Meanwhile, when Jackson handed over the voice recorder, his face was troubled. Alvin reached to take it, but jackson held on, hesitating before offering some words of caution.
“Alvin, maybe…let it go? You’ve held on to Maria for eight years. Some things aren’t worth digging too deeply. It’ll only hurt you and her.”
Hearing such delicate advice from his childhood friend, Alvin immediately sensed that the contents of the recording were probably even more complex than he’d anticipated. His already unsettled heart felt as though it were being dragged into a deep darkness.
With a steely look, he snatched the recorder and pressed play.
“I still don’t get it – why did Maria suddenly break up and leave the country all those years ago?”
“Well, it was Alvin’s mother who spoke with Maria back then, telling her the family would never accept her. She even gave Maria a hefty sum of money. Maria was young and frightened, so she took the money and left. Later, when we noticed that all of Alvin’s girlfriends resembled Maria, we joked about it, and when she found out, the immediately came back She clearly hadn’t let go.”
“If she still cares, then why doesn’t she just tell Alvin Alvin hasn’t moved on either; if she said something, they could be back together in no time.”
22
“You don’t understand–that’s called playing hard to get! Maria said that only by stirring up tights and arguments and reminding Alvin of the past would he feel loyal enough to stay by her side.”
17
+
Only now did Alvin finally understand the true reason Maria had insisted on breaking up with him: money. He had laid his heart bare before her, yet it couldn’t compete with a multi–million–dollar payoff. He didn’t know how to feel at this moment. All he could do was let out a bitter laugh. He wasn’t sure if he was laughing at his own naivety or her meticulous calculations
Seeing his friend’s devastated expression, Jackson realized that Alvin had finally given up on Maria for good. With a heavy sigh, Jockson took out another video and hit play
The footage showed the Inside of a hospital, focusing on that man, who’d been locked out at the bar. Under threat, he looked at the camera, terrified, and stammered as he recounted what had happened that night.
“Maria..she told me to rough up that girl, Ita. Said she was acting too unruly and needed to be taught a lesson
Halfway through the video, Alvin couldn’t listen any longer. He grabbed the recorder and hurled it against the wall, his once flushed face draining of all color. Now, there was only a bleak, desolate gray.
broke
the silence.
The room remained silent for a long time. So long, in fact, that Jackson, lost in his thoughts, nearly drifted off. Finally, Alvin’s hoarse voice b “Set up a gathering, I want everyone there–not a single person missing.”
After picking out her wedding dress, both families friends made an artful exit, giving the evening to the soon–to–be–married couple. The sky was painted with an endless, breathtaking sunset, and tra, in a good mood, suggested they go for a walk
The riverside was bustling, and Darcy, worried someone might accidentally bump into her injury, stayed close to her right side, shielding her carefully. Along the way, they passed various vendors selling toys and snacks. fra lingered on a balloon twisted into a bouquet of sunflowers, and Darcy noticed, promptly buying it and handing it to her.
Seeing this, several children nearby looked over with envy, whispering to each other.
“Why does that big sister still lil balloons?”
Feeling slightly embarrassed, fratried to hide the balloon behind herback. But Darcy surprised her by buying a few more balloon bouquets and handing them to three cluldren. He told them earnestly,
“You’re lule children, and she’s a big child. If you like it, anyone can have their own flower balloon.”
The children, faces flushed, thanked him and ran off laughing, balloons bobbing in their hands.
When Darcy tumed back, he found Ira gazing at him, her eyes soft with a gentle light.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Ira, as if awakening from a dream, gave a small shake of her head and smiled,
“It’s been so long since I’ve heard something so sweet and innocent, I almost forgot what it was like to be a ldd”
comic
“Then, when we have time, let’s come out more often,” he suggested. “Secing new things might inspire your work, too. Everyone’s eagerly awaiting your next
Tra’s face showed a hint of surprise at his sudden mention of her work.
“You know I draw comles? Have you read my work?”
Barry admitted readily,
“yes, I love. They’re very well done.”
Though the compliment was simple, bearing it from Darcy moved Ira deeply. This was the first time someone close to her had acknowledged her dreams. She looked up, taking in his open, honest face, and felt a thought settling firmly in her heart.
Have you read my latest comic?” she asked casually, her tone so natural it left Darcy momentarily unsure how to respond. But in the end, he chose honesty. “Yes, I’ve read it.”
An answer she expected, but it brought her a sense of relief.
She looked out at the setting sun, the wind tossing her hair, making her voice seem distant and soft,
“n’s getting late. Let’s grab a coffee. As for the real ending of that come. I think you deserve to know,
Alvin’s manor, typically deserted, was alive with activity on Tuesday night. Sons and daughters of California’s elite, all close friends of Alvin, had received Invitations and arrived promptly.
As they entered, they found the hall decorated like a wedding vernie, and curious looks spread across their faces. Was Young Master Alvin planning to propose? And to whom?
Scanning the room, no one spotted the young girlfriend he’d recently gone public with. Instead, everyone’s eyes landed on Maria, dressed in an elegant gown,
and munnus filled the air.
“old flames are always best. Looks like he’s chosen his first love in the end.”
“Poorex–girlfriend. She probably doesn’t even know why they broke up.”
Hearing the whispers and seeing the hall filled with roses, Maria’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. She’d always known that Alvin would ultimately choose her. He’d loved her for eight years, never wavering. Who was Tra to compete with her?
As the event was about to begin, a few of her close friends pulled her into the restroom, talding out makeup kits to touch her up.
“Marla, make sure you’re at your best. Young Master Alvin is about to propose in front of everyone!
“Exactly! The ladies outside are going to be so jealous. You’ve got to outshine them all.”
