Left Behind at the Station

The Trip

When I arrived home, my dad, Thomas, glanced behind me, his expression darkening. "Weren't you on a trip with Winnie? Where is she?"

I forced a smile and slipped my arm through his, acting spoiled. "I suddenly missed you, so I came back early. Let her have fun on her own."

"Oh, Amy." His expression softened a little, but his tone stayed firm. "Winnie is still our nanny's daughter.

"We supported Winnie all the way through college so that her mother could look after you like one of her own. I don't mind removing her allowance if she can't do that."

The smile faded from my face, and it felt like something sharp stabbed into my chest.

…

Winnie was only seven when her mother brought her to join the Whites. I still remember how thin and fragile Winnie looked, standing there timidly like a stray kitten.

When I found out her biological father abused her—and that she sometimes went days without a proper meal—I, an only child, took her in as if she were my own sister.

She had been a part of almost my entire life—even when I started to sense Elias' feelings for me drifting…

…

I still found it hard to believe that she would betray me.

I quickly looked away from my dad, panic flashing in my eyes, and bent down to set my bag aside to cover it up. "Yeah, I got it. I'm starving!"

"We'll meet the Brandises' son." My father's voice followed behind me. "We can start planning the wedding if everything works out."

That left me stiff, and it took me ages before I responded, "Okay, sure."

…

I agreed to meet Timothy Brandis at a stylish cafe, so while waiting for him, I scrolled through my phone, bored out of my mind.

Winnie continuously updated her social media. First, she went to Luna Lake to feed seagulls, followed by a stop at the Shrine of St. Anne's to offer prayers.

Her next stop? Cobalt Ridge.

The places she went were the exact itinerary I had spent a whole month carefully planning. I had been so excited for this trip, yet it all went to waste.

Just as I felt bitter, Winnie got in touch with me via video call. She excitedly showed me how Emerald Rise was while heaping praises on Elias.

"I'm checking him out for you, honey. He's ticking all the boxes so far. He carries me when I am tired.

"A cold drink appears in front of me the second I pout. He even holds an umbrella above me to keep me from getting sunburned…"

My forced smile disappears as I zoom in on her neck. Those faint red marks—like knives—stabbed straight into my eyes.

Noticing something off about my expression, she awkwardly tugged at her collar. "I mean… it's rather windy today."

Before she could finish, someone rushed into frame and wrapped his arms around her. "I warned you not to sleep naked with the air conditioner on last night. See, you're catching a cold. Tonight? No more—"

Winnie panicked, and the video cut off.

I had heard enough, though. 'That voice? It's Elias.'

My mind went completely blank. My hand froze midair, not knowing where to go.

I frantically called Elias, over and over—but he didn't pick up.

…

By the time I was drenched in sweat and slowly returned to my senses, he finally returned my video call. His eyes were full of tenderness like normal. "I was picking out a gift for you. My phone was in my pocket—I didn't hear it. Miss me already? We'll be back in a few days…"

Yet, I could see Winnie standing not far behind him.

She was wearing a jacket—the very one I had dragged her along to help me pick out for Elias for Valentine's Day.

It felt like someone had slammed a fist straight into my chest.

My face went pale, and I struggled to breathe.

I hung up the call in a panic, only for a glass of water to be placed in front of me.

It was Timothy.

I forced a smile that looked worse than crying. "There's nothing to discuss since it's a political marriage. Let's just go ahead and plan the wedding if you're on board."