?Chapter 1120:


    Before Maia could go on, Pattie pressed a finger lightly to her lips. “Hold it. Let me take my usual guess first.”


    Pattie’s gaze swept the surroundings, then returned sharply to Maia. “My guess is… you’re the one Rnd liked.”


    Maia’s chest tightened as her heart pounded wildly, threatening to break free.


    “I hit the mark, didn’t I?” Pattie smirked in satisfaction. “And since we’re being honest, I’ll admit something too. I wasn’t drunkst night at all—I only pretended.” With a yful grin, she stuck out her tongue. “I had already suspected that the woman Rnd liked might be you, and when I heard Rnd say it himself, I wasn’t that surprised.”<fn2528> For original chapters go to FιndＮovel</fn2528>


    Her eyes softened as she added, “Honestly, Maia, you’re extraordinary. You’re beautiful, gifted, and carry yourself so well. Any man who isn’t blind would be”


    “Drawn to you. So if this has been weighing on you, I want you to know it doesn’t matter to me. If I were a man, I’d be obsessed with you, too.”


    Stunned, Maia could only stare back at Pattie, realizing that the truth had already been uncovered. “I’m sorry… I just didn’t know how to bring myself to say it,” she whispered.


    “I already understand what’s troubling you.” Pattie reached over and gave Maia’s shoulder a reassuring pat. “You don’t need to carry that weight. Think about it—Rnd hadn’t even met me back then. He had no idea that, apart from you, Maia, someone like me even existed. That’s the only reason he was drawn to you first. But I’m certain it won’t be long before he sees me and no one else. Trust me, I won’t let myself lose to you.”


    Her hand lifted in the air, forming a determined fist. “And besides, you’re married now, so there’s really nothing left to worry about. Ah… finally said it.” Pattie’s lips curved into a light smile. “Now neither of us needs to feel weighed down. We’ve always been open with each other, and that hasn’t changed.”


    “Thanks, Pattie.” Maia’s voice carried relief. “I appreciate how you see it. Honestly… I had no idea how to bring this up.”


    “We are friends, so we shall be straightforward with each other. Rnd fell for you in the past, which means he had good taste. If it had been anyone else, I’d seriously question his eye for beauty.”


    For the first time, Maia felt her heart settle into calm.


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    Being truthful, she realized, was what kept bonds strong. Sharing honesty with someone who mattered was the only way to keep that bond unshaken. She no longer needed to worry about any rift forming between her and Pattie.


    “Our friendship is unshakable, Maia. A man won’te between us,” Pattie said firmly. “Even if things don’t work out between Rnd and me, nothing will change that.”


    “With that said…” Maia’s smile carried both warmth and rity. “Haven’t you noticed how Rnd keeps stealing nces at you? And he never refuses when you invite him along.”


    A sly arch lifted Pattie’s brow. “Well then, I suppose his judgment is just fine.”


    Their eyes met, and in the next breath,ughter flickered into matching smiles. “So, where are you headed today?” Pattie shifted the conversation. “If it’s along the way, I’ll drop you off.”


    “Could you take me to Elysium Apartments?” Maia answered without hesitation.


    “Wait, you’re really going back there?” Surpriseced Pattie’s tone. “Does that mean everything on your side has already been handled?”


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