Chapter 4

I woke up early the next morning, ready to head out.

As I was about to leave, my mom called out from the dining table. "Where are you rushing off to so early, not even saying hi or grabbing breakfast?"

I turned around and realized the whole family was already gathered around the table.

My parents were on one side, and on the other, Leon and Amelia were sitting close together.

Leon looked over at me when my mom scolded me.

After a glance, he lowered his head and quietly slid his plate of neatly cut toast over to Amelia.

Amelia smiled sweetly and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Thanks, honey."

As she ate, she turned her head a bit and gave me a sly, triumphant glance, as if marking her territory.

I shrugged it off and replied, "Picking up some medicine."

Leon's knife and fork accidentally tapped against his plate with a soft clink, the sound barely noticeable in the empty dining room.

Amelia glanced at him.

Leon acted like nothing happened, grinning as he teased her. "You've been staring for ages. Not tired of me yet?"

Amelia's cheeks flushed. She puffed out her cheeks and huffed at him, then ducked her head and started eating the toast he'd cut for her.

My mom shot me a cautious look and asked tentatively, "Are you sick?"

I shook my head. "No, grabbing some stomach meds for a friend. His stomach's been acting up."

The sound of Leon slicing the toast faltered for a moment.

I didn't look back at him. I turned and walked out the door.

"Wait a second!" My dad set down his newspaper and looked at me. "Your mom and I got you an apartment over at Riverview Bay. Move in tonight when you get back.

"Now that Amelia and Leon are married, it's not really convenient for you to be living right above them anymore."

We all knew exactly what inconvenient really meant.

Amelia blushed all the way to her ears and scolded my dad with a pout. "Dad, why are you saying that to Charlotte?"

My mom shot her a disapproving look. "Amelia, don't stick up for Charlotte. Having a baby is the most important thing for you two right now. Your health isn't great, and with Charlotte living upstairs, you and Leon can't let loose as a couple."

"Oh, Mom, even you're saying that?" Amelia protested, but her eyes kept stealing shy glances at Leon.

Leon set down his fork, wiped his mouth, and spoke calmly. "Whatever you guys decide works for me. Honestly, it's my fault. I haven't looked after Amelia like I should."

I nodded without a second thought. "Sure."

The living room went quiet for a moment.

They hadn't expected me to agree so easily, and the excuses they'd prepared were left unused, making the mood a little awkward.

"As long as you're okay with it, come back early to pack up." Mom paused for a moment, then tried to make things less awkward. "It's not only for Amelia and Leon.

"You're not a kid anymore; if you ever want to date someone, you'll need your own space, too."

"Are you seeing someone?" Leon blurted out.

I was not sure what to say, so I shrugged. "Kind of."

'Well, if lunch goes smoothly today,' I thought.

"If that's all, I'm gonna head out," I said.

I turned and headed out to the garden. I heard Amelia's voice behind me, sounding a little off. "Leon, what are you staring at?"