Unpredictable Connection

45. Threads of Us

3rd person's POV:

As they reached the villa, Engfa stepped out first. The place was familiar to her—she had spent countless weekends here, each corner etched into her memory. But for Becky and Char, it was all new, every brick holding a mystery yet to be explored. As for Freen, she hadn't visited this place in years. It was a place she once longed to see, yet forgot because of the memories she lost. But today, she was here again—fully herself, with every piece of her memory stitched back into place.

And she was happy. Happier than she had been in a long time.

Engfa opened the car door for Char and extended her hand with a teasing smile.
"Here, princess," she said.

Char chuckled softly before stepping out, and just then, a woman came running out of the villa—her presence bright, a soft breeze trailing behind her. This was Heidi, someone Char and Becky had only heard about in passing, never meeting her until now.

Heidi's eyes glowed as she pulled Freen into a warm, eager hug.
"Now it actually feels like I'm hugging my would-be sister-in-law," she teased.

Engfa crossed her arms and cleared her throat, her eyebrow arching in playful reprimand, reminding Heidi that Freen wasn't the only one to consider. Heidi laughed, releasing Freen, before pulling Engfa into an embrace too. Engfa hugged her back tightly, a genuine, rare softness in her smile.

Becky and Char exchanged curious glances, watching the warm, beautiful woman before them, silently acknowledging that she was unlike anyone they had imagined.

When Heidi finally released the hug, Engfa pulled Char closer, her grin brightening as she turned to Heidi. Heidi raised a brow, eyes twinkling.
"So, you're the girl, huh? Engfa talks a lot about you."

Char's cheeks bloomed pink as she nodded, and the two shook hands, sharing a knowing smile. Then Heidi's gaze shifted, landing on Becky, pausing.

"Rebecca?" Heidi's tone carried both surprise and familiarity.

Becky's breath caught as she nodded, the air stilling for a brief moment. Freen and Engfa both turned to her, confusion and curiosity reflecting in their eyes.

"You know her?" they asked in unison.

Heidi hummed, extending her hand toward Becky with a soft laugh.
"Why wouldn't I know the sister of Richard Armstrong? I've seen her at parties years ago. Same facial structure. It's hard to forget."

Engfa blinked before letting out a small, amused scoff, rolling her eyes.
"And for a year, she stuck around us, and we never even knew her last name. We're such fools."

Heidi chuckled, "You three sisters really are fools."

Freen and Engfa looked momentarily offended, but Heidi simply pulled them all gently toward the villa's entrance as the scent of rain touched the air. Char and Becky giggled as they followed, while Heidi added lightly,
"Don't look offended. I'm only telling the truth. You three are always too blind to notice the obvious."

Freen and Engfa shared a knowing glance. They couldn't deny it. They really were oblivious when it came to the simplest truths.

Inside, the comforting scent of old wood and lavender welcomed them as they made their way upstairs. Mrs. Chankima was already there, sitting beside Serena, while Noey introduced Irin to her. Serena's smirk held the same playful sharpness it always had.

"It feels like in these years, all my sisters found their partners," Serena drawled, glancing around. "So, is everyone a lesbian here, or is anyone still straight?"