Chapter 3

Looking at the two nervous men in front of her, she calmly said, "It's just a photo. We can just reshoot them." "It was burned beyond recovery. We'll have to retake photos during our next trip. It's been too long since we traveled anyway." Keanu suggested a compromise, and Seamus quickly added, "When we go this time, we can also bring Hannah with us. She always says that she has never traveled before." Hearing what Seamus said, Vanessa smiled bitterly again. Keanu and Seamus thought she agreed to this proposal and immediately breathed a sigh of relief. They were about to go inside when they saw several boxes conspicuously placed in the living room, which weren't there when they left in the morning. "What's all this?" The two asked in unison. Vanessa glanced at them, "Oh, I quit my job. Planning to switch careers." Didn't she love this job before? The same question arose in both their minds. Vanessa's unusual behavior today made Keanu and Seamus inexplicably uneasy. Seamus parted his lips to inquire further when an abrupt ringtone shattered the silence. Keanu answered the call, hearing Hannah Zahn's panicked voice through the receiver. "Keanu? My apartment's power just went out! I'm terrified... What should I do?" Seamus' expression shifted instantly. He interjected before Keanu could respond, "Stay calm, Hannah! I'm coming right over!" Keanu's brows knitted tightly, unusual tension evident on his typically composed face. Their concern for Hannah overriding all else, both men grabbed their car keys and hurried out together. Vanessa remained utterly composed throughout. After their departure, she dialed Maya. During her childhood, Vanessa had been raised by Maya who cherished her as her own flesh and blood. Now that she was leaving, proper farewells were necessary. When Maya heard about Vanessa's marriage plans, her voice brimmed with surprise and reluctance. "Nessa, do Keanu and Seamus know about this?" Vanessa hesitated briefly. "They're unaware. Aunt Maya, could you help cover for me?. I want no complications." This declaration was met with momentary silence. Maya sighed deeply. "Ah, you've always been their precious girl. Everyone could see those two boys were crazy about you—how you three were inseparable. I thought you'd eventually marry one of them... What a shame." Vanessa smiled serenely. "There's nothing regrettable. We're simply incompatible." Respecting her decision, Maya simply said, "I've watched you grow up since childhood, though not this soon. Come see me before you go—who knows when we'll meet again after you return to Jirphia..." Vanessa's coaxing lilt in her voice. "I will. I've got special gifts saved just for you. I'll miss you terribly." After more affectionate exchanges, Maya ended the call. Another ringtone sounded immediately. It was the design director from Vanessa's former company. "Nessa? Your award arrived right after you left, so I'm having your mentored intern deliver it to your home." The doorbell chimed as he spoke. Vanessa opened the door to find Hannah Zahn holding the trophy.