Lola was told there would be a short farewell celebration because Penny and her family had to fly back ho. This ti, Atlas kept it simple. Aside from the feast on the table—enough to feed a battalion—there weren’t any other decorations.
The twins happily played with their little cousins, knowing it would be a while before they saw them again. anwhile, the adults ate to their hearts’ content—especially Penny. It was just a casual dinner with so wine, and since Lola had already spent ti with them, she felt comfortable around everyone.
"I’ll probably visit you next ti," Lola said as she and Penny grabbed more drinks in the kitchen while the n were outside on the patio with the children. "It’s been years since I’ve been to Anteca, anyway."
"If you do visit, just let know. I’ll prepare a banquet for you, and we’ll throw a huge party."
"Like this one?"
"This is not a party—let alone a huge one."
"But the food looks like it could feed an entire community."
"There’s a community here, didn’t you see?"
"Right." Lola raised her brows briefly, watching Penny idle against the counter. "What?"
"Big sis, are you sure you’re going to be fine here?" Penny asked sincerely. "I already know your answer, but I still want to ask. Maybe you should take a short break and co with us to Anteca. I’ll make sure it’s a complete vacation for you. I’ll give you free therapy too."
Lola pressed her lips together, a small smile tugging at the corners. "Thank you, but it’s a crucial ti for my company. I’ve just gone public, and I’ll be joining our first bidding here in Novera. Even though I have trusted clients and upcoming projects, it’s a tough field. Everyone wants a piece of it—including ."
"I see." Penny rocked her head, rubbing her hands as if weighing whether to speak her thoughts. Lola studied the cute smile on her face before leaning back against the counter.
"Penny," Lola said solemnly. "I’ll be fine, and your brother will be fine as well. We will be fine. I know you spent more ti with him than , but he’s not what you think. If anything, Atlas is caring, loving, and thoughtful."
Penny blinked as Lola’s lips curled upward.
"Even I’m surprised at how he makes feel seen and heard—and how much of a gentleman he is," she continued. "As you know, I have a lot of reservations in life. I don’t necessarily guard my heart, but I protect it from getting hurt. So, many tis, I’ve been stubborn to the point of idiocy."
A soft chuckle escaped her. "But your brother is teaching sothing no one ever taught until now: transparency. And... trust in soone completely."
Lola had trusted many people in her life. Yet all of them broke that trust without a second thought. The only one who never did was Loren, her mother. Everyone else taught her a harsh lesson—never trust soone completely.
That was why, even with people like Silo, she never shared everything. She never told him she had once been pregnant. The sa went for Amala, Haji, and everyone else.
None of them knew certain things about her. That was how she protected herself all these years. It was also why she had reservations and was reluctant to fully open up to Atlas—or even the twins. Because she always knew she was risking heartbreak.
"But he listens... and he understands," she whispered, smiling faintly with her eyes lowered. "It gives confidence in so many things. He’s making embrace not just myself, but everything about ."
Slowly, Lola looked up and t Penny’s eyes again. "So don’t worry about us breaking up. If it happens, it’ll be him dumping , not the other way around."
Penny just stared at her, her nose scrunching up as if she hadn’t heard Lola’s last remark.
"Big sis, are we talking about the sa Atlas Bennet?" she asked curiously. "Sounds like a different person."
Lola burst out laughing. "I’ll let you know when we’re getting married."
"Wow." Penny’s eyes went wide, everything else forgotten. "Really?"
"Really." Lola nodded. "Just hang on a little, okay?"
Penny slowly clasped her hands, her expression glowing as if she were staring at an angel.
"I think... this is what people an when they say not all heroes wear capes," she blurted softly. "I love you. No, I really love you—words aren’t enough to tell you how much. I’ll be forever your fan, your slave, your partner in cri, and your ally."
That sounded more like a proposal.
Lola bit her tongue and smiled at Penny, whose eyes sparkled. She could practically hear the wedding bells ringing in Penny’s head. In the end, Lola stayed quiet, just keeping her smile while watching her.
She really is the youngest. Still cute until now.
*****
The next day...
Penny, her husband Zoren, and their children settled into their seats on a private plane. He glanced at her, catching her side profile as she stared out the window, lost in thought.
"They’ll be fine," Zoren said reassuringly. "Did you see them earlier when they left the departure area?"
He recalled Lola and Atlas walking away after dropping them off, the twins between them. Just watching them hold their children’s hands—while the twins held each other’s—was a warm, emotional sight of a complete family.
"They all looked satisfied," he added, turning back to Penny. "And complete."
Penny smiled at him. "I know. My brother’s in good hands. I’m just grateful the heavens listened to our prayers. I’ve never seen First Brother that happy."
" too," Zoren agreed. Atlas wasn’t suddenly smiling or laughing all the ti. He still looked the sa. But whenever his eyes fell on Lola and the children, one could see the quiet satisfaction and contentnt there.
"Best of all?" Penny’s smirk returned. "They’re going to get married soon!"
Her grin stretched until her eyes squinted, while Zoren’s lips curved upward as well. This ti, they knew they didn’t need to nag Lola anymore. She would marry Atlas—whatever her reasons.
Because even though they knew Lola and Atlas would be fine, Penny was still baffled about why Lola would date her brother in the first place.
"I feel sorry for her."
Zoren nodded. "Her sacrifice will always be rembered."
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