Chapter 26: Aelira’s Decision
Aelira stood hesitantly outside Arthur’s cabin, her heart racing. After her encounter with Richard Langston, she felt cornered and conflicted. She finally mustered the courage to enter.
Arthur looked up from his desk, surprised. “Aelira? What’s wrong?”
She took a deep breath, avoiding his gaze. “Arthur... I want to quit this job. I’m going back to Nancy’s restaurant.”
Arthur immediately stood, his brow furrowing. “Did my father talk to you? Did he say something?”
She shook her head quickly. “No, it’s not that. I just... I don’t feel like I belong here anymore.”
Arthur walked closer, his voice soft but firm. “Don’t go, Aelira. Don’t leave me.”
His words and the way he looked at her made her heart ache, but she forced a small smile and pulled her hand away. “This is for the best.”
Before Arthur could stop her, she turned and left.
---
On Her Way Back
As Aelira walked through the bustling streets, her thoughts swirled with memories of Arthur. A passing couple caught her eye—a young man pleading with his girlfriend, holding her hands tightly. Their dynamic mirrored her situation with Arthur, and it made her chest tighten.
“Why does this human keep haunting my thoughts?” she muttered to herself.
As if the universe conspired against her, a passing breeze carried a familiar cologne. Arthur’s scent. It triggered a flood of memories, and she shook her head, trying to push them away.
Unable to contain herself, she teleported back to Nancy’s restaurant, needing the comfort of familiarity.
---
At Nancy’s Restaurant
Nancy spotted her the moment she appeared. “Aelira! Why are you here so early? Shouldn’t you be at work?”
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Aelira sighed, dropping onto a chair. “I quit. I’m back here now.”
Nancy raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. “Well, welcome back, I guess. We’re about to get busy.”
---
Meanwhile, at Arthur’s Office
Arthur sat at his desk, his thoughts consumed by Aelira’s sudden departure. Edwin entered with a stack of files, glancing around.
“Hey, where’s Aelira?”
Arthur barely looked up. “She quit.”
Edwin frowned. “What? Why?”
Before Arthur could respond, Astron barged in. “Where is she?”
Arthur sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “She left, Astron. I don’t know why.”
Astron slammed his hands on the desk. “Don’t lie to me, Arthur! Did you or Dad do something to her?”
Arthur’s voice dropped, laced with frustration. “I didn’t do anything.”
Astron glared at him before storming out. “You’d better fix this.”
---
Aelira’s Busy Day
The restaurant was abuzz with activity when Astron arrived later that day. He found Aelira in the middle of preparing orders.
“Aelira, come back to the office,” he said, leaning against the counter.
She didn’t even look up. “No, thank you. I’m perfectly happy here.”
Astron sighed, sitting down at a nearby table. “Suit yourself. I’ll just stay here for a while.”
Later that day, a massive order arrived: 1,000 coffees and 600 burgers. Nancy’s eyes widened as she read the ticket. “This is insane! Aelira, we’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Aelira grumbled, checking the delivery address. Her eyes narrowed. “Arthur’s office? Seriously? Is this his way of annoying me?”
Astron smirked. “Looks like my brother really misses you.”
Aelira rolled her eyes. “If he misses me so much, he can come here and flip burgers himself.”
---
Arthur’s Plan Flops
Nancy delivered the massive order herself, much to Arthur’s disappointment. He had been hoping to see Aelira again, but his plan had failed.
“She didn’t come,” he muttered to himself, sitting back in his chair.
---
A Surprise at the Restaurant
The next day, the restaurant was booked out for a private event. Nancy and Aelira bustled about, setting up tables and preparing for the mysterious guest.
When a sleek black car pulled up outside, Aelira froze. Arthur stepped out, dressed sharply, and walked into the restaurant with purpose.
He took a seat and looked directly at Nancy. “I’d like Aelira to prepare my meal.”
Nancy glanced at Aelira, who stood stunned behind the counter. “She’s not much of a cook, you know.”
Arthur smiled. “That’s fine. I’ll take my chances.”
Aelira huffed, donning an apron and marching into the kitchen. “Fine, if he wants me to cook, he’ll regret it.”
What ensued was a culinary disaster: burnt vegetables, overcooked pasta, and a nearly ruined sauce. Arthur entered the kitchen, laughing softly at the chaos.
“Let me help,” he said, rolling up his sleeves.
“You? Cook?” Aelira asked incredulously.
“Watch and learn.”
Together, they prepared a simple but edible meal. Arthur took his plate, satisfied not with the food but with the time spent near her.
---
Arthur’s Confession to His Doctor Friend
Back at the office, Arthur’s doctor friend dropped by for a check-up.
“You’ve been looking distracted lately,” the doctor noted. “What’s going on?”
Arthur sighed, staring out the window. “She’s gone. She left me.”
The doctor frowned. “Aelira? Why?”
Arthur shook his head. “I don’t know. My father might’ve said something. But I can’t stop thinking about her.”
The doctor leaned forward. “Arthur, she’s the one who brought light back into your life. You’re smiling again, laughing again. Don’t let her slip away.”
---
The Doctor’s Visit to Aelira
Determined to help his friend, the doctor visited the restaurant to speak with Aelira directly.
“You must be Aelira,” he said, smiling warmly.
She looked up, surprised. “Do I know you?”
“I’m Arthur’s friend. I came here to ask why you left him.”
Aelira looked away, guilt flashing across her face. “It’s... complicated.”
The doctor’s tone softened. “He’s not the same without you. You’ve changed him, Aelira. For the better. And I think he’s changed you too.”
She hesitated, his words stirring something in her.
“Think about it,” he said, standing to leave. “You make him happy. Don’t let fear hold you back.”
Aelira watched him go, her heart conflicted. Could she really abandon Arthur? Or had she already gone too far to turn back?