Airport & Restaurant Scene
At the Airport
Mirabel parked and hurried inside, holding up a small sign so Tracy could spot her.
"Mirabel!" Tracy exclaimed, running into her arms. They hugged tightly, careful not to draw too much attention from the surrounding crowd.
"What are you doing here? Where's Daniel?" Tracy whispered.
"He got caught up with work, so he asked me to pick you up," Mirabel replied smoothly.
Tracy frowned. "He could've just told me. I would've taken a taxi."
"Yeah, but come on—no need to drag yourself around after a long flight. Let's get you out of here before anyone recognizes you."
Tracy chuckled softly. "Fine."
Mirabel helped with her bags, loaded them in the trunk, and they drove off.
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At the Restaurant
"Since we haven't hung out in forever, how about we grab something to eat?" Mirabel suggested as she drove.
"I guess Daniel's expecting me, but… sure. Why not? Just the two of us."
They stopped at a cozy restaurant and found a quiet corner booth. Menus in hand, they caught up as they waited for their food.
"So, Tracy," Mirabel asked, "how's your movie coming along?"
Tracy sighed. "Good, but exhausting. Being the director and actress at the same time? My hands are sore from all those sword scenes." She held one up, showing faint red marks.
Mirabel laughed. "Wow. Does my part have sword fights too?"
"Yep. Get ready for some bruises."
"Great. Some actress comeback," Mirabel teased, and Tracy laughed with her.
Just then, Mirabel pushed back her chair. "I need to use the restroom. Be right back." She left her phone on the table.
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The Discovery
While Mirabel was gone, her phone buzzed. The screen lit up with a message:
Daniel: Have you picked Tracy up? Remember — don't tell her anything.
Tracy froze. Curiosity won over hesitation. She picked up the phone, quickly opening the thread.
Tell her what exactly? she typed.
A reply came almost instantly:
Daniel: About me getting married.
Her stomach dropped. Married? she thought, pulse racing. Daniel's… getting married? To someone else?
Shaking, she deleted the messages before Mirabel returned. She slid the phone back exactly as it was.
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Back at the Table
The waitress brought their meals. Mirabel dug in eagerly, but Tracy barely touched her plate.
"What's wrong? Why aren't you eating?" Mirabel asked.
"Oh—nothing. I'm just full. Ate on the plane," Tracy said quickly, forcing a smile.
Mirabel frowned. "Still, have a bite. You look like you need it."
Tracy picked at her food but couldn't swallow much.
After a while, she set her fork down. "Hey, Mirabel… after this, can I stay at your place? Daniel texted me he's still busy, and I don't feel like being alone in that big mansion."
Mirabel studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Of course. You're welcome to stay. But Daniel won't worry?"
Tracy shook her head. "No, I already texted him."
"Okay then," Mirabel said with a small smile. "You're with me tonight."
They finished their meal in uneasy silence, Tracy's thoughts spiraling, the secret weighing heavier with every passing minute.
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