However, Ruby gave Lilah a puzzled look and inquired, “Lilah, what's eating you? You find this dull? No worries. We can chew the fat about something else."

Words failed Lilah. Clutching her glass like a lifeline, she finally knocked back her drink.

For the rest of the meal, her mind was a whirlwind.

She'd never, in her wildest dreams, pegged her best friend as Jerrold's mother. And now, it seemed Ruby was itching to patch things up with Jerrold.

After they wrapped up dinner, the clock struck nine. Ruby chauffeured Lilah back to Starlight Mansion. Before parting, she eyed Lilah with worry and offered, “Lilah, have you had one too many? I can walk you up."

Lilah shook her head. “Nope, I'm good. Just bushed. You head home; it's getting late." She then hopped out of the car and made a beeline for the Starlight Mansion.

She meandered through the garden for a good while, the chilly breeze somewhat sobering her thoughts.

Up above, a sliver of a moon dangled in the indigo night, casting a ghost of a glow. Lilah gazed at it, and then swiped at her face, only to find her cheeks streaked with tears.

She'd believed she was on the cusp of bliss, but that dream had fizzled out before it even took off.

Burying the hurt, she eyed the gift box that cradled the watch and, in a moment of resolve, chucked it into the bin.

With a muted crash, the box vanished from view.

Lilah just couldn't keep the floodgates closed any longer.

Maybe love just wasn't in the cards for her.

An hour ticked by before Lilah pulled herself together and caught the elevator back up.

Reaching her front door, she spotted a lofty silhouette loitering. He clutched a bouquet and seemed to have been rooted there for ages.

Bathed in the glow of the corridor lamp, he could have passed for a knight of yore.

"Gerard?"

"You're back," Gerard murmured, his thin lips barely moving, voice a soft whisper.

"You... you were waiting for me?" Lilah's voice was barely audible.

"Yes."

Gerard's gaze held hers. "You told me to wait for you, remember? No matter how long it took, I'd be here."

“What's this?" Lilah's eyes fell on the flowers.

"They're for you."

He handed them over, his deep eyes warm with emotion. Lilah's heart twisted. Gerard likely had a hunch about her intentions, so he made the first move...