Part 2After I Let Go

At work, my boss, Ms. Evans, called me into her office to talk about the overseas assignment again.

"Liam, this is a fantastic opportunity. The location is great, it's safe... Just give it some more thought, please."

She had tried to convince me for weeks, laying out the salary, the benefits, the career growth. But every time, my feelings for Lisa held me back, leaving me unable to commit.

But now...

I looked up at Ms. Evans, at her expression that was one part disappointment, one part frustration.

"I've thought about it, Ms. Evans," I said, my voice clear. "I'll take it."

A wide smile spread across her face. Seeing her so pleased, knowing I hadn't let her down, felt like a weight lifting from my chest.

After work, I grabbed dinner by myself before heading home. To my surprise, Lisa was already there.

That was a rare sight.

"You're home late," she said, her expression unreadable. She handed me a small, wrapped box. "Anniversary gift."

"Oh," I said, taking it. "Thanks. I'm sorry, I completely forgot to get you something. I'll make it up to you, okay?"

Her face seemed to darken.

"Liam, can you just listen to me calmly for a second?" she pleaded. "I've told you before. Joshua and I grew up together. He moved to this city all by himself, and it hasn't been easy for him. I promised his parents I'd look after him."

I could feel the anger simmering beneath her words, but I genuinely didn't understand why. "Don't get worked up. I know. I understand."

"If you have something to say, just say it! Stop acting like this!" Her voice cracked with frustration. "How many times do I have to tell you we're just like brother and sister? Why won't you believe me? If I wanted to be with him, why would I be with you?"

I tried to soothe her. "Calm down. I'm not angry. I really do believe you."

"You..." She took a deep, shaky breath, her chest rising and falling. Finally, she said, "I'm hungry."

"Sorry, I already ate on my way home. Why don't you order some takeout? Or there's food in the fridge if you want to make something."

The only answer I got was the slam of her bedroom door.