11
I boarded the plane without looking back, unconcerned with Ethan and Mason’s reaction. As the plane ascended, a sense of unprecedented lightness washed over
Back at the Riverview Mansion in LA, the atmosphere was thick with tension.
Three hours had passed since Ethan and Mason, along with Qjana, arrived, yet there was no sign of me
Only their luggage was present; mine was nowhere to be found.
Ethan’s andery mounted.
Samathing unexpected was happening.
Mason sat on the sofa, his face grim.
Qiana knew the truth, but remained silent.
Breaking the silence, she said,
Lanie probably isn’t ready per. Should we get the movers started? We’re having dinner tonight; she wouldn’t forget”
Ethan nodded, bur nigging unease remained.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong
He was inexplicably anxious.
Mason stared at his phone, mirroring Ethan’s display–a cascade of unanswered calls. He couldn’t sit still.
He grabbed his jacket, threw it on, and stormed out,
“Something’s wrong with Lanie. I’m going to check on her,” he said.
Ethan couldn’t still either
He quickly directed the workers and apologized to Qiana.
“Sorry, I need to go check on her. Stay here, I’ll be back soon.
Ethan! Mason!
Qjana called after them, but they didn’t turn back.
Our previous home was empty.
They searched LA in their cars, but found no trace of me.
They both ended UP back at our old house.
Ethan’s heart pounded.
He called his assistant, Lee, to track my whereabouts.
Lee quickly called back
“Mr. Erhan, Ms. Lanie’s flight to Miami left this afternoon. She should have arrived by now.”
Ethan and Mason froze, stunned
“What… how? That’s impossible…
Mason refused to believe
“Why would Lanie suddenly go back to Miami! She said she’d stay in LA with us. Lee, did you make a mistake?”
Erhan was equally disbelieving.
His voice hardened Lee, check again. Confirm it.”
There was a pause over the phone.
Lee confirmed several times before hesitantly speaking.
“Mr. Ethan, Mr. Mason. L.. I’m sorry, it’s comect.”
He sent the flight information to Ethan.
The flight details were irrefutable.
Ethan felt like he was hallucinating
He looked at Mason
They shared a look of disbelief.
*Clunk!
The phone slipped from Ethan’s hand, hitting the floor.
Their minds riord.
They couldn’t believe I’d actually left!
Just hours ago, we were discussing the move to the new house.
They replayed my strange behavior before they left.
Mason snapped his fingers
My last words on the phone before they left flashed into his mind, crystal clear.
“Everything’s ready. I’m leaving now. I’ll be there tonight.”
