Unfading Shadows [2]

28

Hi lovelies ~

Be ready, it's happening... 💔

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As Luke rang Miray's aunt's doorbell and stood by his sister's side, his heart ached. The thought of leaving her behind unsettled him deeply, as he yearned to keep her by his side and comfort her by himself.

He wished he was still enough for her as he used to be... But Miray persisted, determined to stay at her aunt's house, leaving Luke no choice but to give up as he didn't want to upset her further.

It was a difficult decision, but he respected her wishes and let her choose what made her feel most comfortable.

"Oh, hey," Emir greeted with a smile, but it quickly faded as he took in the sight of Miray's red, puffy eyes and her visibly distressed state. He cleared his throat, realizing the need to tread carefully. "Come in," he invited, making an effort not to pry or ask questions that might make her feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.

Just as they made it to the living room, Emir's mom stood, her concern evident as she addressed her niece. "Mira? Oh, sweetheart, what happened?" she asked, her worry palpable as she stood up and approached them.

Miray's reaction caught her off guard as the younger girl immediately jumped into her embrace, tightly wrapping her arms around her and sobbing uncontrollably against her chest, seeking comfort in her aunt's loving presence.

Allison hugged Miray back, casting a questioning look at Luke. "What happened?" she asked, concerned, as Miray continued to cry without offering an explanation.

All eyes were fixed on Luke now, their collective gaze conveying an expectation for an explanation. Jasmine and her husband were also there, and they also directed their attention towards Luke.

Aylin stood by her cousin's side, offering comfort through gentle back rubs while observing Luke with a curious expression.

Luke stood tall in the small living room, projecting an image of strength and masculinity. However, beneath his composed exterior, he was feeling distressed and slightly embarrassed as he offered a vague explanation of what had happened.

He hated being questioned, but he knew they had a right to at least know what upset their cousin.

"Why am I not even surprised?" Jasmine's anger flared as she interjected, her voice laced with frustration. "Of course, it's Vince!" she exclaimed with annoyance, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Frustrated, she swept her hair back, expressing her exasperation. "He's always acting like he owns her life or something! It's so annoying and totally not acceptable." She vented, releasing the pent-up resentment she held towards Vince.

Luke's jaw tightened at Jasmine's derogatory comments about his brother. However, he chose to remain calm and composed, understanding that getting into an argument would only escalate the situation and further distress Miray.

"Don't s-say that," Miray hiccuped, her voice trembling as she pulled away from her aunt's embrace and looked at her cousin disappointingly. She hated hearing anyone speak negatively or criticize Vince or any of her brothers.

They were her brothers, not theirs.

As Jasmine prepared to respond once more, Alison shot her a look that silently conveyed the message to hold back and remain calm.