"That's strange... who would have believed Lucien had parents?" Ken mused as he walked, the image of the luxury SUV still burned into his mind. "Someone that cold and detached having people above him... I guess I really don't know him at all."
The evening air was cooling as Ken and Amy sat under their usual tree near the restaurant.
They had finished their long, exhausting shift at the restaurant when they got a text from luara, who was absent that day. Though they did intend to call her after the close of the day, the message came to both phones before the shift ended.
Laura: Could you guys wait at our spot? I got news for both of you."
The dinner rush was over, and they waited for Laura. She hadn't shown up for her shift that day. Only a frantic message saying she needed to speak with them both was all they heard from her.
"So, do you know why Laura wants to speak to us?" Amy asked, leaning her back against the rough bark.
"I don't know. I thought you guys were closer?" Ken replied.
"She didn't say anything. I was hoping you had a clue."
"I don't." Ken paused, looking at the restaurant's glowing sign from afar. "Oh, I did chat with Emily today, like you guys suggested."
"Really?" Amy's eyes lit up, her inner gossip-hound instantly alert.
"Yeah. I didn't get any info about their past, though. What I do know is that she's fun to chat with. Carefree, cheerful... a normal girl."
"If that's the case, then why is Mikael running from her?" Amy mused.
"That's what I'm trying to figure out. He bailed on me today. He was supposed to meet me for lunch, but as soon as he saw me with Emily, he vanished."
"Wait—he actually saw you with her?"
"I believe so," Ken said, his voice dropping. "I don't know their past, but it couldn't have ended well if he's still this terrified of her. I fear... he might have done something wrong to her."
Amy went silent. She wasn't a relationship expert, but she knew that secrets were the poison that killed a romance faster than anything else. "Ken..." she whispered.
"Huh?"
"I think you should just ask him," she said firmly. "You're going behind his back to find out about his past. It's a breach of trust on your end, too. If it bothers you, ask him directly."
Ken stayed silent. He wasn't desperate for the answers, but the curiosity was a dull ache in his chest. He needed to know if the man he loved was the hero he claimed to be or the villain in Emily's story. "Alright. I'll ask him."
"Hey guys!"
A voice shrieked from across the park. It was Laura, running toward them in a bright yellow gown and cute bunny shoes.
"Oh, she's here," Amy said as Laura skidded to a halt.
"You look beautiful as always, Laura," Ken said, standing up to give her a hug. Laura smiled brightly, like the morning sun, but the light didn't quite reach her eyes.
"So, why the mystery? Why did you want to see us?" Ken asked.
The smile faltered. She took a seat on the grass, smoothing out her gown. "Guys... I have good news and bad news."
"Good news first," Ken and Amy said in unison.
Laura sighed. "Well... the good news is, I got into my dream school."
"No way!" They both screamed, pulling her into another group hug. "That's amazing!"
"So what's the bad news?" Ken asked after the excitement settled.
"It's in Europe," Laura replied.
There was a beat of silence as the realization set in. "Wait... does that mean you're leaving?" Ken asked, the words feeling like a brick in his stomach.
"Yeah. I have to leave in two weeks. That's why I had to tell you now."
"I can't believe it," Ken whispered. "It's going to be so quiet around here without you."
"I'm going to miss you guys so much," Laura said, her voice cracking. "We'll call and text, but it won't be the same."
Amy, ever the one to fix a mood, jumped in. "You know what? Let's have a 'together time' on Saturday morning. Just the three of us. No drama, no boys, no work."
"I'm in," Ken said immediately.
"Me too!" Laura added. "Meet at my house at 9:00 AM on Saturday."
"Deal," Ken said, hugging them both one last time.
Later that evening, as Ken walked home to prep for his late shift at the club, his phone buzzed.
Mikael: Hey Bae, how are you doing?
Speak of the devil, Ken thought. He stopped under a streetlamp and began to type.
Ken: I'm good. Can we talk?
In his bedroom across town, Mikael was sipping a soda when the message appeared. He choked, coughing the liquid across his desk. He had known this was coming. He had known the moment he saw Ken and Emily together that the clock was ticking.
He stared at the screen. If he said 'yes,' the interrogation began. If he said 'no,' he looked guilty. He was trapped. He took a deep breath, his heart hammering. Better to face the storm now than let it wash me away later.
Mikael: Sure... is there a problem?
Ken: I've been meaning to ask a question that keeps bothering me. I know I should trust you, but you aren't giving me a reason to.
Mikael's hands trembled. This wasn't just about Emily; this felt deeper. Was Ken onto something else? What do I say that won't make this worse? Mikael thought. I promised no more lies. He deserves the truth.
Mikael: Did I do something wrong? If I did, let me know. I'll change it immediately if it upsets you.
Mikael watched the status change to 'Typing...' He felt like he was standing on a trapdoor. Then, the message popped up, and the floor dropped out from under him.
Ken: Who is Emily, and why does your mom say you're engaged?