Moonlit Mountain (Caleb and Sarah)

"The Remains of Summer) Chapter 15

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She stayed over, as she often did. After saying goodnight to Liam, Amelia scrolled through social media.

A video caught her attention.

[Former CEO Ethan Carter steps down amidst personal scandal. His half- brother, lan Carter, takes the reins, vowing to rebuild Carter Corp.]

Amelia paused.

Shortly after she'd left, Ethan and Chloe's affair had become public. The scandal had reached even New Zealand, impacting Carter Corp's global operations, forcing them to shut down many branches, including the one here. She'd expected to feel a sense of triumph, of vindication, but she'd felt nothing. Ethan was already a stranger to her.

She scrolled past the video, her eyelids growing heavy.

The next morning, Liam had breakfast waiting. After she'd eaten, he handed

her an invitation.

"What's this?"

"A Mid-Autumn Festival gala. The local Chinese community is hosting it.

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Everyone in town got an invitation"

"Go if you'd like. Or not*

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He hesitated. He knew she preferred quiet evenings. He'd hoped she'd make

some friends, but he'd forgotten her aversion to crowds.

Amelia asked, "Are you going?"

Liam smiled. "I'm happy either way."

Amelia fingered the invitation. She craved connection, but she'd been so

careful since faking her death, avoiding any situation where she might be recognized, her secret revealed. She'd even designed her café with a small takeout window, her face hidden from customers.

She bit her lip, forcing a smile. "Sorry, Liam. I don't think I can make it."

Liam nodded understandingly. They chatted a bit longer before he walked her home.

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Amelia ate mooncakes Liam

had brought earlier, gazing at the full moon. It had been a long time since she'd celebrated the holiday. As a child, before her parents' divorce, it had been her favorite time of year, second only to New Year's. Her father would fly home

from overseas, and her mother would prepare a feast.

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Later, Ethan had always made time for her, no matter how busy he was.

Until he'd started spending it with Chloe.

She rubbed her tired eyes, finishing the last mooncake. As she stood to clear

the table, the doorbell rang-

Liam stood on her doorstep. "Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, Hope."