Lola was told there would be a short farewell celebration because Penny and her family had to fly back home. This time, Atlas kept it simple. Aside from the feast on the table—enough to feed a battalion—there weren’t any other decorations.
The twins happily played with their little cousins, knowing it would be a while before they saw them again. Meanwhile, the adults ate to their hearts’ content—especially Penny. It was just a casual dinner with some wine, and since Lola had already spent time with them, she felt comfortable around everyone.
"I’ll probably visit you next time," Lola said as she and Penny grabbed more drinks in the kitchen while the men were outside on the patio with the children. "It’s been years since I’ve been to Anteca, anyway."
"If you do visit, just let me know. I’ll prepare a banquet for you, and we’ll throw a huge party."
"Like this one?"
"This is not a party—let alone a huge one."
"But the food looks like it could feed an entire community."
"There’s a community here, didn’t you see?"
"Right." Lola raised her brows briefly, watching Penny idle against the counter. "What?"
"Big sis, are you sure you’re going to be fine here?" Penny asked sincerely. "I already know your answer, but I still want to ask. Maybe you should take a short break and come with us to Anteca. I’ll make sure it’s a complete vacation for you. I’ll give you free therapy too."
Lola pressed her lips together, a small smile tugging at the corners. "Thank you, but it’s a crucial time for my company. I’ve just gone public, and I’ll be joining our first bidding here in Novera. Even though I have trusted clients and upcoming projects, it’s a tough field. Everyone wants a piece of it—including me."
"I see." Penny rocked her head, rubbing her hands as if weighing whether to speak her thoughts. Lola studied the cute smile on her face before leaning back against the counter.
"Penny," Lola said solemnly. "I’ll be fine, and your brother will be fine as well. We will be fine. I know you spent more time with him than me, but he’s not what you think. If anything, Atlas is caring, loving, and thoughtful."
Penny blinked as Lola’s lips curled upward.
"Even I’m surprised at how he makes me feel seen and heard—and how much of a gentleman he is," she continued. "As you know, I have a lot of reservations in life. I don’t necessarily guard my heart, but I protect it from getting hurt. So, many times, I’ve been stubborn to the point of idiocy."
A soft chuckle escaped her. "But your brother is teaching me something no one ever taught me until now: transparency. And... trust in someone completely."
Lola had trusted many people in her life. Yet all of them broke that trust without a second thought. The only one who never did was Loren, her mother. Everyone else taught her a harsh lesson—never trust someone completely.
That was why, even with people like Silo, she never shared everything. She never told him she had once been pregnant. The same went for Amala, Haji, and everyone else.
None of them knew certain things about her. That was how she protected herself all these years. It was also why she had reservations and was reluctant to fully open up to Atlas—or even the twins. Because she always knew she was risking heartbreak.
"But he listens... and he understands," she whispered, smiling faintly with her eyes lowered. "It gives me confidence in so many things. He’s making me embrace not just myself, but everything about me."
Slowly, Lola looked up and met Penny’s eyes again. "So don’t worry about us breaking up. If it happens, it’ll be him dumping me, not the other way around."
Penny just stared at her, her nose scrunching up as if she hadn’t heard Lola’s last remark.
That sounded more like a proposal.
She really is the youngest. Still cute until now.
The next day...
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