Chapter 860: Chapter 860



Feeling somewhat sheepish, Dulce hesitated and selected just one cherry.

With a warm smile, Michael urged her, “They’re all for you.”

Color rose to Dulce’s cheeks, and she gratefully began to partake in the cherries.

“What’s on the screen?” Michael queried as he plucked a cherry for himself and settled onto the couch, stretching his legs out comfortably and eyeing the long-neglected TV.

“Just a reality show,” Dulce admitted, her focus drifting away from the screen.

It was the series Amy had put together. Though filming had concluded some time ago, it was only now being broadcast.

Pointing at Mayer and Judie, who were sweetly interacting on the screen, Dulce whispered excitedly, “Guess what? They’re actually a couple in real life too!”

“Is that so? I hardly ever keep up with the entertainment buzz.”

“It’s still under wraps, but they’re planning to go public after the broadcast. Fannie gave me this insider scoop, so keep it to yourself!”

Michael pondered—who could he possibly divulge this secret to? His peers, equally seasoned by years, had long since lost interest in the whispers of celebrity lives. Even if he revealed his thoughts to them, they likely wouldn’t show any interest. Dulce, ever youthful, marveled at every new detail that captured her attention.

“Absolutely,” Michael confirmed with a nod.

Dulce, bubbling with enthusiasm, divulged the latest tidbits of celebrity gossip while Michael listened with unwavering patience. Although he hadn’t tuned into a reality show in years, he now discovered a newfound appreciation for them.

Michael caught the first sign of Dulce’s fatigue as she yawned subtly.

Reaching across to snag the remote from the coffee table, he suggested, “It’s getting late, let’s call it a night.”

Yet, Dulce was reluctant to close out their evening, exclaiming, “But I’m not ready to sleep yet!”

“Don’t you have to be up for work in the morning?”

“Fine.”

Rising from her seat, Dulce exchanged a soft goodnight with him before heading off.

Michael observed her disappearing figure, then methodically cleaned the kitchen, switched off the lights, and shrouded the living room and kitchen in darkness.

As silence enveloped the house, Michael felt a familiar pang of solitude. He thought he had become immune to it, but it remained troubling.

On Friday, Dulce had completely lost track of time, inadvertently working a full hour beyond her scheduled shift. She was so deeply engrossed in examining the blueprints that the passage of time escaped her notice.

Michael called her. “Still at the office? You haven’t come back yet.”

It was only then that Dulce realized she and Michael had been returning to his place almost at the same time recently. He would cook, although he insisted she didn’t need to help, Dulce would still assist with preparing the ingredients.

“Right away!” Dulce quickly packed up the blueprints and hurried to the locker room. “I’m heading back now!”

“Take your time.”

The hallway outside the locker room lay in darkness, the lights already dimmed.

Dulce quickened her steps, her heels clicking sharply against the cold tile. She remained unaware of the stealthy silhouette that slinked after her, its presence as quiet as a whisper.

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