Sumner walked away without looking back, leaving Xiomara to finally let her tears flow freely.


    Her confession had been a bold one, fueled by alcohol.


    Now, in her sober state, she was engulfed in a deep sadness.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Alone in the dark, Xiomara had let her emotions spill over, crying in the tight, crowded space of the basement.


    Lindsey got homete.


    The drive had sobered her up somewhat, and she trudged wearily into the bathroom for a quick shower.


    Freshly showered, with her hair dried, she casually checked her phone and saw a message from Domenic.


    Lindsey’s heart felt a touch of warmth at being remembered.


    She had just responded to the message when a video call request popped up.


    Lindsey answered it immediately.


    Across the street, lights shone brightly where Domenic sat at his desk, surrounded by paperwork.


    Lately, he often called on video, as if their limited time together could somehow bepensated this way.


    “Are you still working at thiste hour?” Lindsey nced at the clock, noting it was past midnight, and asked with concern.


    Domenic replied, “There’s been a lot going on at thepany recently.


    Did you just get in?”


    “Yeah, the event went well today, so we all went out to celebrate afterward.


    ”


    “With Sumner?” Domenic flipped through the documents in his hands without raising his head, while asking with a faint voice.


    Lindsey quickly rified, “There’s nothing going on between us.


    He and Xiomara were just contestants.


    After the celebration, I suggested Sumner drive Xiomara home because I think they have a spark.


    ”


    “Why are you so keen on ying Cupid?” Domenic replied.


    She smiled softly, replying, “I don’t want my boyfriend getting jealous, so I need to find Sumner a girlfriend fast!”


    Domenic was moved by her words.


    He gazed at her, wishing he could embrace her right now.


    But she seemed unaware of his thoughts.


    ncing at her watch, she mentioned, “I’m not ready for bed yet.


    I’ve got stuff to do.


    How about we not end the video chat?”


    He raised an eyebrow and grinned.


    “Sounds great to me.


    ”


    Lindsey’s smile made it feel like they were close.


    Suddenly, Domenic turned serious, lost in thought, and fell silent.


    As their conversation paused, Lindsey started browsing the day’s news.


    She noticed a notification.


    It was a friend request from Carole.


    She was surprised Carole was still awake.


    Carole messaged her, “You finally epted my friend request.


    ”