful tone, "Of course, Auntie. I still have gifts I want to

give you. I can't bear to leave you, either."

After a few more affectionate exchanges, her aunt finally hung up. Just as she ended the call, another one came through-this time from her company's director.

"Charlotte, congratulations! Your recent design just won an award on behalf of the company. The trophy arrived, but since you've resigned, I've arranged for your intern to deliver it to your home."

As he finished speaking, the doorbell rang. Charlotte ended the call and opened the door, only to replace Sophie standing there, holding the trophy.