James retrieved a small first aid kit from his bag, opened it, and began to carefully tend to Alice's injured ankle. He applied a soothing ointment and wrapped a bandage around it."There, it should feel better soon," James said, looking up at her with a gentle smile. Alice nodded, appreciating his care.Siya, who had been silently observing, spoke up, "James, you're really something. It's like you're her guardian angel."James chuckled, "Just doing what I can to help."As James continued to attend to Alice, Siya couldn't help but feel a warmth in her heart. She could see the genuine concern and care James had for her friend. It was a stark contrast to the complicated emotions that seemed to surround Lucas.After finishing the bandaging, James stood up. "If there's anything you need, just let me know," he offered.Alice nodded, grateful for his assistance.After James left, Siya and Alice freshened up and lay on the bed. While Siya quickly drifted off to sleep, Alice found herself unab
Alice took a steadying breath, determined not to let Milla get under her skin."I don't need your advice on affordability, thank you. I know what I can and cannot afford."The tension escalated, creating an invisible battlefield in the chic boutique. Alice and Milla locked eyes, each refusing to yield."So let's see if you can afford it or not," Milla said to Alice and looked at the shop manager. "Tell her the price" The shop manager immediately nodded.Milla watched with a smug expression as the shop manager relayed the cost.The shop manager hesitated for a moment but then proceeded to announce the dress's price, a figure that left Alice visibly stunned."It's $10000"The realization struck her like a heavy blow – she couldn't afford even a fraction of the amount.Milla chuckled triumphantly."Well, it seems this dress is meant for those who can appreciate its true value."Alice's mind raced, grappling with the humiliation of being unable to afford something she desired.Milla, enjoy
Tears streamed down her face as she slowly wiped them away, making her way out of the shop. The false hope she had clung to shattered the reality that she didn't matter in his life.Why couldn't she just let him go? Regret filled Alice as she questioned herself, why she had challenged Milla.A profound sadness engulfed her, a feeling that made her want to scream and cry. Her tears flowed uncontrollably, and she couldn't help but keep wiping them away.Surrounded by numerous onlookers who stared at her with concern, Alice wandered around until she spotted a cafe in the mall. Seeking solace, she entered and chose a corner seat.Opening her mobile screen, the first thing she did was block Lucas's number. Feeling the weight lift off her shoulders, she experienced a sense of relief after cutting ties with him, especially since he hadn't come to her aid when she was humiliated by his girlfriend.The waiter approached to take her order, but Alice couldn't decide what to order. Feeling overwh
"Alright, shh," he whispered, wiping away her tears. Alice stared at his face, trying to decipher his thoughts, but all she could see was genuine concern for her. Lucas looked at the table, and his eyebrows raised when he saw it full of desserts and drinks.What she was thinking when she ordered this much food?"Pack all this," he instructed, standing up, and Alex nodded in acceptance of the order."Let's go," he said to Alice, his hands still on her cheeks. She grabbed her bag and stood up from her seat.Lucas reached to take her hand in his, and they walked with their hands intertwined. As they strolled, Alice couldn't help but glance at their joined hands and the person holding hers. It overwhelmed her heart—this was the first time she was walking with him so closely, hand in hand.Exiting the cafe, people around them stared, but Lucas seemed unfazed. Alice, however, felt uneasy under their intense scrutiny and attempted to pull her hand away. In response, Lucas shot her an angry lo
Alice couldn't find the courage to abandon Lucas while he was struggling for her. Silently, she turned around and returned to the room. After messaging Siya to reassure her that she was fine, Alice lay on the bed. But restlessness overwhelmed her. She contemplated getting up to help Lucas but restrained herself, forcing her restless heart to stay put.She stared at the ceiling, feeling a mix of emotions.After a while, the door creaked open, and Lucas entered the room with a slightly defeated expression.Lucas placed a food tray on the table and sat on the edge of the bed. Alice, feigning sleep, clenched the blanket beneath the cover anxiously."Alice," he called, placing his hand on her shoulder. She swallowed nervously, slowly turning her head to open her eyes. Lucas's hand gently cupped her cheek."Wake up, have something," he said. Alice stared at him in blank disbelief, encountering a side of him she had never imagined.She gathered her strength and sat up on the bed. Lucas pulled
It was dark outside, and Alice sat at the window with her messy thoughts. She didn't know why she was still there; she couldn't understand herself. As she was deep in thought, her mobile's ring startled her.When she looked at the screen, she felt nervous. It was James. Alice glared at the door, making sure Lucas hadn't come."Hello," she answered the call."Alice? Are you not in your room?" James asked."No, I'm out. I probably won't come back tonight," she said."Oh! Are you with Siya?" he asked again."No, I'm not. I'm with—" She was about to say she was with her other friend, but before she could finish, Lucas walked in, and Alice immediately hung up before he could notice her speaking on the phone. And she didn't know why she did it."What's wrong? Are you okay?" Lucas observed her pale face and inquired as he sat beside her on the sofa with a food tray."Yeah," Alice replied, avoiding eye contact, but Lucas didn't miss the panic in her face, even though she tried to mask it. Howe
Alice picked up a box and opened it. Her eyes lit up when she saw a chocolate cake, and then she took other boxes.She discovered a variety of sweet delights.Strawberry Cheesecake, Apple Pie, Red Velvet Cupcakes, and chocolate bread.The tempting array of desserts brought a spark to Alice's eyes as she decided which one to indulge in first.The sight of the delicious food made her stomach growl even louder. Alice couldn't resist the temptation, so she decided to indulge in the midnight feast. She found a plate, arranged everything, and cut a slice of the chocolate cake.As she savored the flavors in the quiet kitchen, Alice couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The food was exquisite, yet the situation was surreal. She glanced at the clock; it was still the middle of the night.The dim light in the kitchen created a cozy atmosphere, contrasting with the chaos of emotions in her mind.In the bedroom, Lucas sensed something unusual in his sleep. He felt a sudden emptiness and opene
The next morning, Alice slowly blinked her eyes a few times before fully opening them. The first thing that came into her vision was Lucas's handsome face. In their three years of marriage, she had only woken up in his arms once before. So, this was the second time that she had seen him in the morning sun.This feeling was unfamiliar and yet oddly comforting. Alice felt a warmth in her heart as she looked at Lucas's serene face.Alice could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest. It was a peaceful moment, and she couldn't deny the subtle connection she felt.She tried to move but realized she was still wrapped in Lucas's arms. Alice carefully shifted to get up without waking him.Alice quickly dressed and turned to leave, but her attention was caught by a gift box.she picked it up, shooting a glance at the man still asleep in bed. Uncertain whether to open it or not, curiosity won, and she couldn't resist. To her surprise, it was the same dress from the previous day. She was struc