The Love Receipt (English)

Chapter 8

It's been two weeks, and Sunny is still exploiting my mail. I thought she was going to stop because the last thing I want to do right now is take care of the house in Minnesota. Liam is worse than ever, drinking and disappearing all night. He sleeps when I wake up and has a beer when I have tea.

Visiting Steven's shop feels like an impossible task. I can't bring myself to look him in the eye after what he told me. Admitting that he's right, that alcohol seemed normal to me all my life, that I never saw my dad sober, is a bitter pill to swallow. I don't consider myself an addict; I can go a day without whiskey. In fact, since my talk with Steven, I haven't had a drop. But Liam can't seem to stop.

I try to push away everything he told me, ignore the fact that he was at my home, that he remembers where I live, and that it's been two weeks, yet he hasn't come over. He remembered, after all these 8 years, the path to my house. The path we always took when we had a group project and did it at home, reluctantly and with hateful looks. I try to ignore that he is the most intelligent and handsome man I have ever met, and that terrifies me.

Shifting my focus to another subject; Aaron Ahori. 33 years old, lazy, and seductive. Not the most handsome Ahori; that's something I am realizing now. But he's okay.

However, he is not okay. Something is off about him. His aura was weird the time I met him. "There is something peculiar: Why did Steven's dad leave his seemingly dull shop to his youngest son, the one with the promising future? Sorry, but that shop is empty all the time.

Then there's that moment when he kissed my temple; why would he do that? I am so confused. I just want to lie down in bed forever; not thinking about all this crap. But I need to work, or my boss is going to fire me.

I went down the stairs with a knot tightening in my stomach, unsure of what awaited me. Is Liam home? Is he drunk? Is he okay at all?

Surprisingly Liam is not in the Living room, but I can hear him moving around the kitchen. I take a look at myself in the mirror. Then I head back to the kitchen, relieved and praying for my brother to be having a proper breakfast, not beer or snacks.

When I enter the room, I am suddenly confused. Liam is standing, in front of the kitchen island, surrounded by a pile of unopened mail. His gaze is fixed on something he is holding in his hands, and a heavy atmosphere fills the room.

"What's going on, Liam?" I asked cautiously, eyeing the scattered letters.

He looked up, tears glistening in his eyes, and handed me an opened letter.

A lot of things cross my mind while I take the letter in my hands.

"Is Dad okay?" I ask, because it's the only thing I can think of. Maybe his new girlfriend emailed us this. Maybe he is dead. Or sick. Maybe Liam is crying because he knows where are all alone now.

Liam doesn't answer, he is just sobbing and looking at me with an expression I can't decipher.

I'm reading the letter right now, and it's definitely the last thing I wanted to read today. It's from Sunny.

Dear Jessica,

I hope this message finds you well. I apologize for reaching out this way, but after multiple attempts via email without a response, I felt it was crucial to inform you immediately about an exciting opportunity that has emerged for the sale of your mom's property.

I have recently received interest from a highly motivated and financially qualified buyer who has expressed a strong desire to acquire the beach house. This buyer is prepared to make a substantial offer, which could result in an excellent transaction for you.

Given the urgency of the situation, I urge you to consider the possibility of traveling here to proceed with the signing of the necessary documents. I truly believe this opportunity is unique, and time is of the essence.

Please let me know how you want to proceed.

Best regards,

Sunny.

Liam remained silent, his eyes fixed on me. The weight of the situation hung in the air; I need to talk or this is going to get worse. This was not how I pictured it. I should have answered the emails.

"Liam, I was planning on telling you this once you had to go back to the University. I am sorry you found out this way, i didn't mean to..." He's looking at me like I'm the worst person in the whole world. Surely, at this moment, I am.

His face twisted with a mix of emotions, and finally, he uttered, his voice trembling, "How could you do that?"