Like Irene, Heidi had always dreamed of her son achieving great things. Once, Irene envied Heidi for marrying well, but now the tables had turned—Heidi envied Irene. Under Heidi’s relentless nagging, Edward finally caved and agreed to the blind date. He didn’t even know her name, only that she was five years older and supposedly some kind of manager. ‘A career woman, huh? Definitely not my type,’ he thought, already rehearsing his excuse.

As the sound of footsteps drew closer, Edward, fresh off a gaming session, looked up lazily. But the moment he saw who it was, his jaw nearly hit the floor.

“Miriam?”

“Edward?”

They spoke almost simultaneously. Edward didn’t know what to say.

Miriam hesitated, then sat down, still flustered. “I can’t believe this. You’re the one I’m supposed to meet?”

“I had no idea it was you. My mom just said the woman was a few years older.”

“So, I’m too old for you? Fine, I’ll leave.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Edward grabbed Miriam’s wrist, but when she glanced at his hand, he quickly let go, flustered. “What do you want to drink? Coffee or a milkshake?”

“Whatever.” Miriam’s tone was cold. Ever since New Year’s Day, when she had visited Edward and he’d faked being sick to avoid her, she’d kept her distance. It had been three months since they last met.

Edward ordered two milkshakes and said, “I heard you’ve been going on blind dates. I wanted to ask, but figured it wasn’t my place.”

Miriam frowned. “Not that many. You’re number four.”

“So, what happened next?” Edward asked with a smirk. “Did you ask Irene to set us up?”

Miriam snapped, “You’re so full of yourself. I don’t know what you’re talking about. My parents told me to do this—they said he’s younger, gentle, and good at taking care of people. Does that sound like you?”

“I—” Edward stammered, then abruptly stood. “I need to use the restroom.” He hadn’t expected his blind date to be Miriam.

In the men’s restroom, Edward stood before the mirror, running his hands through his hair in frustration. ‘If I’d known it was her, I would’ve dressed better,’ he thought. An old man mopping the floor walked by, muttering, “Young guys these days, always so into themselves.”

Edward’s face flushed red. He cleared his throat awkwardly and quickly left.

When Miriam saw him return, she grabbed her bag. “Once we’re back, just tell them we’re not a match. Say we don’t vibe, and it’s not going to work.”

Edward hesitated, then chased after her, looking a bit guilty, remembering what had happened earlier. “My mom gave me 300 bucks and told me to treat you to dinner. At least let me buy you a meal.”

Miriam shook her head. “Forget it. Let’s not waste each other’s time.”

Edward licked his lips nervously. “Come on, just one meal. It’s my birthday today, and my mom still made me go on this blind date. No one’s even wished me a happy birthday. Isn’t that just sad?”

Miriam looked at him skeptically. Edward dug into his pockets, pulled out his ID card, and showed her the date from when he’d used it on the subway earlier. “See? It really is my birthday.”

Miriam glanced at his bright, handsome face. His family’s genes were seriously impressive—every single one of them looked great. She softened a little. “Happy birthday.”

“Thanks.”

Miriam thought to herself, ‘Might as well have dinner and then part ways. It’s just one meal.’

They began talking about Teresa and Jonathan. Edward’s jaw dropped. “Wait, what? Teresa’s gone missing? You need to call the cops right now.”

“She’s not missing—she left on her own.”

“Same difference. You should still report it. If you can’t find her, it’s a big deal.”

Miriam chuckled. Edward asked what was so funny, but she just shook her head, popped open a can of beer, and clinked it against his.

“Drink with me.” Miriam opened another can. Eventually, she drank too much, her eyes hazy, her cheeks flushed bright red.

Edward stayed relatively sober. After paying the bill, he grabbed her bag and helped her out of the restaurant.

Miriam’s phone rang repeatedly. Edward noticed the caller ID said “Benny” and handed her the phone. Miriam answered.

Benny’s voice came through the line. “My dad’s heading to Lonisburg for business, and I’m tagging along. Are you coming? If not, we can search for Teresa separately. I doubt Jonathan looked that carefully.”