Chapter 57

Orange streetlights flickered past the car window.

Anna Ross leaned against the glass.

Light and shadow danced across her face.

Memories of reuniting with Adrian Sinclair flooded her mind.

They were a tangled mess she couldn't unravel.

Those youthful days of love were long gone.

Yet the memories felt vivid as yesterday.

"Adrian, look at that beautiful villa."

"I'll buy you a better one someday."

"Really? You promise?"

"Have I ever lied to you?"

They used to walk hand in hand at dusk.

She would chatter endlessly.

He always responded with patience.

Even the most trivial questions received serious answers.

He was cold to the entire world.

But he held her gently in his palm.

She thought it was ordinary back then.

Now everything had changed except their reunion.

She forced a faint smile.

It tasted bitter.

The car came to a stop.

Anna pushed the door open and stepped out.

The residential area was silent and empty.

Only streetlights stretched her shadow long.

Wind whispered past her ears.

Suddenly, a figure moved in the shadows.

Anna took half a step back.

Her hand slipped into her bag, gripping her phone.

Few lights were on in the residential buildings.

Who would be out at this hour?

If it was a criminal...

She didn't dare think further.

Her palm grew damp with sweat.

Her heart pounded like a drum.

"Anna?"

A familiar voice called out.

Mia Lawrence emerged from the shadows.

She looked at Anna with confusion.

Anna let out a long breath.

"What are you doing here?"

"I missed you."

Mia warmly linked arms with her.

"And I wanted to hear about your blind date."

She added with a cheerful grin.

"I'm sleeping over tonight!"

"I've waited too long for you to move out!"

Her friend's warmth seeped through her sleeve.

All her loneliness and grievances melted away.

Anna felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She nodded gently.

They chatted and laughed their way upstairs.

The key turned in the lock.

Mia squeezed through the door first.

She pulled Anna down onto the sofa together.

"Tell me about the blind date!"

Mia's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Anna set down her bag.

Her voice trembled with emotion.

"It was such a coincidence."

"The blind date you set me up with..."

"Turns out he was my college classmate!"