40 Giselle struggles, Lillian's message

**At the same time - Giselle's residence**

Giselle's parents bid Goodbye, and they left. Though it was a small party, Giselle had to take care of everything. It did make her tired and restless. But she managed to host every single guest with care. Everyone, when they left, had invited Giselle to their place. She did address all of the guests but not in detail. We can say that she caught up with a brief chat.

As she sent off her parents, Giselle felt happy that she couldn't stop grinning.

Anna and Jake were able to notice it from the kitchen window. Anna felt slightly down. She had the responsibility of conveying Lillian's message if Giselle were to ask about Lillian. But so far, Giselle hadn't made a move. She wasn't even curious to know about Lillian Grey. It made Anna feel sorry for her best friend, Lillian.

'Maybe she moved on, guess, it's good for Lillian now. She can move on too,' - Anna thought to herself.

..

Anna decided to leave as soon as Giselle return inside. She informed Jake to be ready. Jake got almost drunk and appeared dizzy. Anna helped him to reach the dining table to sit down. She served water for Jake to sober up. It looks like Anna has to drive back home. She can't let Jake drive when he's inebriated. It could be dangerous. The couple waited in the dining room, waiting for Giselle to return.

A few minutes later, Giselle came back. Their whole apartment was in a mess, not in a critical way. There were glasses around many places. And the balloon decorations were messed up in the living room.

Giselle entered the kitchen with empty glasses on her hands. She saw Anna. For a moment, she completely forgot that she still had one last guest. It is because Giselle got indulged in sending off her parents that all went in her mind was about the rejoicing reunion of the family after years.

"Anna," Giselle called out in shock.

"I'm so sorry. It is getting late. What happened to Jake? Is he alright?" Giselle asked after noticing Anna's tipsy husband.

"He's fine, just a little drunk. Don't worry. I'm sober, and I'll be able to drive. We're just waiting to say goodbye," Anna replied.

There was a moment of awkwardness between Anna and Giselle. They both stood there looking at each other for a while until Anna started feeling uncomfortable. She could read that Giselle was anticipating something from her. Now, Anna was much confused. She decided to leave before something new stirs up. Giselle read the atmosphere and tried to cut it off.

"Wait," Giselle interrupted. She didn't have a plan or something. But she doesn't want Anna to leave just like that. At this point, Anna figured out what Giselle was expecting.

She looked at Giselle's face and saw those eyes so eager to know about certain someone. Anna felt distressed and worried at the same time.

"Can we talk somewhere private?" Giselle begged.

Anna saw that coming, but the nervousness still lingered. Giselle took her to the living quarters while Jake stayed back. She requested to wait for a few seconds and went ahead to Lia's room.

Lia was sleeping soundly. Her blankets got drift away, and Giselle covered up Lia again warm and cozy. She kissed her daughter goodnight, then left the room.

When she returned, Anna was sitting on the couch with her face resting on her knuckles. Giselle went on to grab some drinks for both of them. She handed one to Anna and then took a seat near her.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" Anna started without encouraging anymore of those silence. She hurried to end it as soon as possible. Startled, Giselle got bewildered by the situation. She hesitates, which provokes and bothers her company.

"You seem to want to know about someone, I believe?" Anna hit the bullseye.

"Yes," Giselle replied, following the silence. They both understood the reason behind this conversation.

"So, who is this person you wanted to know?" Anna boldly asks.

"It is me. And you can tell me. If you're not, then don't expect anything from me either. And I'm leaving immediately."

Anna's question panicked Giselle. She took a deep breath before speaking.

"Lillian Grey, did you talk to her?" Giselle finally asked. She was eager now and had like a million questions to ask of the person.

Anna felt a little strange to see Giselle's expression.

Throughout the whole party, Giselle never showed any sign of being curious about Lillian Grey. However, she sensed this unfamiliar feeling that connected the two even beyond words. Giselle did not care about expressing when all of her guests were present.

When they all left with only Anna and Jake remaining, Giselle's broke the silence. Her face now sincerely captured her emotions, and it looked so terrified because Giselle's eyes were beyond curious to learn about Lillian Grey. She did not hesitate to hide it anymore or act like she didn't care. In front of Anna, who is right now the only person present in that space, Giselle broke her mask and eagerly waited for her company to speak.

"I did, and I have a message from her." Anna spilled the bean. She finally revealed it without wanting to hide anymore.

Giselle's eyes widen, learning that there's a message from Lillian herself. Although she felt a little sad about the fact that Anna met with Lillian and they must have known about Giselle's return, but still Lillian didn't come to visit her. However, it is for the best. Lillian Grey doesn't have an idea of what happened in Giselle's life after they went apart. It would be a bad idea to meet at a party when it is all merry and mirth. Instead, Giselle agreed to listen to the message.

Anna felt a little concerned about the two parties involved. She only wished the best for both, but Anna seemed uneasy and thought that this might end up differently than they might have foreseen. With all the heaviness in her heart, she revealed the message that Lillian had sent in for Giselle.

***

"Giselle, I'm glad to hear that you're back; I hope you're in good health. Well, I heard about your party and that you have invited Anna and not me, which is surprising news to learn. It's alright. Things are different now for you, I guess. But here's my message in case if you even care: Don't ever show yourself in front of me. Ever again. Why?

I know I can't stop myself from choosing you if I ever see you again. What you gave me is irreplaceable, I still have it in my heart. It didn't let me live my life in peace.

However, this one time, I've decided to live without your memories. So, let me be. And congratulations on your marriage and for your kid. I pray for your happiness and a healthy life always. You know, I do. Take care. Love you, evermore."

-Lillian Grey.