hapter 104
I was going to act mature, not because I want to be mature but because I am.
And I couldn’t make Orion suspect anything happened between us. But on a second thought, nothing happened between us. It was just a small mistake that I never repeat itself again, so it was nothing.
Or how about we go now? Tristan suggested, surprising me.
I turned to look at him fully. “Now?”
The company belongs to us,” he said with a shrug. Nothing terrible will happen if we don’t come back today. That way, we won’t just end up picking the first place we see. You’ll have time to choose something you really like.”
Orion nodded enthusiastically. “He’s right. I don’t mind at all. Do you?”
I shook my head. How could I refuse when they were both looking at me with such hopeful expressions?
“Will it be close to mine or Tristan’s?” Orion asked, and I was surprised to see he wasn’t joking. He was looking at me with genuine expectation.
I noticed Tristan was doing the same thing, even though he was trying to act casual about it.
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Two grown men wanting to know if I’d stay close to them or not. It was almost endearing how protective they were being
“Actually,” I said, still smiling, “I’ve been looking at places that are roughly between both of your houses. That way, I’m not too far from
either of you, but I still have my independence.” That was partially the truth.
If I had said I’d stay close to Orion, Orion would have suspected something. But this way, he wouldn’t suspect anything and I’ll still be
close to him and his family.
The relief on both their faces was obvious, and I felt a little guilty for not telling them sooner. But part of me had needed to see their reactions, to know that they actually wanted me nearby.
‘So where exactly are we going? Tristan asked, already reaching for his wallet to pay the check.
I knew Tristan was trying to play along, we both knew Orion was smart and would suspect any slight changes.
Whatever he did yesterday was between the both of us, it has nothing to do with Orion.
So am going to smile through this and act like nothing had happened, and I know he would too.
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Chapter 104
I pulled out my phone and scrolled through the list of apartments I’d saved. “There are three places I want to look at. The first one is
about fifteen minutes from here.”
‘What kind of place are you looking for?” Orion asked as we stood up from the table.
“Nothing too big. Just a one–bedroom with a decent kitchen and maybe a small balcony. Something that feels like home but is completely
mine.”
As we walked out of the restaurant, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness building in my chest. This was really happening. I was actually going to get my own place, my own space where no one could tell me what to do or how to live.
“Are you sure about this?” Tristan asked quietly as we reached the parking lot.
I turned to face him, and for a moment, I saw something vulnerable in his eyes. Something that looked almost like fear, fear that he’d
broken me.
But he didn’t break me, he made me stronger.
“I’m sure,” I said softly. “This is something I need to do for myself.”
He nodded slowly, but I could see he wasn’t completely convinced. That was okay. He didn’t have to understand. This decision wasn’t just about him or Orion or anyone else. It was about me finally taking control of my own life.
“Okay,” he said finally. “Let’s go find you a place.”
The first apartment was in a converted Seraphinen house with high ceilings and original hardwood floors. It was beautiful but felt too grand. I wanted something smaller, cozier.
The second place was modern and sleek, all clean lines and minimal decoration. But it felt cold, sterile. Like a hotel room rather than a
home.
Tristan and Orion had liked it and wanted me to take me, but I had the final say. I didn’t like it.
The third apartment, though, felt different the moment I walked through the door.
It was on the second floor of a brick building, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The living room was just big enough for a couch and coffee table without feeling cramped.
The kitchen was small but functional, with enough counter space for me to actually cook. And there was a tiny balcony that overlooked a small garden courtyard.
“This is it,” I said without hesitation, walking over to the windows to look out at the view.
“Are you sure?” Orion asked, but I could hear the smile in his voice.
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Chapter 104
‘I’m sure. This feels like home.”
:
I could see both men looking around the space, probably calculating security risks and escape routes like the overprotective brothers they
were.
But for once, I didn’t mind their concern. It came from a place of love, and that was something I was finally learning to accept again.
It was okay for siblings to love and want to protect each other.
“When can she move in? Tristan asked the house agent.
“If the references check out and the deposit clears, she could have the keys by Friday.”
Friday. Five days from now. My stomach fluttered with a mixture of excitement and terror.
“I’ll take it,” I said before I could change my mind.
As I filled out the paperwork, I kept glancing around the small apartment, trying to imagine myself living here. Cooking breakfast in that little kitchen. Reading on the balcony in the evening. Falling asleep in the bedroom that would be entirely mine.
For the first time in years, I was making a decision that was completely about what I wanted, not what someone else expected of me. And it felt terrifying and wonderful at the same time.
This was the beginning of something new.
Comments
R Visitor
She better get a two bedroom. I bets she’s pregnant.
7 days ago
07
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
