Chapter 45

Demi had taken the video from the highest point. Through it, I saw the amusement park, all lit up. It didn't look too bad, but the base color of the lights was completely different from the design plan. Originally, the lights were supposed to be a gradient of blue, like the ocean at night turning into dawn. Now, it was just a solid blue—a deep, heavy blue. The color was rich, but it lacked soul.

“Demi, this is the overall view,” I asked. “Any idea if it’s a construction issue or a problem with the lighting supplier? Have you talked to both parties? What did they say?”

“The construction team insists they followed the specs, and the manufacturer says the lights meet our requirements,” Demi replied, clearly frustrated. “No one’s admitting fault, so I’m totally clueless about where the problem is.”

“Keira, please come back,” Demi pleaded. “I can’t handle this alone, and I know you don’t want this kind of mess for the amusement park you’ve put so much effort into.”

“Okay, I’ll come back,” I agreed without hesitation.

After ending the call, I booked a flight. Soon after, Demi sent me detailed aerial footage, and it was clear the problems were serious. Early the next morning, I packed my bags for my nine o'clock flight.

“Keira, you’re up so early. Yoga again?” Macy asked, seeing me. For the past few days, I’d been practicing yoga in the yard, and Macy always warned me not to hurt myself.

“No, I’m leaving,” I said, walking up to her.

Macy was stunned. “But you said you’d stay longer,” she mumbled.

“There’s a problem with a project at my company that I need to handle,” I explained. “Once it’s sorted out, I might come back to visit you,” I added, though I wasn’t making any promises. I’d be leaving Jace’s company, but I still needed to work to support myself.

“Go ahead,” she said. “Everyone leaves eventually. Except for me, who can’t go anywhere.” Her words resonated deeply.

Then a bold idea sparked. “Why don’t you come with me?”

Macy was surprised. “You want to take me with you?”

“Yeah, come see the bustling city of Seavora,” I said with a genuine smile, excited at the thought. Over the past few days, she’d started feeling like a grandmother to me.

Macy shook her head. “I can’t go. I’m too old, my legs are weak, and I’d only slow you down.”

“You wouldn’t be a burden, Macy. Please, just for a few days,” I begged, clutching her arm.

She gave me a soft look. “Thanks for thinking of me, but I’m staying here. If you ever have time, come back and visit.”

Her words stung my eyes. I hugged her tight. “Macy, I’ll miss you.”

“Miss me? You should be thinking about Hayden,” Macy said, breaking my sentimental moment. “He’s such a good guy, and you drove him away.”

“Did Hayden leave because I rejected him? Because I don’t like him that way?”

Before I could answer, Macy patted my hand. “Keira, Hayden is a good guy. Think it over.”

“Alright,” I agreed.