Seated on the couch at the Hoxton apartment, Elsa gazed at the list of provisions for the Spring Orphanage. The remaining money left behind by Jordin had inspired her to give back to the children, especially since Aunt Madison had already gifted her a life-changing one million dollars. Elsa simply wanted to do something kind.
Deciding on a massive grocery and supply run, she sat down with her laptop, checked online, and successfully arranged to rent a large transport bus to carry the heavy load.
After a few days of meticulous planning, the shopping was complete. The bus was packed to the brim with everything the orphanage could possibly need: fresh food, snacks, kitchen provisions, hygiene essentials, clothing, bedding, and a rich assortment of educational and learning materials.
Arriving at the Spring Orphanage, Elsa went inside to inform the staff. When they spotted her, their faces lit up—they had watched her grow up here.
"Oh, Elsa, is that you?" asked Michelle, stepping forward. Michelle was the warm-hearted counselor who attended to visitors and worked closely with the children.
"Yes, Aunty Michelle," Elsa said, smiling brightly at the older woman, remembering her to be a kind older woman.
Michelle beamed, happy to see her looking so well. "I am very happy to see you, Elsa. How have you been?"
"I'm very good, Aunty," Elsa replied. Michelle led her to a quiet seating area so they could catch up.
"And how are you doing aunty?" Elsa asked.
"I'm good, enjoying my time here at the orphanage," Michelle smiled. She always loved the spring season; it was a time when the orphanage routinely received enormous generous donations, provisions, financial aid, and kind-hearted sponsors.
"How about Lucy? How is she doing?"
"Lucy is fine," Elsa answered carefully, choosing not to mention that her sister had gone to visit their aunt in another city—a long story she wasn't ready to tell.
"Okay," Michelle said, mentally recalling Lucy as a sensitive soul who tended to cry easily whenever homesick or missing familiar comforts. Though she didn't know the exact reasons behind all of Lucy's tears, Michelle had always fond memories of Elsa and Lucy sticking together like true sisters as they grew up. "It was always so good seeing the two of you together."
"Thank you aunty, Elsa said warmly.
Michelle smiles, "I see you brought some donations?" Michelle said.
"Yes. I received a lot of gifts lately and wanted to share the gifts with the orphanage," Elsa explained feeling glad she was using the money Jordin had given her to good use and feeling free from past mistake with Jordin Marson.
Michelle's eyes warmed with gratitude. "That is very lovely of you."
"Thank you aunty, Elsa said warmly.
The staff rushed out to unload the bus. Seeing the mountains of supplies, Michelle felt a wave of relief knowing the children would be well-provided for. Elsa felt a quiet sense of peace, glad she was putting Jordin's money to good use.
"It's wonderful seeing you, Elsa. Take good care of yourself, Michelle said warmly as they parted ways. "And tell Lucy I asked after her—remind her to take good care of herself, too."
"I will, Aunty Michelle," Elsa promised with a final smile before heading out. Behind her, the children were already cheering as they discovered the boxes of snacks and treats waiting for them.
Meanwhile, across the city, Elsa had focused her energy on a major personal milestone. Standing inside a spacious, beautiful two-story house, she listened as the property owner walked her through the rooms. Elsa inspected the bedrooms, the sleek modern bathrooms, and the wide, beautifully decorated living spaces. Everything felt bright, homely, and remarkably comfortable. Falling in love with the property right away, she signed the purchase agreement and received the keys.
Owning a home of her own felt surreal. With the property papers safely in hand, she headed back to her current place to begin packing her belongings, preparing for the upcoming transition into college life.
Over at the Alora Mansion, a quiet, relaxed evening was underway
at the Alora Mansion, Lucy sat in the parlor watching a movie with Avery.
"I am glad you don't have to stay on campus," Avery said happily. Lucy felt the same way; she preferred staying here with her aunt and Avery rather than living in a confined dormitory.
"I like it much better here at home," Lucy agreed.
Avery smiled. "We'll get to spend time together, though I'll be busy with my company." Avery owned a successful bespoke perfume company, having studied fragrance design out of a deep passion for scents.
"That's great. We'll both be busy—you with your company, and me with my studies," Lucy said.
"True," Avery agreed, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Still, we'll carve out plenty of fun time together—going out to eat, relaxing, and doing whatever we love."
"Definitely," Lucy nodded, and the two friends settled back into the movie.
Over at Winters Company, Catelyn sat on a couch staring at a portfolio document, lost in thought. In her heart, a heavy hollow feeling lingered. She wanted Silas back. It had been wrong of her to push him away and treat him coldly just to make him miserable. She knew Silas was mature, wise, and deeply faithful—a man who didn't give his heart lightly. No other woman could ever capture his interest, It had been a cruel impulse, and she knew it.
Impulsively, she picked up her phone from the table and dialed his number.
At Swayne Company, Silas sat in his ergonomic chair, having just finished an important meeting with prospective business partners. As he worked on testing new botanical ingredients for his upcoming wine line, his phone buzzed. Seeing Catelyn's name on the screen, a strange mixture of hurt, offense and lingering affection stirred in his chest. He answered the call.
"Hello, Silas. How are you?" Catelyn asked, soft and unmistakably happy to hear him. It was clear from her tone that she had missed him.
"I'm good, Catelyn. And you?" Silas asked flatly. Months had passed since their since that fateful encounter at the bar. He had never forced himself to call her after she made it clear she wanted nothing to do with him.
"Very good," she replied softly. "You must be at work."
"Yes," Silas answered.
"I've been very busy with work, too," Catelyn added, before asking awkwardly, "How are your family? Priscilla and Fred?"
"Mother and father are doing fine," Silas responded, keeping his answers deliberately brief. He was growing tired of the superficial pleasantrie and he wanted to end the call and return to his work. She had desperately wanted to ask him out for the weekend—to break the ice and find their way back to each other. But a sudden wave of self-doubt and the weight of her past actions choked the words in her throat.
"Bye, Silas. Take care of yourself," she whispered.
"Bye, Catelyn," Silas replied.
As the line went dead, Silas stared at his phone, frustration and hurt washing over him. Why had she cut him off with zero explanation or consideration for his feelings?
He rubbed his temples, recalling their history. He had met Catelyn back in high school,They had grown up together as high school friends before love blossomed between them. He was in love with her for her friendly, confident, and sweet nature—traits that had eventually blossomed into deep romantic love.