Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 3

Looking at the two anxious men in front of her, Charlotte said calmly, "They’re just photos. We can always take new ones."

“If they’re gone now, we’ll just make more memories,” Jaziel replied, trying to find a compromise. Nolan quickly added, “And this time, we can bring Sophie along. She’s always said she’s never been on a trip before.”

Hearing this, Charlotte gave a faint, self-mocking smile. Jaziel and Nolan seemed to take her silence as agreement, both visibly relaxing.

As they were about to step inside, they noticed several boxes suddenly sitting in the living room. They hadn’t been there when they left that morning.

“What’s all this?” they asked in unison.

Charlotte glanced at them and replied, “Oh, I resigned from my job. I’m planning to switch careers.”

Didn’t she used to love this job?

The same question crossed both of their minds. Today, Charlotte was acting so out of character that an uneasy feeling crept over Jaziel and Nolan.

Nolan opened his mouth to probe further, but an abrupt ringtone broke the silence. Jaziel answered his phone, and Sophie’s worried, panicked voice came through.

“Jaziel, the power suddenly went out at my place. I’m so scared... What should I do?”

Hearing this, Nolan’s expression changed. Before Jaziel could respond, Nolan quickly reassured her, “Don’t worry, Sophie. I’ll come over right now.”