<h4>Chapter 19: New Home</h4>


    [~Song Rmendation: Lean On Me by Glee version~]


    As nned, Cammy drove Ellie’s car into the city, and they stopped by Dn’s school first before checking out the apartments the real estate agent had sent her via email.


    Cammy and Ellie were both enthusiastic about visiting each ce, unlike Felicity, who sulked and had something critical and negative to say about every apartment they saw.


    "Cammy, dear, this neighborhood feels unsafe. I really don’t think you should live here," Felicity remarked at the fifth apartment.


    "For once, I agree with Felicity. Should we keep looking?" Ellie chimed in.


    "You know what, you’re both right. This ce isn’t for me. That’s why I’m going with the third one!" Cammy dered excitedly, before turning to the real estate agent. "Can you secure that one for me?"


    The agent’s face lit up, and she sped her hands in delight. "I’ll take care of it right away. Give me a moment—I’ll call the owner now."


    Felicity wasn’t pleased with Cammy’s decision and rolled her eyes. "Even that one isn’t up to par. It needs tons of repairs, and the owner isn’t covering any of it."


    Cammy smiled, fully aware of why Felicity disapproved of every apartment they’d seen. "I know, but the owner is offering a rent reduction in exchange for doing the repairs. I’m actually excited about it! I’ve been wanting to try some DIY renovations but never had the chance. I think this is it," Cammy said excitedly, earning a scoff from Felicity, who crossed her arms in clear discontent.


    Ellie bit her lip, trying not tough as Felicity pouted like a spoiled child on the verge of a tantrum.


    "Why don’t you just take one of my apartments? Don’t you want to live in a nice neighborhood with a great view? All of my ces have top-tier security and are in prime city locations," Felicity offered.


    Cammy linked her arm through Felicity’s and rested her head on her shoulder. "I know, and that’s exactly why I can’t ept it. I want to be independent, remember? I want to work for myself and for Dn. If I take your offer, you’ll either give it to me for free or at a steep discount.


    I’m so lucky to have you in my life. You’re like the mother I never had, and as my second mother, you need to let your chick leave the nest, spread her wings, and learn to fly. Can you do that for me?" Cammy said sweetly.


    Felicity sighed heavily, still showing her disappointment. "I’m not trying to clip your wings; I’m just worried about your safety."


    "I know that too. I’m nning to install a security system, so don’t worry. Besides, you saw the third apartment—it’s on a rooftop with a great view!" Cammy giggled, remembering how the ce looked. Despite its rundown state, she was excited by the possibilities.


    The real estate agent returned after finishing the call. "The owners are happy to ept your offer. They actually live on the second floor of the building and run the small ramen shop on the ground floor. Since they’re empty nesters, they decided to rent out the third floor and rooftop.


    They’re also willing to meet you today and hand over the keys so you can start moving in right away. They’re even inviting all of you to have lunch at their shop if you’re interested."


    "Let’s do that. I’d like to meet the owners," Felicity said decisively, catching Cammy and Ellie off guard.


    The agent gave a slightly awkward smile, silently hoping that Felicity wouldn’t stir up any trouble, knowing how much she disliked every apartment they’d seen within Cammy’s budget.


    The group arrived at the ramen shop and noticed a long line outside, but the real estate agent led them straight inside, so they followed her.


    A young woman greeted the agent warmly after she introduced them.


    "Wee! Please, have a seat," the woman said as she guided them to a table with a reserved sign and handed out menus.


    "I’m Eve, and I live on the third floor. So, which one of you is going to be my new neighbor?" she asked with a bright smile.


    Cammy extended her hand with a bright smile as well, feeling instantly at ease with Eve. "That would be me. Hi, I’m Cammy," she said before gently nudging Dn forward. "And this is my son, Dn. He’ll be staying with me whenever he’s on break from boarding school."


    Eve beamed and offered her hand to Dn. "What a handsome young man! Nice to meet you, Dn. I think you’ll like it here. I have a daughter around your age—I’m sure you two will get along."


    "That’s great to hear! It sounds like we’ll fit in just fine," Cammy replied.


    Eve nodded warmly. "Please, make yourselvesfortable. I’ll be back to take your orders. I’ll be looking after you while the owners are busy in the kitchen with the lunch rush."


    "Oh, no rush! Don’t worry about us. We’ll eat quietly and wait for them to finish," Cammy assured her.


    Once the rush had died down, a middle-aged couple came over to introduce themselves. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cammy. We’re so d you’re the one who decided to move into the rooftop apartment. When the agent shared your profile with us, we really hoped you’d take it. We’re quite selective about our tenants because trust and safety are important to us. So when we heard your budget and conditions, we were happy to ept."


    "Thank you so much, Mr. Moore, for your kindness. I have to say, I didn’t expect the owners of such an authentic ramen shop wouldn’t be Japanese. But I mean that as apliment—the food was amazing! I might put on a few pounds living here," Cammy joked.


    Everyoneughed, including Felicity, who was now in a much better mood after enjoying the delicious meal.


    "I actually grew up in Japan because of my parents’ work, but I moved back here when I met this lovelydy," Mr. Moore said, smiling fondly at his wife. "I couldn’t let her get away."


    "Quit flirting with me, you old man!" Mrs. Moore jested, making everyoneugh. "Here’s your key, Cammy. We apologize for handing over the apartment as it is, but feel free to make any renovations you want."


    Cammy epted the key with a big smile. "Thank you! I promise to be a good tenant and won’t cause any trouble."


    She then turned to Dn and said, "Come on, let’s go make it our home!"


    After inspecting the apartment, Cammye made a list of the things she needed. She and Ellie decided to go to the Home Depot right away since there was still some time left before they needed to travel back to the resort and also make the house livable as soon as possible.


    On the other hand, Felicity decided to stay in Ric’s penthouse with the kids to rest and take a short nap after Ric gave her the code so they could get inside.


    "Are you sure you don’t want to ept Felicity’s offer?" Ellie asked Cammy suddenly, catching her off guard.


    "Ellie, you already know my answer to that. Plus, it’s toote for you to convince me otherwise; I’ve already paid the deposit and half a year’s rent. What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?" Cammy asked, surprised by Ellie’s concern since she’d always supported Cammy’s decisions.


    They had been friends for a long time, having met through Ethan, who worked with Ellie’s husband before Ellie and Ark moved to Derby County when Ellie started working at Pearl Resort and Restaurant.


    "It’s nothing, really. I’m just worried you’ll have a hard time living alone and working for two people. This is your first time living on your own and paying for everything. You’ve always been used to having others take care of things, with your parents and husband providing for you.


    I’m not saying you can’t handle it, but it’s no easy task, and it’s tough. Your situation isn’t ideal either. I’m concerned not just about your financial needs but also about your mental health. Many women who go through what you’ve experienced struggle with depression, and I don’t want that to happen to you."


    Cammy smiled, feeling the warmth of Ellie’s concern in her heart. She moved closer and gave Ellie aforting hug. "Thank you for being such a caring friend. Don’t worry too much about me. I’ve saved up some money, and even though this is all new to me, I’ve got it under control."


    Ellie sighed as she returned the hug. Despite Cammy’s reassurances, she couldn’t shake her worry, especially knowing that Cammy would soon have to face Duncan in court. If Duncan decided to fight against whatever Cammy demanded, it could turn into a long, drawn-out battle.


    "Just remember, I’m here for—"


    "Shit!"


    Ellie’s words were cut off as Cammy suddenly pulled her to the ground, forcing her to duck.