Chapter 9

As their words fell, Keanu and Seamus sat with Hannah at the table next to where Vanessa and Mila were seated. Both young men vied to put food on Hannah's plate, their eyes full of affection. Upon seeing this, Mila got so angry that she stabbed her steak to pieces. On the contrary, Vanessa remained calm and composed. Hence, Mila could only hold back her anger and her tongue. Not long after, the two finished their meal. After bidding farewell to Mila, Vanessa went home. That night, Keanu and Seamus didn't come back yet again. Vanessa didn't mind. She was busy packing her last few belongings anyway. In the morning, she heard footsteps outside and knew that Keanu and Seamus had returned. It made sense for them to be back since they were moving to the new house that day. Little did they know that their new home and their future would no longer include her. The commotion outside grew louder. It sounded like the people outside were moving some heavy luggage. Still, Vanessa ignored it. Once she was done packing, Diane called. Vanessa picked up and heard her gentle voice through the phone speaker. "What time will your flight arrive, Nessa? We'll pick you up." Vanessa checked her flight details and replied in a small voice, "I'll probably arrive around 7:00 pm." Just then, the door was pushed open slightly. Vanessa turned to see Keanu and Seamus standing in the doorway. Seamus casually asked, "Who are you talking to?" "No one," Vanessa replied coolly, ending the call. Her chilly tone caught both Keanu and Seamus off guard. Ever since Hannah showed up, Vanessa had been distant toward them. Keanu didn't think there was a need to explain things initially. But now, he found himself feeling anxious over Vanessa's recent unusual behavior. He tried to justify himself by saying, "Vanessa, Hannah is different from you. She grew up in a tough environment, so I just can't help but offer her a bit more support. There's nothing more to it." Seamus chimed in, "Exactly. We just feel sorry for her. Besides, weren't you the one who introduced her to us? Why would you be jealous of her?" Vanessa's expression remained unfazed. "Why are you telling me all this?" They replied in unison, "Because you care!" Having grown up together, the three of them shared a deep bond. Keanu and Seamus used to be able to gauge Vanessa's mood or emotions before she had even spoken up. But now, her thoughts had become inscrutable to them. Vanessa's eyes were frosty as she looked at them like they were strangers. "I don't care. You've said you only consider her a friend. I'm the same—I'm just a friend of yours too. So, why would I be bothered?" Her response caused Keanu and Seamus to fall silent. After a long pause, Keanu couldn't hold back anymore and said, "Vanessa, you know I've never wanted us to be just friends." Seamus couldn't conceal the emotions that ran deep in him from showing, either. "Vanessa, can't you see how I've treated you all these years? Do you really think that we're just mere friends?" Of course, Vanessa knew what they meant. They both wanted to be with her. But if their so-called fondness toward her meant siding with Hannah to hurt her, she wanted no part of it. She nodded. "Yes, we'll have a new kind of relationship soon." Very soon, they wouldn't even be friends—they would be complete strangers. Keanu vaguely sensed that her words held a deeper meaning. He felt his heart miss a beat, and a sudden feeling of unease arose in him. Just as he was about to speak, the driver entered, offering to help with Vanessa's luggage. Vanessa stopped the driver. "You go on ahead. I'll bring it over myself." Seamus grew frustrated and said in exasperation, "There's too much stuff. How are you going to manage moving all of it alone? Stop being stubborn. If I upset you, I'm sorry, okay?" Vanessa persisted and refused their help. "I don't need your help. Go help Hannah. She's living alone, and she's a meek young woman who can't lift anything on her own. She needs your help more." Keanu frowned at Vanessa's words which were heavily laced with sarcasm. Just then, Hannah's call came through. "Keanu, Seamus, I need some help here. I'm so clumsy and can't do anything right." Her pitiful voice came through loud and clear, so everyone in the room heard her. Keanu and Seamus glanced at each other, then at Vanessa, who resolutely refused their help. In the end, they decided to leave. Keanu ended the call and said to Vanessa, "Hannah can't manage on her own. I'll go help her." Seamus grabbed his car keys and followed him out. "I'll go too." Just before leaving, Keanu turned back as the feeling of unease continued to nag at him. "Vanessa, I know you're annoyed and won't listen to us right now. I've booked a table at a restaurant. Once we're done with moving, let's all have a meal together. I'll explain everything about Hannah." Before Vanessa could respond, he hurried out the door. Vanessa watched their retreating backs and couldn't help but smirk. What was there to explain later? There wouldn't be any "later" for them anyway. Besides, with how Keanu and Seamus had been acting, what explanation could they possibly give? Just then, Vanessa's phone vibrated as she received a message from Hannah. Her intention to provoke was clear. She wrote, "Sorry, Vanessa. I didn't know Keanu and Seamus would leave you to manage yourself with just a few words from me. Please continue to tolerate me after we all move in together!" A corner of Vanessa's lips lifted into a smirk. She replied, "You three can live happily together. I'll stay out of it." After the message was sent, she immediately blocked Hannah. Then, she blocked Keanu and Seamus. She cleared them from her contacts and made sure they would never again be part of her world. With that, Vanessa took her suitcase and left the house that held many memories. She walked away without looking back.