Chapter 20

Elise's pov;

The next morning arrived with a sense of anticipation as I diligently packed all my clothes, neatly folding each item and placing them into my luggage. Emerging from my room, burdened with the weight of my belongings, I saw Brian approaching me eagerly. However, his excitement was halted suddenly as his gaze fixed upon my bulging bag. Caught off guard, I frantically searched for an explanation as Brian, in his innocent curiosity, posed the question, “Are you going on a trip, Elise?”

Caught in a moment of hesitation, I began to formulate a response when Mr. Alarcon intervened with his typically blunt demeanor. His concise statement, “No. She's moving out,” cut through the tension with surgical precision. His ability to navigate such situations with smooth assertiveness was evident, though it left me pondering about the isolated existence he seemed to tolerate willingly. I questioned his need for such brusqueness, particularly in his interaction with the ever-inquisitive Br