Chapter 28
Laurel pov
We got home a little past 7 p.m.
The moment the car stopped, Eric sprang out and rushed to the back seat, carrying the groceries and some of the bags before I could even open my door. I took the rest and followed him inside.
He dropped everything on the kitchen counter and immediately began bringing out the food items we would need to cook poutine.
"You are going to love it," he said proudly as he tied an apron around his waist and turned on the stove.
I assisted him, mostly with the basic things, while we talked and laughed about the attendant at the mall who thought we were dating.
"I mean, how did she think we were dating?" Eric said, offended.
"I don't know," I replied, walking over to get my phone. " Is the Food ready?"
He pointed a spoon at me dramatically.
"Almost."
I nodded. "I'll take the clothes to the third room first."
He paused and turned to me.
"I thought we were arranging the bags today."
"No, Eric," I replied. "It is late, and I seriously did not plan all that today."
He nodded and I carried the bags full of clothes upstairs.
A few minutes later, his voice echoed from downstairs.
"Big sis! Food is served!"
"I'm coming!"
I returned to the dining area and pulled out a chair.
"Looks good," I said.
I took a bite.
The warmth, the crisp fries, the gravy, the cheese it was comforting in a way I did not expect.
"This is seriously good," I said.
He smiled proudly.
"Thank you. But I learned from the best."
We ate quietly for a while.
Then suddenly he looked up.
"Big sis… what are your plans for tomorrow?"
"Simple," I replied. "I'll turn in my resignation letter, carry my important things from the office, then go to the embassy to collect the ticket, then come home."
His eyes lit up.
"That means I have to follow you to work, right?"
"Maybe," I said.
He grinned.
"Thank you for everything, Laurel."
I smiled faintly.
"You're welcome."
The dishes were done by him, despite my protests, and afterward he stretched and yawned.
"I need to sleep early to prepare for tomorrow morning."
I nodded.
"Goodnight."
The moment I heard his bedroom door close, I brought out my laptop and began writing my resignation letter.
A few minutes later, I was done.
I stared at the screen for a long time.
Then I remembered the first day I returned to Canada and walked into Fairing Oil and Gas with nothing but a letter from my uncle and a mind of determination.
So much had happened.
So many things had changed.
Now I was leaving in just two days.
I printed the letter, turned off the lights, and went to bed.
The next morning came cold and pale.
I woke early and went straight to Eric's room.
I gently shook him.
"Hey. Wake up. We are going early."
He struggled against sleep, groaning into the pillow, but still forced himself awake.
"Go and dress up."
We got to the office before almost everyone else.
The building was still quiet, the halls half-lit, the silence carrying the weight of routine before the rush began.
As I walked into my office with Eric, I brought out a carton so I could pack my things.
Awards.
Files.
Frames.
Books.
Pieces of a life I had built.
Through the glass walls, I saw employees arriving one by one.
People I had worked beside.
People who had watched me make difficult decisions and survive them.
I sighed.
"I'll be right back," I said.
I walked out and headed to HR.
The woman at the desk smiled when she saw me.
"Good morning."
"Good morning," I replied, placing the envelope on her desk.
She looked at it.
"What is this?"
I said nothing.
So she opened it herself.
Her expression changed immediately.
"Laurel, we can"
"No," I cut in gently. "I have made up my mind. The CEO already knows."
She stood and extended her hand.
"It was nice working with you, Laurel."
I shook it once.
Then I turned and walked back to my office.
Eric had already packed most of it.
Two boxes now sat near the door, filled with awards and important things.
"You good?" he asked.
I smiled more than I expected.
"More than ever."
He picked up one box.
I carried the other.
As we stepped outside the office, I saw Jason and Madison walking toward me.
Madison had a letter in her hand.
"This is 8 a.m., Laurel."
"Yes," I said calmly. "I just turned in my resignation letter."
She raised the paper slightly.
"Did you do this?"
I nodded once.
Then I looked at her.
"You deserve it. You worked hard. Congratulations, Madison."
Her lips parted, but no words came immediately.
Then she smiled.
Yet behind the smile, pain stood like a shield in her eyes.
Jason looked at me like he still hoped I would say it was all a joke.
Neither of them spoke for a moment.
Then both of them stepped forward and hugged me tightly.
"Bye, Laurel," they said, voices breaking.
"Okay, that's enough," I said, laughing softly. "Let me go. I can't breathe."
They laughed through their tears.
I stepped away.
Then I walked past them, leaving behind the life I once lived.
But not without looking back.
We got to the car and placed the boxes inside.
As I was about to enter, Eric spoke quietly.
"You are so strong, Laurel. If it were me, I don't think I would be able to do it."
I smiled faintly.
"Life is too short to remain camped in one place."
He nodded.
"So… to the embassy now?"
"Yes."
I started the car.
We got to the embassy, handled everything smoothly, then drove back home.
The entire ride back, the city looked strangely different.
Maybe because I already knew I was leaving it.
"There is so much work to get done," I said as I carried the boxes inside.
Immediately, I began arranging everything.
"Eric, please bring the clothes we bought yesterday. And please arrange your bags."
He nodded and went upstairs.
For the next few hours, the house became movement.
Closets opening.
Zippers closing.
Shoes sorted.
Documents checked.
Suitcases lined neatly by the wall.
When we were finally done, Eric walked out of his room and held his stomach dramatically.
"Laurel… I'm hungry."
"Order pizza," I said.
He nodded immediately.
The delivery man arrived not long after, and Eric rushed to collect it like a child.
Now the bags were arranged.
Everything was clean.
Everything was ready.
While eating, he looked around the house.
"So… what are you going to do with this house?"
"I don't know yet."
He nodded thoughtfully.
Then he asked casually,
"Is Nicholas coming to pick us?"
I looked at him.
"No. Seo Hee will be picking us at the airport. I'll text her before getting on the plane."
His face dropped instantly.
I narrowed my eyes.
"What happened?"
"Nothing."
"You thought you were hiding that?"
He sighed.
"I'm happy. It's just… being the only boy between you two."
I smirked.
"You never complained about that before."
"No," he said quietly. "Maybe because I'm way too happy… and nervous."
I looked at him.
"Why nervous?"
He leaned back and smiled softly.
"Another life starts tomorrow, Laurel."
He glanced at the packed bags near the wall.
"And this one includes you."
His smile deepened.
"It looks so perfect."
I stared at him for a moment.
Then I realized something that made my chest tighten.
For all the things life had taken from us…
It was finally giving something back.