Just as Autumn was about to dive back into her work, she heard someone call from the door, "Autumn, there''s a young man here to see you." "Thanks, I''ll be right there." Autumn got up, but before she could head out, Manuel walked in. "Autumn," he greeted.


    He wore a polite and understated smile, looking every bit the gentleman-calm and courteous.


    "Manuel! I was just talking about you with Eliza. Come on in." Autumn waved him over with a warm grin. "And you brought gifts? You really shouldn''t have."


    Manuel gave a little smile. He was holding two gifts, onerge and one small. Handing the smaller one to Autumn, he said, "This is for you. Hope you like it."


    "How could I not?" Autumn said, epting it eagerly. She noticed the more elegantly wrapped box in his hand and guessed with a yful smile, "And I bet this one''s for Eliza?"Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    Manuel nodded, handing the gift to Eliza. "I wasn''t sure what you''d like, so I asked the salesdy to help."


    It was a gift box from a popr makeup brand. Eliza started to decline, but Autumn quickly took it for her. "Manuel really knows how to pick gifts. A thoughtful gift always brings joy, right, Eliza?" Autumn ced the gift box firmly in Eliza''s hands, making it clear there was no returning it now. Eliza knew she''d have to find another way to return the favorter.


    "Alright, you youngsters chat away. I''ve got some things to do," Autumn said happily as she left with her gift, not forgetting to thank Manuel, "I love the gift, Manuel. Thank you!" Manuel gave a polite smile in return.


    "Got any ns tonight?" Manuel asked Eliza.


    Eliza hesitated, unsure how to respond. Saying she was busy might seem rude, but agreeing without knowing his intentions felt risky.


    "Do you have something in mind?"


    "I was thinking dinner. If it feels awkward, you can bring your... ex-husband," he offered, still calm andposed. "That is, if he doesn''t mind."


    "He probably doesn''t have the time,"


    she said, ncing at the hefty gift


    box. "You really didn''t need to do this. How much was it? Let me pay you back."


    "It''s just a little something. Are you really going to make a big deal out of it? Aren''t we friends?" Though he smiled, there was a touch of sadness in his eyes at her reluctance.


    en


    Eliza didn''t like epting gifts without a reason. Refusing outright would seem too harsh.


    "Tell you what, let me treat you to dinner tonight."


    "Trying to even the score?" Manuel guessed her intentions easily and chuckled. "Alright, if you insist." "Deal."


    They picked a trendy bistro for dinner, known for its European charm and popr among couples Eliza chose it based on rave online reviews, not expecting the romantic vibe, which felt a bit awkward


    "Apparently, the food here is amazing. Order whatever you like," Eliza offered, handing Manuel the menu.


    Manuel casually picked a few dishes and passed the menu to the waiter. He wasn''t one to frequent such ces, which were more of a hit with thedies. "Want me to snap some photos for you?" he offered.


    Eliza was caught off guard but quickly shook her head. "No thanks, I''m not really into taking pictures."


    "Come on, youngdies usually love photos. Pass me your phone; I promise I''m good at it." Manuel reached out with an easygoing smile.