The café was nearly empty, the soft hum of the espresso machine filling the silence. El sat across from David, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her coffee cup.

"David, I've been thinking... It's probably best if we don't get involved in each other's lives anymore."

David Chuckles softly, feigning a wounded expression. "Ouch, El. That hurts. Are you breaking up with me before we even had a chance to start something?"

El Smiles faintly, trying to maintain her resolve. "I'm serious. It's for the best."

David Leans back, studying her. "You always did have a flair for the dramatic. But if that's what you want..."

El Looks away, her voice softening. "It's not about drama. I just think this is the best for us."

David Nods slowly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Alright, El. No hard feelings. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them.

"Once I’ve settled all the exchanges you asked for, I’d prefer we stay out of each other’s problems. I’m sorry for taking up your valuable time." “Hm, don’t be so quick to decide that. We can’t predict what’ll happen in the future. I don’t mind at all, so there’s no need for you to worry or apologize,” David said casually after finishing his meal, flashing a sarcastic smile at my words—probably thinking my reasoning was ridiculous. "Isn’t it better I’m being honest from the start? So we’re on the same page," I tried to defend myself, hoping he’d understand where I was coming from. “Alright, no big deal for me. Whatever works for you. As long as I get what I asked for, I’m good. Whatever happens after that? Meh, I’ll deal with it later,” Angga chuckled as he sipped his drink. “If you're done, feel free to head out. I’m gonna hang here a bit longer.”

Without saying much else, I took the chance to leave. "Okay, if you say so. I’ll get going now." "Sure. Hope you get your problems sorted," David said, focused on his next plate, not even sparing me a glance. I stood up and walked away, stealing one last look at David, who genuinely looked like he couldn’t care less. As I reached the restaurant’s parking lot, my phone rang. It was Sarah. "Hey, Sarah?" I answered right away. “El! Can you get to Wonderland *right now*?” Sarah sounded panicked and a bit demanding. “Why do you sound like it’s a big emergency? What’s going on? Is the big boss here?” “Just hurry up and get here!” Sarah cut me off. Instead of arguing, I followed her request and rushed to Wonderland. \*\* “Wait, are you serious? Are you *sure*?” I almost jumped when Sarah finished her explanation. “I’m dead serious. Why would I lie to you? Less than an hour ago, your husband—Sebastian—called me. He said he found Sylvia.” I bit my lip. Why didn’t Sebastian call me first? Why tell Sarah? Sarah, who knows me too well, must’ve sensed what I was thinking. “Come on, don’t overthink it. Maybe your husband didn’t want to stress you out. Maybe he’s just trying to protect you,” Sarah said, trying to reassure me. “So what now, sis?” Sarah shook her head. “No clue. But Sebastian did say we need to stay alert. He’s worried the ‘big boss’ might show up and demand answers about Sylvia.” I stayed quiet, my mind racing, trying to understand why Sebastian would call Sarah before me. I checked my watch every few seconds, hoping for a call. I’d been sitting at Wonderland for over half an hour, and my phone remained silent. The uncertainty was torture. Just as Sarah finished a call with one of the staff involved in tracking down Sylvia, her phone rang again. She rushed over, waving her phone in front of me. “Psst, El—look!” she whispered, motioning toward her screen. Sebastian’s name was there. “He’s calling you again?” I squinted at her phone. “Answer it! Quick!” I whispered back. “Are you sure? I don’t want to cause any misunderstanding.” “It’s fine! Just pick up.” Sarah gave me a small thumbs-up. “Okay, got it.” “Hello?” she answered Sebastian’s call. I had no idea what they talked about, but it went on for almost fifteen minutes. When she hung up, she looked... excited. Like Sebastian had given her good news. “What happened? Is there good news?” I stood up, eager to hear. “Yup! But sit down, El. I’ll tell you everything,” Sarah said, buzzing with energy. “So, your husband really did find Sylvia. And he made sure she can’t run again—just to be safe.” Sarah let out a breath. “And the reason he hasn’t told you yet? He said he’s waiting to explain it to you at home. Also, he noticed you’ve been looking down the past few days, and he didn’t want to add to your stress.” I clenched my hands nervously. Honestly, I hadn’t expected such a thoughtful explanation. “What’s wrong, El? What have you been worrying about that made Sebastian so concerned?” “It’s… it’s that favor I asked from David. The info exchange. I’ve been so on edge, terrified, because I basically lied to my husband.” Sarah burst out laughing, patting me on the shoulder. “Oh my God, *that’s* what’s been eating you up? Come on, El! That’s not a big deal.” “It *is* to me. I hate lying to him. There’ve already been too many lies in my past. I don’t want to add more.” “Hey. You lied for the right reasons, El. No one got hurt, and thanks to that info, we found Sylvia. And once this Sylvia mess is over, I seriously hope you can stay out of Wonderland’s business. You’re not even working with us anymore, remember? No more ties.” Sarah smiled as she gently tapped my shoulder again. “Just focus on your new life. And hey… pray I get lucky like you someday. Sebastian’s honestly one in a million.”

***