Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Lauren was striding along the street alone as I chased after her. I quickly grabbed my things and got into the car, swiftly starting my car to catch up to her.

I parked my car close to her and honked. She turned her head and glanced at me, opening the car door.

She looked grumpy, and I said, "Why are you mad at me? I didn't ask him to come. My meal got ruined, and I'm not even complaining! I'm starving now. Did I do anything wrong?"

Knowing what she had done was improper, she sighed softly and said, "Let me join you for some food. It's close by. Pull over, and I'll drive!"

We switched places, and she drove directly to the restaurant she mentioned.

It dawned on me that it was the "Marioposa" restaurant near Ivanna's workplace.

Their food was delicious, indeed. I did, however, also bring the takeaway with me.

After we got into Marioposa, I grinned and said, "This is such a fortunate coincidence. I can savor both meals?"

Lauren looked helpless.

I asked mischievously, "Lauren, if I hadn't followed your advice just now and left, would you have stopped considering me your best friend?" She gave me a severe look and said, "If a friend can't be in my shoes, is that the kind of person we can still be friends with?"

"Thank goodness I'm timid," I murmured as I stuck out my tongue at her.

She glared at me, looking calm and composed.

We ordered several dishes in Marioposa, satisfying my ever-growing stomach. That was when I finally felt happy and satisfied.

I had no idea how Oliver would feel, but I sensed that reconciling could be complicated.

After the meal, we left the restaurant while chatting and strolling.

We were in a small neighborhood and noticed numerous clothing boutiques. Lauren dragged me into one.

Surprisingly, the clothes in the little

boutique were nice. Despite being a small-brand retailer, the designs were distinctive, and I enjoyed some pieces.

I found maternity wear that would be very suitable for Ivanna. Just as my

31.1

handed that piece of clothing,

a swifter hand yanked it away.

I glanced at the woman who took the clothing. I was surprised to see that the woman was the one who had run into me that day in the store!

Her smile was hard to read as she looked at me.

I did not hold back and asked, "Miss, do you know the 'first come, first serve' rule?"

Her smile deepened, and her eyes were full of provocation, saying, "You were here first?"

I recognized this voice very well, but as I looked closely at her face today, I was positive I had never seen it before.

I asked, "Who are you? Do we know each other? Or did you mistake someone else for me?"

I asked this question because when Ivanna saw her, she said she looked like Harmony.

"You do realize that who I am has nothing to do with you? I just have to get what I want, that's all," she remarked maliciously.

I kept staring at her, thinking that her words seemed to have some profound meaning.

Lauren observed our impasse from a distance, walked over slowly, and continued to examine her closely.

The woman ignored Lauren's questioning stare.

Lauren asked, "This piece of clothing

does matter to us, though. It's ironic

because what you stated also

Pel

applies to us. If we like it, we won't

letit

let to t go!"

After saying that, she snatched the clothes and shouted, "Salesperson, pack it up!"