Chapter 56: Caught Red-Handed

Tonight, on my way back from visiting Kenny’s place, Lydia repeatedly called me. Already irritable, I lacked the patience for her nagging, so I ignored her calls until, thankfully, my phone finally fell silent.

I rubbed my temples, considering going home to have dinner with Kenny. A relaxing chat with him might help alleviate the stress from this ongoing divorce mess. With so much chaos to sort through…

But Kenny had been slammed with work—multiple all-nighters lately. Seeing how exhausted he looked, I didn’t say much. I just quickly washed a few dishes and made a pot of soup.

He gave the three dishes and the soup a grateful look, his tired eyes lighting up. “You’re a lifesaver, really. This way, I can skip the greasy takeout tonight.” I chuckled. “Just trying to help. Wash the dishes so you can focus.”

Grinning, he added, “With skills like yours, you could run a restaurant if you ever wanted out of the illustration game. It’d be packed daily, guaranteed.”

I grinned back. “Sounds good. When that happens, you’ll be my second partner, and Lila can take the third spot.”

We laughed, sharing the impromptu meal, and then I remembered something. “By the way, Lila’s heading overseas tomorrow for a follow-up appointment.”

He looked curious as he chewed his food. “Hasn’t she fully recovered? Why the check-up?”

I nodded, then he seemed to hesitate, his voice low. “Her… have you thought about Lila as, you know, maybe a girlfriend since you’re considering a divorce with Yvette?”

I nearly choked. “What are you implying? Just say it straight.”

He hesitated. “Do you think Lila could be… a girlfriend material?”

I stared, surprised. “Kenny! Even my uncle doesn’t know Lila’s real background—he’s got it all wrong. But you? You know better. After all these years of friendship, don’t you think I’d know if there was anything there?”

“And I’m still mourning Tysty. How could you even ask something like that?”

The suggestion felt almost as though it made Lila seem like a replacement option, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

After a pause, he replied, “People change, you know? Weren’t you obsessed with Yvette at one point? But now you’ve moved on.”

That was a moment of clarity, a perspective shift born from drastic experiences.

I met his gaze, saying firmly, “Listen, Lila already has someone she likes. It’s been a long time, and I don’t know if she’s let it go, but I know I’m not her type, and she’s not mine.”

He thought for a moment before asking, “Do you know who this guy she likes is? Someone from back then?”

I thought back to high school, to her first-ever crush. That was years ago, practically ancient history. Honestly, I couldn’t remember. If it were anything about Yvette… but I’m guessing he’s good-looking.

He sighed. “Yeah, he’s pretty handsome, maybe a bit clueless, though.”

The comment stung. “You know who is pulling!”

He looked at me, quiet for a beat. “Nah, just a guess. You’re her friend, aren’t you? Why don’t you ask her directly? Who knows, you might actually help her find some happiness. You’ve been single, lonely… to the point it almost ended badly because of me. If I could help her find companionship this time, it would be the least I could do.”

He wore a thoughtful expression, before falling asleep. Later, lying in bed consumed by my obsession with proving Yvette’s infidelity, but knowing any kind of direct confrontation was out of the question. I didn’t even know her study schedule well enough to attempt it.

Magnetuko da mice. Beary eyed, he whispered, ‘Dwen, did you pull an…?’

I clamped my hand on my desk, mumbling, “I was just taking a… micro-nap, alright?!”

A minute passed before a low buzz of chatter drifted in from outside—something about “Ms. J…”

Wat jendauant, the mention of that name startled me.

Trying to focus on my design work when, suddenly, a cup of coffee appeared in front of me. I looked up to see… the perfect colleague. If I were ane’s filed, they’d be back…

Arkan, but she wasn’t done yet. She sat down. “How about I tell you a few jokes? They might wake you up.”

Et po. “Finally, the cleaning tag—poof! One cleanup over young's nie…”

The chem staff held an end-of-year meeting. The cup spoke up first and said, “This year, I’ve had it tough.” Then the fork…

They laughed. “Tai ple’stendda!” Frrojmed, still laughing.

Alan, Shane, Wong, Cian—a wave of laughter from the office entrance.