Page 44 of Stay With Me

We laugh, the sound weird after everything that has happened.

Young Jae turns on the seat warmer for me and we start the journey home.

“Are you going to read the letter?” he asks, reaching over to hold my hand.

Licking my lips, I stare at the manila folder in my lap. “One day.”

He squeezes.

“What about that savings? You could do almost anything you want with that. Add on to Perk Up. Explore the world.” His thumb strokes my hand as I ponder his question. He doesn’t press me and I know he’s asking out of curiosity and not because the money means anything to him.

“I don’t know. I guess leave it invested for now and sit with it. My life doesn’t have to change because of it, so I don’t want to be rash.” I smile at him, still a little in shock about the money and the ring. “Hey, do you have a safe or something I can put this in? I can’t see myself wearing it right now, and I want to keep it safe.”

He smiles at me. “Of course. I have a safe and I will give you the combination.”

“Thank you for being with me today. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

We’re quiet, my eyes growing heavy as the day fully catches up to me. Young Jae turns on the music as my head starts to bob, lifting my hand to kiss it as sleep takes me.

Chapter Twenty

Young Jae

Owenwasheshishandsbefore joining me at the table. He’s been working steadily on the closet and it should be done by the end of the day.

“I don’t know how you managed to hold it together. I may have tackled that woman.” He shakes his head, eyes blazing.

I just filled him in on what happened at the meeting with the lawyer. Elise has been quiet the past week since going, taking her time to process. It’s hard seeing her so withdrawn when she’s normally such a happy person.

“Trust me, if I wasn’t holding Elise’s hand, I probably would’ve done something to get kicked out. Watching her face as the lawyer read out everything being left to Elise was hilarious. I suspect the initial will she had him draw up when they were together didn’t list any of that.” At least she no longer has any reason to reach out to Elise.

Serving myself some pasta, I pass the bowl to Owen. We’re silent for a bit, both in our own heads as we eat.

“Adeline is a little worried about her. She said she’s been pretty quiet in their group chat.” Owen looks up at me, searching my expression.

Sighing, I set my fork down and lean back. “Here too. I’ve been trying to give her space to sort through her feelings, but I do plan on talking to her. I’ve got her.”

“I know you do. That’s what I told Adeline. She just worries, she knows what it’s like having horrible people try to manipulate and dictate.” Owen taps on the table. “Do you think that wife of his will show up in town? Try to intimidate Elise into giving up what her father left her?”

Shaking my head, I scoff. “No. She doesn’t seem like the type to get her hands dirty. Besides, she wasn’t left destitute. She’s probably living the high life trying to find her next wealthy husband.”

He grunts in disgust. A sentiment I second.

It boggles my mind that someone would keep a child from their parent’s funeral, adult or not. The days since then have been quiet. Elise comes home from work, we eat dinner and she cleans up, then she cuddles me on the couch until it’s time for bed. We’ve talked a little, but not the way we normally do. It’s been hard, but she needs me to be a quiet presence and that’s what I will do.

We finish eating in silence, both of our minds occupied before he heads back upstairs with a promise to be done by the end of the day and an offer to help rally around Elise if we need.

Owen finishes the closet just as Elise is walking in the door. Kimchi greets her like normal, bouncing around and wriggling, waiting for the cue to come forward. Elise bends down, her smile looking a little more genuine today. She picks Kimchi up, holding her close.

“Just in time, Owen was going to show me our new closet.” I gesture for her to go first.

She sets Kimchi down, surprise crossing her face. “It’s done already?”

“That’s what happens when you hire the best.” He smirks, leading the way into the primary bedroom. “I will stay and help Young Jae move the furniture back to its space, but I vacuumed, mopped, and dusted everything too.”

Elise stares, stunned. “Wow. You really didn’t have to do that.”

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