The more Lawrence spoke, the quieter his voice became until it was almost inaudible.


    I froze, momentarily at a loss for words.


    L, on the other hand, exploded. "What? Just because of this? Lawrence, that''s so unfair!"


    Lawrence''s face turned red with embarrassment, and he couldn''t say a single word. He hurriedly called the waiter to settle the bill and then left the restaurant.


    L stomped her foot in frustration. "What the hell! And to think I used to think he was decent. Turns out he''s such a coward!"


    I patted her shoulder lightly and said while pretending to be rxed, "Forget it. Don''t waste your energy on him. He''s not worth it."


    But deep inside, a bitterness I couldn''t put into words welled up.


    "Serena, don''t feel bad. It''s just a job, right? I''ll help you find apany that''s definitely way better than his stupidpany!" L dered passionately.


    I gently patted the back of her hand and reassured her, saying, "Alright, alright. Don''t get worked up over someone like that. It''s not worth it. Anyway, I''m moving today. Why don''t youe over tonight for a housewarming?"


    The moment she heard I was moving, her focus shifted instantly, and her eyes lit up. "Really? That''s awesome! What''s the decor style? And forget what I said yesterday. I actually wanted to go over right away!"


    She fired off a barrage of excited questions.


    Iughed. "Slow down! One question at a time. Let''s eat first, and then I''ll take you on a tour."


    "Right, right! Food first! I''m starving!" Only then did L remember the meal in front of her.


    She immediately picked up her fork and knife and started aggressively stabbing her steak. Watching her childish antics, I shook my head helplessly and started eating as well.


    Come to think of it, I had been so focused on my little "duel" with Lawrence earlier that I''d barely eaten anything.


    We chatted idly, and the atmosphere lightened up.


    L started talking about a handsome guy she had recently met—a fitness trainer who supposedly had six-pack abs and the perfect physique. I almost rolled my eyes.


    "Listen, Serena, his body is insane!


    He usually looks slim, but


    underneath his clothes, he''s pure


    muscle!" As she spoke, she


    dramatically gestured with her


    hands, practically drooling


    I teased her, "Weren''t you just saying yesterday that the IT guy was great? And


    now, just a few dayster, you''ve already moved on?"


    L waved dismissively, looking unimpressed. "That guy was too boring! He was nowhere near as exciting as this one. Let me tell you, we went hiking yesterday, and he..."


    From there, sheunched into a full-blown monologue, vividly recounting every little interaction she had with the fitness


    v


    trainer-from hiking to eating out, watching movies, and shopping.


    I listened absentmindedly while offering asional responses, but honestly, my ears were starting to feel tired.


    I half-heartedly chimed in here and there, asionally teasing her. Seeing her so giddy and lovestruck, I couldn''t help but smile along with her.


    Honestly, as long as she was happy, I was happy for her.


    After lunch, we took a cab back to my new ce.


    On the way, I called Mom. "Hey, Mom, everything''s settled. L and I are on our way home now."


    "That''s good. By the way, did you find a job? I figured that''s what you went out for today. I know I shouldn''t worry too much, but I just—"


    I cut her off and said, "Mom, don''t worry about my job. I''ll handle it myself. Oh, guess what? L is living right next door to us!"


    There was a brief pause on the other end, then a soft chuckle. "You two really are fated."


    I smiled helplessly. From the sound of it, Mom was in a pretty good mood today.