At 8:00 pm, Miranda came downstairs to take out the trash, right on schedule.

Hansel watched her from behind his windshield, greedily taking in her presence. Today, she wore a blue floral maxi dress; her hair had grown longer and was cascading softly down her back. She wore flip-flops, looking effortlessly relaxed and carefree.

He got out of the car, ready to approach her, but suddenly, someone stepped in his way.

Paul said, “So, we meet again, Mr. Johnson.”

“Step aside!”

Seeing Miranda about to head back upstairs after taking out the trash, Hansel panicked.

Paul stood his ground, watching Miranda until she entered the apartment building, before shifting his attention.

Calvin rolled his eyes. “Zach, could you tone down the gloating for once?”

“Oh?” Zach blinked innocently. “Is it that obvious?”

Calvin sighed. “What do you think?”

“Alright, alright, I’ll dial it back.”

“Hans, don’t mind him. He just likes to run his mouth,” Calvin said, reaching for the bottle to pour another drink.

But before he could, Hansel suddenly reached out and covered his glass.

“Hans?” Calvin asked in confusion. Even Zach looked up from his cozy spot.

Hansel said, “No need. Just one glass is enough.”

What? What did he say?

Calvin took a moment to process it before setting the bottle down. “Is that a new rule for you?”

“Was I a big drinker before?”

“Of course! Is that even a question?”

Hansel remembered how Miranda used to look at him with worry whenever he came home drunk, and how much he used to despise her nagging. Now, no matter how much he drank or how drunk he got, no one would ever look at him with that mixture of anger, frustration, and concern.

“Hans, why are your eyes red?”

Hansel cleared his throat. “This wine is harsh on the throat.”

Calvin raised an eyebrow. “Really? It’s fine to me.”

Zach’s eyes darted around, but he chose not to comment. Instead, he playfully pinched the woman beside him.

“Ow! Gosh, Mr. Graham…” she giggled. “Come on, let’s have a drink.”

Zach laughed, leaning in to plant a kiss on her. “Sure, but you’ll have to feed me.” He pointed to her lips, which immediately drew another round of coquettish laughter.

The more Hansel listened, the more irritated he felt.

Calvin, too, was getting tired of Zach’s shameless behavior. Just then, his phone rang.

“Hello, Miranda?”