2#02

2

Celine's slender form followed closely behind him as they carried bags of household items from the grocery store. They appeared to be a young couple settling into a new home together.

At that moment, Aunt Mina descended to welcome me and observed the scene. As she was about to speak, I cut her off. "The presents from Mom for you have come. Remember to check the best-by dates; don't let anything spoil."

I avoided looking at Lucas entirely, though this time he unexpectedly took the lead in offering an explanation.

"Ellie, don't get the wrong idea. Celine's former neighborhood wasn't secure, so I assisted her in finding a new place. I had no idea your aunt resided here as well. Incidentally, why did you purchase so many items?"

While instructing the driver to bring up the deliveries, I responded casually, "You needn't explain your work to me. My mom bought all this; we're unsure when we'll return, so she got plenty."

Noticing I hadn't misinterpreted the situation, Lucas appeared visibly at ease.

"That's fine. The North Suburb isn't distant. Just inform me whenever you wish to visit."

He remained unaware that I was moving back permanently, and I had no intention of telling him.

Aunt Mina was going to comment, but upon seeing how attentively Lucas was caring for Celine, her expression darkened.

The four of us stood awkwardly until Celine, looking weary, finally broke the silence.

Lucas promptly told the driver to pause the delivery, explaining they had fewer items and could use the elevator first. Noticing the bags of household goods he was carrying, I stepped aside to let them pass.

Lucas seemed briefly surprised, then hastily entered the elevator.

As the doors shut, I couldn't help but see a reflection of my past self in Celine. When my aunt first relocated, Lucas had been equally attentive, running errands and taking care of me, moving all my belongings into his home with enthusiasm, saying he was welcoming his "future lady of the house."

Watching the elevator, Aunt Mina sighed with a hint of regret.

"Are you certain you don't want me to inquire? You've known each other for so long. It would be unfortunate to end things over a misunderstanding."

I shook my head. "It's not necessary. There's no misunderstanding between us. He never lets one persist overnight. If he hasn't explained, then that's it."

Lucas and Celine didn't actually have much to carry; they could have completed it in one trip. But even after I had delivered the items to my aunt and said farewell, he was still nowhere to be seen downstairs.

Out of politeness to an old friend, I took out my phone and sent him a brief message, asking when he'd return.

Almost instantly, he replied with a voice message. I played it, and Celine's sweet voice came through.

"Ellie, Lucas is assisting me with the electrical wiring here. This place has never been occupied, so there's much to organize. You should head home; don't let us delay you!"

Just as I was about to close the app and call a taxi, she sent another message.

"By the way, Ellie, please don't overthink it. Lucas is simply helping me out. He just felt sympathetic because I'm living alone in this big city."

Thinking of my own parents, who had moved far away years ago, I suppressed my words and closed the chat.

After getting into the taxi and staring absently out the window, Lucas called.

"Ellie, why were you so cold towards Celine? She's my subordinate, and I was merely helping her find accommodation. The company hasn't arranged housing yet; isn't it normal for me to assist?"

"Since when did you start behaving like this? At the birthday celebration, you were moody, claiming you felt unwell and wanted to leave. I haven't even addressed that, and now you're causing problems again?"

I could hear Celine's gentle sobs through the phone.

Her demeanor in front of me was nothing like the sweet, naive junior Lucas had described.

Taking a deep breath, I finally understood her motives but was too exhausted to defend myself.

"Yeah, you're right. My mistake. I was just asking. Don't worry; I'm already back home. I didn't wait for you."