Forsaking the Years of Longing
Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Finally getting the house sorted out, Charlotte felt a weight lift off her shoulders. The pressure she'd been carrying eased considerably. When signing the paperwork, she noticed

that the day the property transfer would be completed was the same day she was leaving. Perfect timing-she wouldn't have to explain anything to Jaziel or Nolan.

As she signed her name, a sense of relief washed over her. Soon, everything would be over. Now, she had only one last thing to do.

She went to the mall, carefully choosing a massage device and a pair of diamond bracelets, and then headed to her Aunt Grace's house. As soon as she walked in, Grace enveloped her in a tight hug.

"Charlotte, I really can't bear to let you go. You've been in Miami for so many years; I've come to see you as my own daughter. It's hard to imagine life without you here."

Grace wiped away her tears, clutching Charlotte's hand tightly. Charlotte, feeling a pang in her heart, managed a small smile to comfort her aunt. "I'll miss you too, Aunt Grace, but we're family, after all. Planes and trains are convenient, and we'll still see each other during t Grace nodded, gradually calming herself. She guided Charlotte to the sofa. "Sit tight. I took a few days off just to spend time with you! You'll be staying here for a few days, no excuses-I'll make all your favorite dishes!"

Not giving Charlotte a chance to refuse, Grace hurried to the kitchen, returning with plates of Charlotte's favorite foods and a warm smile. Watching her aunt bustling around, Charlotte couldn't help but smile. She knew there was no winning against Grace and agreed to stay for a few days, deciding to make the most of the time they had left together.

When it was almost time for her to leave, Charlotte finally had to say goodbye, despite her

reluctance.

"Aunt Grace, I really have to go now. I'll be getting married in New Orleans in three days."

Fighting back her tears, Grace nodded, handing over a prepared envelope of wedding money. "I have three surgeries scheduled that day, so I can't make it. This is my blessing for you, Charlotte. Just promise me you'll be happy." Charlotte's eyes reddened as she accepted the envelope respectfully. "I will, Aunt Grace. Grandpa chose him for me, so you can rest assured."

Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Jaziel and Nolan stepped out, flanking Sophie. The first thing they saw was Charlotte, teary-eyed, saying goodbye to Grace, and both of them felt an unexplainable

heaviness in their hearts. They immediately blurted out, "Charlotte,

Grace, why are you crying?"

Seeing them, Charlotte quickly wiped her tears and answered calmly, "Oh, it's nothing. I just haven't seen Aunt Grace in a while, and now that I'm leaving, it's hard to say goodbye."

Hearing this, Jaziel and Nolan visibly relaxed, the tension draining from their faces. "We're all in Miami anyway, so you can visit anytime."

Grace watched them, knowing they were oblivious to the truth, and she had to resist the urge to reveal everything. Just as she was about to speak up, Charlotte diverted the conversation by turning to Sophie. "What brings you all here?" Jaziel and Nolan snapped back to attention, both looking a little flustered as they explained.

"It's Thanksgiving, and Sophie was alone, so we thought we'd bring her over to celebrate with us."

"Yes, we called you too, but you didn't pick up."

Their nervousness was apparent. In previous years, both Jaziel and Nolan would fight to bring Charlotte home with them, as bringing a girl home on Thanksgiving symbolized introducing her as family. Charlotte would end up spending Thanksgiving at Jaziel's, then at

Nolan's, balancing the two.

This year, however, they'd brought Sophie home instead a sign that spoke volumes. Charlotte didn't call them out on it and simply said, "Got it. That sounds nice. You all enjoy yourselves. I need to head back to finish packing."

With that, she turned to leave, intending to call a car. But Jaziel and Nolan called out after her.

"Charlotte!"

"Charlotte!"