Bryan and Estelle were both surprised when Rosette arrived at their house — with Dranred beside her.
Bryan quietly stepped aside, letting the sisters talk inside. He and Dranred stayed outside in the garden, the night air cool and still.
"Beer?" Bryan said, handing him a can as he sat down across the table.
"Thanks," Dranred replied, accepting it but setting it on the table unopened.
"I didn't expect you to come here with Rosette," Bryan said, leaning back in his chair.
"I couldn't just let the sisters stay angry at each other," Dranred replied softly.
Bryan glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Do you feel guilty? Knowing you were the reason they fought?"
Dranred let out a quiet breath. "Do you think I like that? It wasn't my intention."
For a moment, there was only the sound of crickets. Then Bryan spoke again, his voice steady.
"What do you think about my wife?"
Dranred turned to him, caught off guard by the question.
"Don't look so surprised," Bryan said. "I know about your past with her."
Dranred studied the rim of his beer can for a long moment before answering. "What do you want to hear? That I still have feelings for her?"
Bryan gave a dry chuckle. "That's bold of you to say — especially in front of me."
Dranred smiled faintly, shaking his head. "You don't have to worry. Whatever Estelle and I had, it's in the past. I've accepted that she's married now. What matters is that she's happy. You just have to make sure she stays that way." He met Bryan's gaze. "It's something I couldn't give her. But you can, right?"
Bryan took a slow sip of beer before answering. "You don't need to remind me. That's exactly what I intend to do. Why else would I marry her, if not to make her happy?"
Dranred nodded, a small, genuine smile touching his lips. "That's good to hear."
The quiet between them was easy now — not heavy, but peaceful.
Then the sound of the front door opening drew their attention. Estelle and Rosette stepped out, their faces soft with relief. It was clear from their smiles that the sisters had finally made peace.
Both men stood up instinctively.
"Did you two talk things through?" Bryan asked.
Rosette and Estelle nodded at the same time, and for the first time in a long while, the night around them felt calm — like the world had finally exhaled.
"That's good then," Dranred said with a small smile. "Shall we go?"
"I should head home. James is probably looking for me," Rosette said to her sister. Estelle nodded, returning her smile.
"Bryan, would it be alright if I talked to Dranred for a moment?" Estelle asked.
"Of course," Bryan replied without hesitation. "I'll wait inside."
"Thank you," Estelle said softly, watching her husband disappear into the house.
"I'll wait in the car," Rosette told Dranred.
"I'll be right there," he answered, smiling faintly. Rosette gave him a small nod before walking out through the gate toward the car.
Dranred turned back to Estelle. "What did you want to talk about?"
"I wanted to apologize," she said, her voice calm but sincere. "I've been selfish. If Rosette and I hadn't argued, I wouldn't have realized it. But now... I know what I need to do."
She held out a small box — the ring he had once given her.
"I couldn't bring myself to throw this away," Estelle continued. "I can't just discard our past. But it doesn't mean I want to go back to it. I'm returning it to you."
Dranred looked at the box for a moment before taking it gently from her hands. "You don't have to—"
"No, please," Estelle interrupted. "If I keep it, I might start thinking there's still a chance for us. But I know there isn't. And besides..." She glanced toward the car where Rosette waited, her voice softening. "I don't think I'm the one in your heart anymore."
Dranred followed her gaze, then sighed. "You know this won't be easy for the two of you. James can be... stubborn."
"I know," Estelle said. "But whatever happens, please — stay with her."
"You don't have to ask me that," Dranred replied. "I've already made up my mind." He looked at her earnestly. "I want you to be happy, Estelle. Truly."
For the first time in a long while, Dranred felt a calm settle inside him — like a weight lifting from his chest.
"He's a good man," Dranred said quietly, referring to Bryan.
"I know," Estelle answered with a small, genuine smile.
Seeing that smile, Dranred felt peace — a certainty that Estelle would be fine. She just needed time to open her heart to Bryan, who clearly cherished her.
"You deserve happiness," he said gently.
"And so do you," she replied.
"That's the plan," Dranred said with a grin.
Estelle laughed softly, the tension between them finally gone. And for a brief, quiet moment, both of them simply stood there — two people who had once shared love, now finally free of its ghosts.
"Are they gone?" Bryan asked as Estelle stepped back inside the house.
Before he could say anything else, she suddenly wrapped her arms around him.
"What's wrong?" he asked, startled.
"Nothing," Estelle whispered. "I just wanted to do this."
Bryan smiled and gently rubbed her back. "You did a great job today."
"I did?" she asked softly, pulling back a little to look at him.
"Yes," he said with quiet pride. "And I'm proud of you."
He had seen her hand the small box back to Dranred. Watching that moment filled him with quiet relief — not because he needed proof, but because it meant Estelle was finally ready to start anew. He only hoped he could give her the happiness she deserved.
"Thank you," Estelle murmured, tightening her embrace. For the first time in a long while, her heart felt light. After speaking with Rosette and returning the ring to Dranred, she knew she could no longer cling to the past.
Dranred belonged to her memories — and that was enough.
From now on, she would look only toward the future — the one she chose, with Bryan.
The house was silent except for the steady rhythm of their breathing — two hearts learning, at last, to beat in harmony. The ghosts of yesterday had faded, leaving only the warmth of the present. Outside, the night wind whispered softly through the trees, carrying away what once was and making room for what could be.