“Exactly! They say it’s hard for a guy to win over a girl, but for a girl, it’s easy as pie. You’re not even blood-related. Why not go for it? Stop being so shy and make your move!”
The mention of Lucas sparked a lively buzz among the group. Ideas flew as they excitedly egged her on, some even joking about taking drastic measures. But Celia simply shook her head, her expression calm.
“No. I can’t and won’t like him anymore.”
The gathering didn’t last long, and when it was time to leave, Celia made her rounds to say goodbye to each of them.
“Lila, congratulations on getting into the school you wanted. I’m sure you’ll have a bright future ahead of you.”
“Sophie, you need to take better care of yourself. You’re always skipping breakfast—you have to start taking your health seriously.”
“Annie, Sarah, I’ll always miss you both.”
One by one, she hugged them, her demeanor serious and sincere. Her unusual solemnity made the others laugh, brushing it off as a quirky show of sentimentality.
“Celia, your goodbye is way too formal, like we’ll never see each other again. Don’t worry, just because we’re going to different colleges doesn’t mean we’ll forget about you.”
After bidding farewell, the group gradually dispersed, leaving Celia as the last to leave.
She watched their retreating figures, a faint sadness welling up in her heart.
No, they would never meet again.
“Goodbye, my friends.”
When Celia returned home, Lucas was already back. The moment she stepped through the door, she saw him sitting on the sofa, his expression dark and stormy.
Her gaze swept the room, but Yvonne was nowhere to be seen. She casually asked, “Where’s Yvonne?”
“She’s on a business trip.”
Accepting his answer without much thought, Celia nodded and was about to head upstairs when Lucas’ cold voice stopped her.
“Hold it!”
She turned to see him pulling out several items, his face etched with displeasure.
“Care to explain these?” he demanded, holding up a collection of things—a receipt of her purchased casket and funeral outfit.
