“Yeah! But Gia, what should I do? I’m starting to like you more and more.”
“If our brother hears that, he’ll get jealous.”
The two, who had been laughing together, began eating cake again. As they sat on the bench, laughing and chatting while eating cake, Gia had to get up when her phone rang multiple times.
“Lola, it looks like you’ll have to eat this cake all by yourself. My husband has been looking for me since earlier. Ugh… So, once you get married and have kids, you lose your freedom.”
Even as she expressed her irritation with a sigh, Gia’s face looked happy. Lola smiled brightly.
“Hey! I’m telling you this from experience, but since you’re not married yet, enjoy your freedom to the fullest right now. Even if your brother proposes to you, don’t give an easy answer. Got it?”
Instead of answering, Lola nodded and smiled. As Gia’s phone rang again, she quickly dashed off.
Watching Gia’s figure gradually fade away, Lola took small bites of the cake with her fork.
The taste of the cake melting in her mouth was sweet and delicious.
She felt good, and her heart swelled with happiness because she had a caring and precious friend like Gia.
It hadn’t been long since lunch when Dylan called Lola.
As soon as Lola picked up Dylan’s call, she rushed outside and found him already sitting on a bench, waiting for her.
It had only been a day since she last saw him, but just seeing him from a distance made her very happy. However, worried that her feelings might be too obvious, Lola deliberately walked slowly toward the bench to hide her excitement.
“Dear, have you had lunch?”
Lola asked as she sat down next to Dylan.
Dylan crossed his legs and shifted his posture as he replied.
“Yeah! Did you eat?”
“Yes.”
“I came because I wanted to talk to you.”
“What about?”
Dylan turned slightly to face her and spoke quietly.
“My mother is curious about the girl I’m dating. So, let’s pick a day to go to my house and introduce you.”
Lola’s face showed surprise. Dylan immediately pointed out the change in her expression.
“You look like you don’t want to. Why? Don’t you want to go to my house to meet my mom?”
“Oh, it’s not that.”
Lola waved her hands in denial. Dylan asked, looking puzzled.
“Then what’s the problem?”
“I just think my mother might be very surprised.”
“Surprised? Why?”
“Well, you know. A friend who has been close to Gia suddenly shows up as your girlfriend. I just worry that your mother might be shocked.”
Lola explained in detail, even using gestures.
Until she attended medical school, Lola often visited Gia’s house. During those times, Lola would be warmly welcomed by Mariana, who would ask, “Did you come, Lola?” and serve her delicious food, treating her like a daughter. Lola would also respectfully call Mariana “Mother,” and the three of them would sit at the table, drinking coffee and chatting.
But now, the woman who had always thought of her as a daughter would suddenly appear as her son’s girlfriend, and Lola couldn’t help but worry that her mother would be taken aback.
“What are you worried about?”
However, unlike Lola, who was anxious, Dylan didn’t seem to care at all.
“Mom is a generous person. So you don’t have to worry too much. Just trust me and come along.”
“Ah… okay, Dear.”
After a long pause, Lola replied, lowering her head to look at her toes. Dylan’s gaze inadvertently fell on the sneakers Lola was wearing. They were the shoes he had bought for her.
A smile appeared on Dylan’s face.
He couldn’t understand why he felt so pleased and happy when Lola wore clothes or shoes he had bought for her.
“Do you like the shoes?”
“Yes. They feel comfortable, and I like them. The design is pretty, too. Thank you, Dear. I’ll wear them well.”
Hearing such pleasant words, Dylan’s usually cold eyes softened.
“Next time, let’s buy from a different brand. There are many other pretty and comfortable ones.”
Before Dylan could finish his sentence, Lola jumped up from her seat in shock.
“No! I won’t buy any more! I really don’t need it. This is enough for me.”
“Lola, I think you forgot what I just said.”
His voice, feigning annoyance, felt dangerous, causing Lola to instinctively take a few steps back. Dylan seized the opportunity to tease her again.
“Oh no! If you run away wearing the shoes I bought you, that would be a problem.”
“I’m not running away. I’m not going anywhere.”
