Vrie opened the box and found a red V-neck gown inside.


    "This is gorgeous!" she eximed.


    "Try it on," N urged.


    "Okay!" Vrie took the dress into the dressing room.


    Less than two minutester, she stepped out. "N, it fits perfectly."


    N looked up, her eyes lighting up with admiration.


    Dressed in the red gown, Vrie exuded confidence and elegance, like a queen. It was impossible not to be drawn to her.


    "I knew my taste wouldn''t fail me! This dress was made for you—every curve is entuated just right. You look absolutely stunning! If I weren''t a woman, I''d probably fall for you right now!" N gushed.


    Vrieughed, covering her mouth. "You''re exaggerating. But I really do love this dress. Thank you, N!"


    "There''s no need to thank me. We don''t do that between us! Oh, by the way, why don''t you go downstairs and let Brandon see it too?" N suggested.


    Vrie''s smile faded slightly. "Forget it. He probably wouldn''t care anyway."


    "You two still haven''t made up after half a month? Or did you fight again?" N asked.


    Vrie pursed her lips and sat on the couch. "I took your advice and went to apologize, but he just mocked me. He said I never really treated him as my equal, and then we started arguing again. He said he needed time to cool off.


    "But it''s been half a month, and he''s still not done. I ran into him at the door just now, and he acted like he didn''t even see me. He didn''t even say hello."


    She lowered her gaze and let out a small, bitterugh. "If this keeps up, we''ll probably just break up naturally."


    She had always hated the silent treatment, but Brandon had ignored her for half a month.


    At first, she had waited for him to calm down so they could talk properly. But as time dragged on, she realized she didn''t care as much anymore. She had grown used to being alone.


    If they broke up, it wouldn''t be the end of the world.


    N frowned. "Maybe he''s waiting for you to reach out first. You two can''t just stay in this stalemate forever."


    "It''s fine. Don''t worry about it. Just focus on your little one for now. If we''re meant to be, things will work out. If not then that''s just how it is. Vrie replied.


    She had alreadye to terms with it. Love wasn''t everything. If it worked out, great. If not, she''d survive.


    "Alright then," N said, dropping the topic.


    They continued chatting upstairs for a while. By the time Vrie changed back into her regr clothes and went downstairs, Brandon had already left.


    After saying goodbye to Damon and N, she left as well, carrying the gifts N had given her.


    N had wanted her to stay for dinner, but she declined. "You guys just got back from traveling. You must be exhausted. I won''t intrude. Let''s have dinner another day when you''re well-rested."  S to''


    "Alright," N replied.


    Vrie got into her car and drove home.


    ...


    As soon as Vrie stepped into the living room, she saw her mother sitting on the couch.


    She considered pretending she hadn''t seen her, but Phoebe spoke first. "Vrie,e sit down. I have something to talk to you about."


    Vrie tried to avoid the conversation. "Mom, I had a long day at work. Can we talk tomorrow?"


    "No, it has to be today," Phoebe insisted.


    Vrie frowned but walked over and sat across from her.


    "How are things with Brandon? Has he mentioned marriage yet?" Phoebe asked.


    Every few days, her mother would bring up the same topic.


    Vrie was beyond tired of hearing it. "Mom, I''ve told you already. We''re not nning on getting married yet."