Arabella's car had barely rolled to a stop in front of a charming villa when her phone buzzed with a call from Romeo.
"What are you up to?" he asked.
"Just visiting a friend. She hurt her ankle."
"Which friend? Do | know her?"
"A good friend. You haven't met her."
Arabella looked up and saw Ophelia hobbling towards her with the aid of a crutch. Probably having spotted her arrival on the
security camera, she couldn't wait to greet her.
"I'll introduce you two next time."
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Romeo's heart warmed at his fiancée's words. "Alright, just don't stay out too late. Hitup when you get back to the hotel."
"Sure thing, bye." Hanging up, Arabella saw Ophelia approaching her, who looked as if she wished to fly. As soon as they were just
a few paces apart, Ophelia discarded her crutch to embrace her.
"It's been too long," Ophelia beamed with a radiant smile.
Usually, her eyes held a frosty reserve, making her seem untouchable, but when she smiled, the frost in her eyes melted right
away, and her breathtaking beauty was revealed.
"Abandoning the crutch?" Arabella chuckled. "Is it that serious? And here you said it was nothing."
"I'll be fine in a few days," Ophelia said cheerfully, with her eyes fixed on Arabella. "You must be starving. | had sdelicious
dishes prepared. Con, you're going to love them."
Arabella picked up the crutch from the ground. With an air of serene grace, she smiled and assisted Ophelia towards the house.
"Now that you mention it, | could eat."
"Why don't you spend the night with me? It's been ages since anyone keptcompany."
The villa was quiet, inhabited only by Ophelia and the household staff. Their mutual friends, like Kelly and the others, were often
too busy to visit.
"I didn't bring a change of clothes."
"That's hardly a problem. I've got plenty of brand-new clothes here. Take your pick. We're about the ssize." Ophelia didn't
want Arabella to leave so soon.
Seeing the earnestness in her offer, Arabella agreed.
The dining table was laden with an array of mouthwatering dishes. After the staff had greeted Arabella and bowed out, the two
friends were left alone at the large table.
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"This is your celebratory feast," Ophelia said as she poured stea and video-called their other friends. "Guess who's here?"
"You and Arabella together?" Kelly exclaimed, both surprised and incredulous. "What are you eating? It looks delicious."
"I'm still wrapped up over here, and you guys are having a midnight snack? Last t| visited, you didn't prepare anything near as
nice," another friend with long hair teased.
"Yeah, | didn't get this treatment either," added another, her short hair bobbing as she feigned offense.
"Today, Bella dida solid, so this is her victory banquet! Even though you're not here, there's nothing to stop us from raising our
glasses and toasting to the good times. Cheers, everyone!"
Kelly, who was in her bedroom, picked up a glass of water from her bedside table. "To Bella, the best of us," she lifted her glass and
declared.
The rest of the girls joined in with whatever they had on hand—juice, soda, bottled water—and they all shared a lively toast, their
laughter spilling through the screens.