"Why can't we just get along?" Finnian asked, a hint of frustration in his voice.
"Relationships aren't static," Amara replied, trying to sound wise. "They change with time and circumstances, and it's all about the effort you put in."
Finnian had a point, and Amara found it hard to argue back. Sure, relationships change, but what if she didn’t want them to? She couldn't just blurt out, "I don't want to see you, leave me alone," especially after Finnian had helped her out recently. It would be too cold-hearted.
For a moment, she was lost for words.
Sensing her discomfort, Finnian suggested, "Let's eat first."
"Alright."
"Finn, Ms. Sullivan, mind if I join you?" A gentle voice interrupted their thoughts. It was Liliana, standing beside them with her maroon clutch, smiling warmly.
There were empty seats beside both Finnian and Amara, likely because people felt they were too "significant" to sit beside.
Amara quickly looked up, "Ms. Porter, please, have a seat."
Liliana's timing was perfect. With her there, Finnian would be busy talking to her and wouldn't pester Amara with uncomfortable topics.
Liliana nodded, gracefully pulled out the chair next to Finnian, and sat down.
As it turned out, Finnian didn’t engage Amara in conversation again, but he also didn’t chat much with Liliana, focusing on his meal instead. Liliana, however, made small talk and occasionally served Finnian food, clearly attentive to him.
Finally, the meal was over. Elysia and Dorian had finished their obligatory toasts, and as Amara saw them standing by the door, she got up to join them.
Her last question came with a tinge of seriousness. Elysia’s smile faded, her expression turning cold.
"Just pondering what comes next," she said, lighting a cigarette but not smoking it, simply watching the smoke curl into the air.
The blue-gray haze lingered around them until Elysia, seemingly bored, stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray.
"I’ve been thinking all night and this morning, and I’ve come to some conclusions," she said calmly.
"I've loved Dorian for so long, I can't imagine being without him. I've made peace with that."
"But Dorian can’t let go of Jessica, and after trying to break them up so many times without success, I’ve decided it’s not worth the effort anymore."
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