Chapter 34
I was picking up food and froze when I heard that.
Mason peeled several shrimp for me and put them on my plate.
He continued softly. “It’s a promise from a long time ago.
“But as you know. Ruben and I have been busy.”
I lowered my head to hold back my tears, which threatened to gush out.
They had made that promise years ago. It turned out they remembered.
I mumbled. “I’m going on a business trip with John on Saturday. I don’t think I can make it for the trip.”
Mason continued to peel shrimps for me, his fair and slender fingers greased.
He replied. “In this case, we can go before Saturday and come back
sooner.
“Aurora also happens in the northernmost regions of this country.”
I wanted to refuse, but words didn’t come out of my mouth.
It seemed I was still expecting the trip.
Many years had passed, and that night stuck in my mind.
Back then, Ruben and Mason had promised to take me to see the polar lights at the end of the year. They had booked an air ticket.
11:37
Tojus joj jou sjuunis
My parents were still alive, and Lacey hadn’t moved in. My brothers still cared about me.
It was the end of my happiness in the past 12 years.
I couldn’t forget that promise. Not because I was eager to go to Northbeech to see the polar lights.
I just missed the days when my parents and brothers loved me.
With that. Mason wiped his hand, took out his phone, and booked an air ticket to Ebonhelm for the next day.
Then, he hesitantly patted me on my back.
“Grace. Lacey is an outsider. You’ll always be our beloved little sister.”
My eyes became moist, and my hands became trembling uncontrollably. I couldn’t raise my head to look at him.
After so many years, for the first time, we ate together peacefully and harmoniously.
For a moment, I felt as if I was delusional that Lacey had lived with us for four years.
When we were about to finish the meal, Ruben suddenly spoke.
“Outsiders tend to have ulterior motives.
“Antonio, for example. You should know why he got close to you. Keep him at arm’s length.”
I looked up in astonishment.
Ruben went on in a solemn tone, “Our parents‘ medical research is gonna
be resumed soon. You must’ve heard of it.
“I’ve seen the list of the participants. Antonio is one of them.
“Our parents‘ research outcomes were lost in the fire. I guess he’s trying to wrangle them out from you and make them his own achievements.”
I couldn’t listen any longer. I dropped my utensils and stood up.
“Antonio isn’t what you think.”
The feigned affection vanished from Ruben’s face. He scowled as he continued.
“Grace, mind your tone! I’m your eldest brother. Will I harm you?”
Mason stood up and patted me on my back. But when he spoke, I knew he was on Ruben’s side.
“After the secret research starts, who knows how long it’s gonna be?
“Most likely Antonio is only participating to get the medical results. Once he gets what he wants, he’ll make excuses to withdraw from the project anytime
“If you get involved, the consequence will be unthinkable.
“Grace, think what happened to Dad and Mom.
“Antonio is an outsider, after all. Ruben is only concerned about you.”
