Chapter 305

"Anna, what are you staring at over there?"

Mia Lawrence followed her gaze.

Anna Ross tried to stop her, but it was too late.

The smile slowly faded from Mia's face, replaced by shock and bitterness.

"Mia..." Anna opened her mouth, but words failed her.

Mia watched quietly for a moment before looking away, her eyes fixed on the table.

After a few seconds of silence, she forced a dry smile. "It's fine. Liking him is my own business. He's free to have dinner with anyone."

But her heart ached as if squeezed tightly.

Watching him pull out a chair for that girl with gentle care, sharing soft laughter, made her breath tremble.

Anna frowned as she looked toward their table.

The girl had an innocent appearance with bright, sparkling eyes, smiling up at Julian Garnache.

Mia buried herself in her food, eating quickly as if to suppress her emotions.

"Don't do this, Mia." Anna couldn't bear to watch and stood up to intervene.

Mia grabbed her arm, snatched her bag, and hurried outside.

They ran straight into Julian as he stood up.

"Anna? Mia? You're here too?"

His voice remained gentle, his smile unchanged.

Normally, this would make Mia's heart race.

But now she just turned away without a word.

Julian noticed something was wrong. "What's the matter? Did something happen?"

Before Anna could speak, Mia cut in. "It's nothing. We're done eating. We're leaving."

She lacked the courage to look back, pulling Anna away quickly.

Julian watched their hurried departure, his gaze deepening.

Mia fought back tears as she called a ride.

Since meeting him, she had always been the one to initiate contact.

He would reply, but never reached out first.

Yet every message from him still made her day.

Anna was worried. "I'll stay with you tonight."

Mia shook her head. "Anna, I want a drink. I called your ride. You should go home."

"I'm not leaving you alone." Anna held her tightly.

Mia managed a smile and patted her hand. "Don't worry. I'll just have two drinks and go home myself."

Anna watched the traffic, her heart heavy.

Mia was alone in New York with no one else to rely on but her.

She couldn't leave her at a time like this.

She gripped Mia's hand firmly. "I'll drink with you."

Mia paused for a moment before hugging her tightly.

At least she still had her.

The car stopped in front of a bar.

The driver gave them a slightly disdainful look.

They ignored him and walked straight inside.

Mia ordered a bunch of drinks and settled into a booth, downing them quickly.

"Anna, take me home when I'm drunk."

Anna nodded, watching her drink one bottle after another.