Chapter 14 The Food Delivery
A sharp knock suddenly echoed at the door.
Bryson glanced toward the entrance.
Bryanna sauntered in, collapsing into his arms. “Brys, my back….. I
think I twisted it.”
His hand instinctively steadied her waist.
“Is it bad?” he asked with concern.
Bryanna peered over his shoulder at the desk.
Two documents lay there, one labeled Resignation Letter.
“It’s unbearable. I need to go to hospital.”
She whimpered, making herself sound weak.
“Let’s go now.”
A sly smile flickered across Bryanna’s lips.
Before leaving, her eyes lingered on the letter.
She’d heard Iliana was gone.
That letter was likely her farewell.
Meanwhile, Iliana arrived at the apartment Kevin described.
Jade Estates.
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Chapter 14 The Food Delivery
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It was a high–end complex in Whiteville. The interior matched the photos perfectly, sleek and modern, exactly her style.
For the next twenty–six days, Iliana would live here.
Twenty–six days wasn’t long, but alone, it might feel endless.
By evening, she’d finished unpacking.
Exhausted and appetite gone, she craved a sandwich.
Keys in hand, she headed downstairs. Returning with her sandwich, she froze in the lobby.
Maurice stood there.
Why was he here?
“What are you doing here?” he asked, studying her.
“I’ve moved out. Staying here temporarily,” Iliana replied flatly.
“Moved out?” His expression darkened. “Things with Bryson got that bad?”
Iliana shrugged. “No drama. Just clarity.”
“Clarity?”
His eyes dropped to her sandwich. “He cut you off financially?”
“Just simplifying life,” she said lightly. “But I can’t repay you yet, Mr. Andrade.”
The move had drained her savings.
Maurice frowned. “Weren’t you on IV fluids days ago?”
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Iliana blinked.
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She didn’t expect him to bring this up instead of demanding repayment.
She smiled faintly. “Not hungry. I just grabbed a sandwich.”
The elevator doors opened.
Maurice stepped in, and Iliana followed.
“Which floor?”
“Sixteen, thanks.”
Maurice paused, then pressed the button.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing.”
Silence hung until the elevator reached the 16th floor.
Maurice exited too.
Iliana watched him stop at the unit opposite hers.
He lived across the hall.
Iliana suddenly remembered the agent’s words.
She’d rented Maurice’s apartment.
“So I’m staying in your place?”
“Hm.” Maurice avoided elaboration, shifting topics. “Sandwich isn’t nutritious. Especially … given your condition.”
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Before Iliana could reply, he disappeared into his unit.
Night fell carly in late autumn.
Back in her apartment, Iliana hesitated, then stashed the sandwich in a cupboard.
She was not hungry anyway.
Half an hour later, as she gathered clothes for a shower, a knock interrupted.
“Who is it?”
A friendly voice answered. “Delivery from the restaurant downstairs.”
Delivery?
She hadn’t ordered anything.
Opening the door, she received a bag with five containers.
“I didn’t order anything.”
“A Mr. Andrade placed the order for you.”
Iliana froze. “Mr. Andrade?”
“Yes.”
She couldn’t just believe it.
Warmth flickered in her chest.
He’d always seemed aloof, so this unexpected kindness surprised her.
She glanced at his closed door.
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“Thank you.” Iliana took the bag.
“It’s a pleasure.”
After the deliveryman left, Iliana hurried to Maurice’s door and knocked.
There was no answer.
She thought he must have left after ordering the meal.
Back inside, Iliana unpacked the containers and froze.
The dishes were exactly her favorites.
She texted him, “Knocked earlier. No answer. Thanks for dinner.”
A reply popped up quickly.
“No need to thank me.”
Iliana smiled bitterly.
The man she’d loved for three years threw her out, while his rival showed unexpected kindness.
After dinner, she had a shower.
After finishing everything, it was already past nine at night.
She lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.
Her phone rang suddenly.
Iliana quickly reached for her phone on the nightstand. When she picked it up, she saw her brother Gregory’s name on the screen.
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“Gregory.”
“Iliana, you called days ago? I was busy. What’s wrong?”
She recalled the hospital visit when she’d needed money.
“It’s nothing now.”
“You’re returning in twenty days?” Gregory asked instead.
“Yes,” Iliana replied.
“Your fiancé’s also in Whiteville. Should you meet him first?”
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