I never thought Ethel would play matchmaker for me. Flashing before my eyes was Ernest's stern, desireless face., Remembering how he flatly and coldly refused to switch rooms with me, a playful spirit took hold of me, and I replied with a breezy,

"Sure.

", I said yes, but it was more of a casual remark than anything serious., After breakfast, I borrowed a bicycle from Ethel and explored the small town., When I returned home, it was evening, and I had acquired a sketchpad during my outing., I always loved to draw. Before my parents passed, they enrolled me in dance and art classes and even had me learn the piano. But after they were gone, everything stopped except for drawing. It was simple enough. All I needed was a pen and paper., I spent my time outside looking around and drawing a new scene of Galaxy Harbor. My parents always wished to return home for a visit, but since they couldn't, I decided to paint the current state of Galaxy Harbor and bring the picture to their grave.,

"Licia, why are you back so late?

" Ethel approached me immediately, winking., I was a bit confused,

"Ethel, you...

",

"Ernest is back. I've told him,

" Ethel pouted toward Ernest's room., Then, I remembered the matchmaking thing from the morning. I couldn't help but laugh,

"Oh, Ethel, you did tell him. I was joking.

",

"This is not something to joke about, child. Anyway, I've told him,

" Ethel was serious.,

"What did he say?

" I casually asked as I parked the bike.,

"He said he wanted to talk to you in person,

" Ethel nudged me, her face blooming with a mischievous grin,

"Looks promising.

", I laughed.

"If it works out, you'll enjoy the wedding champagne.

",

"Deal,

" Ethel said earnestly,

"Now, go and get cleaned up. I'll tell Ernest to get ready, too.

",

"No need for that. We've seen each other at our worst,

" I protested.,

"It's different. It is formal,

" Ethel made me laugh again., I was genuinely happy, particularly today. I could roam and paint whatever my heart desired and speak freely. That was freedom., Despite Ethel's eagerness, I didn't bother freshening up and instead flopped onto my bed to check my phone. My notifications buzzed with messages, and I was curious despite knowing I could ignore them., It was Deborah's profile picture that caught my eye. A pang of disappointment hit me. I was secretly hoping for a message from Conrad, not that I wanted an apology or to get back together, but to disappear without him asking even once made me feel utterly defeated., Even if he saw me only as a family or a colleague, devoid of romantic love, he should've shown some concern, like Dustin did, calling from miles away. But Conrad didn't., Opening Deborah's barrage of messages, I found her frantically asking questions., Felicia, is it true you and Mr. Wagner didn't register your marriage? What happened?, Rumor has it that Mr. Wagner is with another woman in the office. Is it the woman in his arms that day?, Felicia, where have you gone?, Are you hiding out? Chill out. It's no big deal. There are plenty of fish in the sea., Felicia, please text me back. I'm worried sick. I mean it., Seeing Deborah's worry and the crying emoji, I replied to reassure her. I'm fine. Don't overthink or speculate. Focus on your work, and I'll be back soon. Deborah's reply was instant, pressing for details about me and Conrad., Seeing her message, I responded, It's nothing., As Deborah typed another response, Ethel's voice sounded,

"Licia, are you ready yet?

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