The same day, short time later, Justin returned home, hearing Eve being on the phone. He went into the living room and found her at the sofa, having a video call with Lisa. She smiled at him, as he came closer to give her a kiss. Then he said hi to Lisa, before going into the kitchen to have something to drink. 

Eve continued talking to her daughter. 

„Lizzy… I don’t know what to say…“

„I know, mom.“ 

„You really should think twice, before another heart gets broken.“ 

Lisa sighed. She just informed her mother about the latest events with Tom. Justin heard them talking and got curious what was going on. 

„I’m so confused… I mean… I’m asking myself over and over again, if everything I went through happened for a reason… maybe I was meant to come here and meet Tom…“

„Lizzy, you really should not overthink.“ 

„But… do I have something to lose? I mean, no one is waiting for me at home.“ 

„I think you’re wrong.“

Lisa scoffed. 

„You can’t be serious, mom. Phin and Silas are both finished with me. I am gone for weeks and they couldn’t care less.“ 

„Because they don’t know you left.“

„This doesn’t make thinks any better.“ 

Eve understood Lisa’s frustration. It wasn’t a surprise, that Phin didn’t try getting in touch with Lisa after what she did to him. But if she was honest, she expected Silas to show up at some point to see how Lisa was doing. However, it didn’t happen so far. 

„Tell me what you really want, honey,“ Eve asked next. 

There was a short pause. 

„You know that,“ Lisa replied quietly. „You know exactly I never wanted someone more than I want Silas.“

Eve took a deep breath, before she replied. 

„Then come back home and fight for him.“ 

Justin was shocked hearing her say that. After all what happened in the past, it was surreal that she suddenly encouraged her daughter to fight for the love of her life.“ 

Lisa also needed to process. She didn’t expect she would get her mother’s support. Then she started crying badly. 

„I am too scared, mom…“ 

„Scared from what, sweetheart?“ 

„That he says no to me again… I’m not brave enough… I’m not gonna survive that heartbreak for another time…“ 

Justin heard enough. He put his drink aside and went into the hallway. Then he put on his shoes, grabbed his keys and left the house.

Phin and Silas were sitting at the sofa, playing video games. The coffee table in front of them was full with empty bottles of beer and boxes from the delivery service. The rest of the living area didn’t look any better. Both didn’t leave the house for several days. Their hair and clothes were messy and they didn’t shave their faces for at least two weeks. 

Justin entered his house, hearing the telly from distance. He went into the living room, being disgusted by the smell and the chaos his sons caused. 

Phin noticed his father first.

„Oh… hey dad,“ he said, pausing the game. 

Silas just glanced at him and continued playing. 

„You look like shit. And the house does as well,“ Justin said. 

„We didn’t expect any visitors,“ Silas said cynically, his eyes still on the screen. 

„We gave the housekeeper few days off,“ Phin explained, feeling bad for the mess. 

Usually he was hating disorder like his dad. But he was too depressed caring about it at the moment. 

„I’m pretty sure she’ll quit when she sees what you did to the house in between,“ Justin replied. 

Silas was annoyed from his father’s comments. He paused the game, stood up and went upstairs. Phin and Justin watched him walking away. 

„What brings you home, dad?“ Phin asked. 

„I want to know how you’re doing.“ 

Phin sighed.

„It is what it is.“ 

„Are you still determined not wanting Lizzy back?“ 

„Does she want me back?“ Phin replied. 

Justin looked at his son, not daring speaking the truth out loud.

„Of course she doesn’t,“ Phin answered his own question. 

„I’m sorry. I really wished things were different.“

„It’s not your fault.“ 

„What about your brother?“ Justin asked next.

Phin scoffed. 

„He’s a loyal idiot, still believing he can’t be with her because of me.“ 

„I’m glad he cares more about you, than about his own interests.“

„I appreciate what he is doing, dad. But it makes no sense. Lizzy wants him. And she’ll never give up on him.“ 

„Don’t be so sure about that,“ Justin replied. 

„What do you mean?“

Justin hesitated to answer. 

„What do you mean, dad? Phin repeated.

„I need to talk to your brother first.“ 

Silas was lying at his bed, staring at the ceiling. He decided to wait in his room, until Justin would leave. 

There was a knock at his door. Silas rolled his eyes. He knew it must be his father, as Phin never made the effort to knock. 

The door got open. Justin came in and stopped standing in front of his bed. Silas continued staring at the ceiling.

„Lizzy run away,“ Justin said, knowing he would get immediately his son’s full attention. 

Silas was shocked. He sat down, staring at his father.

„What do you mean?“ 

„The day Phin broke up with her, she left without saying a word.“

Silas turned pale, feeling sickness rising up. 

„AND YOU TELL ME NOW?!“ he blamed his father. 

„It wasn’t our business to inform any of you.“

„SINCE WHEN YOU GIVE A SHIT WHAT’S YOUR BUSINESS OR NOT?!“ 

„Calm down and listen to me,“ Justin ordered.