No Escape from Love

After hanging up, Lila leaned in with a gossipy grin. "What did your mom say? Is she urging you to find a boyfriend?"

I rolled my eyes at her. "Boyfriend? Not everyone is like you. Cut it out with the gossip."

"Hehe, I was just asking," she said with a cheeky smile.

I sighed, not wanting to continue the topic. "Let's not talk about this. We're here. Let's get out."

We both got out of the car and went to our respective apartments.

Turning the key twice, I heard a soft click as I pushed open the door to my new home.

The faint smell of fresh paint mixed with the woody fragrance of new furniture greeted me. It wasn't unpleasant. In fact, it gave off a strangely comforting warmth.

I changed into slippers, rolled up my sleeves, and got ready to clean. Though it was a new place, it had been unoccupied for a while, so some dust had settled.

Just as I picked up a cloth to wipe the coffee table, the doorbell rang.

"Already?" I muttered, setting the rag down to answer the door. As expected, Lila stood outside, beaming like a flower in full bloom.

"Surprise!" She dramatically spread her arms wide, pretending to go in for a hug. I dodged with a smile. "Alright, alright, cut it out. Come in and help already."

"Aye aye, captain!" She playfully saluted, changed into slippers, and plopped herself onto the couch.

"Whoa, this couch is so comfy! Nope, I need to lie down for a bit first."

I shook my head helplessly. "Are you here to help or to lounge around?"

Lila sprang up from the couch and snatched the rag from my hand. "Of course, I'm

here to help! I'm a hardworking little bee!"

Watching her exaggerated performance, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Why'd you come so early?" I asked.

"To help you install the surveillance camera, of course!" She lifted a shopping bag in her hand. "I also bought a bunch of snacks. We can take our time eating after we finish cleaning."

I smiled, warmth spreading in my heart. Having a friend like her was truly a blessing.

With Lila's help, we quickly set up the surveillance camera and then got to work cleaning. She hummed a tune while wiping the tables while I took care of mopping the floor.

We made a good team, and before long, the place was spotless.

She even brought over some decorations from her own apartment, saying it would make my new place feel more like home.

"Phew! Finally done!" Lila stretched and collapsed onto the couch. "I'm exhausted."

I handed her a drink. "Thank you so much for helping me."

"No need for thanks between us," she said with a grin, taking the drink. "By the

way, how did Alex find out you live here?"

I shrugged. "No idea. Maybe he followed me."

Lila frowned. "You don't think he's up to something, do you?"

"He wouldn't," I said with certainty. "He's not that kind of person."

No matter what, I had been around the Hastings family for years, so I knew them well enough.noveldrama

"People

seem,"

caren't always who they carela said seriously. "Just bet

If he tries anything, calf the

police immediately."

She was only looking out for me, so I didn't argue. I just nodded in agreement.