"Hiking? What made you decide to do that?" Valarie asked.

"Buddy wanted to go. Anyway, how are you planning to deal with Zayn?" Nyla replied.

The mention of Zayn made Valarie frown, disgust flickering in her eyes.

"The Updikes want to settle privately, but I've already reported it to the police. Whatever the judge decides, I'm going through with it. I won't settle privately," she answered.

Just thinking about Zayn's disgusting behavior made Valarie feel sick. She couldn't believe she had agreed to marry him in the first place.

"Yeah, I support you. Make sure Zayn gets the punishment he deserves," Nyla said.

Valarie nodded, just as her phone rang. Seeing it was Brandon, she said before answering, "I'll take this call outside."

"Sure," Nyla said.

Stepping out of the villa, Valarie picked up the phone. "What's up? Why are you calling me out of the blue?"

"Where are you now?" Brandon asked.

"I came over this morning to find Nyla. Why do you ask?" Valarie replied.

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then Brandon's voice came through faintly. "I'm outside your house." "What are you doing at my house this early?" Valarie asked.noveldrama

"I brought you breakfast. Didn't you say last night that you wanted sandwiches from Patrick's Shack?" Brandon replied. Valarie hadn't expected him to actually remember her offhand comment. "I just mentioned it because I happened to see it." "But I've already bought the breakfast, and I don't really like sandwiches," Brandon said.

Was it just Valarie's imagination, or did she detect a hint of grievance in his tone?

She bit her lip and hesitated before tentatively suggesting, "How about I come back now?"

"Okay, I'll wait for you at your house," Brandon agreed.

After hanging up, Valarie turned and walked back into the villa. She told Nyla, "Brandon is waiting for me at my house, so I'm heading back." Nyla looked up at her. "You're leaving so soon?"

"Yeah. You take care, and once your ankle's better, we can go shopping together," Valarie said.

"Okay," Nyla replied.

Exiting the villa, Valarie got in her car and drove away.

Brandon had been working overtime these past few days, so besides chatting and calling each other, they hadn't had a chance to meet. Thus,

Valarie was eager to see him

UMS

Just as she was nearing home, her phone rang again from the passenger seat. While waiting at a red light, she picked it up.

Seeing it was her high school class president, she was taken aback.

"Long time no see! What's up? Why did you suddenly call me?" she asked.

A rough male voice came through. "I'm in Saintornia on a business trip for the next few days. Some classmate's who work here want to get together for dinner. I was

wondering if you'd like to el?

swne

Valarie smiled. "Sure! When are you planning to meet?"

"Tonight at 8:00 p.m., in Room 1 on the third floor of Jeff's," her class president answered.

"Sounds good. I'll be there on time," Valarie promised.

"Great! See you then," the class president replied.

After hanging up, the light turned green.

Valarie pressed the gas, turning into the gate of the villa community at the next intersection.

Brandon was leaning against his car

at the Weir residence's entrance,

looking down at his phone. Hene

profite was gentle and handsome, radiating a warm aura.

Valarie had to admit that Brandon perfectly matched her aesthetic. Even his personality was her favorite type.

Pulling up beside him, she opened the car door and walked over.

The moment Brandon heard the sound of the car, he looked up in her direction, his gaze warm as he watched her approach.

Under his straightforward gaze, Valarie quickened her pace, reaching out to him. "Where's my breakfast?"