Claudia sighed, likening her situation to the proverb, “A burnt child dreads the fire."

ALL her courage to pursue Love had been exhausted on Anthony. Evading her feelings for him hadn't been a simple accomplishment.

Now, she considered herself fortunate to still have the courage to fall in love again.

However, she fell for him first, and the fear of a repeat heartbreak haunted her.

Aurora recognized that Claudia hadn't fully healed from the wounds of her previous relationship, though she rarely spoke of it.

Now, Claudia's fears were laid bare. Feeling both sympathy and helplessness, Aurora said, "Haven't you ever considered that Bennett might Like you too?"

Claudia was in the middle of checking the menu when she heard this, causing her to freeze.

“Please, it's broad daylight. Don't daydream."

Aurora chuckled. "Cece, you lack self-confidence."

After choosing their meals, Claudia handed the menu to Aurora, asserting, "It's not about confidence. Bennett's just not that type."

“So what's it about then?"

"Do you really believe Bennett could have a secret crush on someone without telling her?”

After a moment's thought, Aurora conceded, “You might be right, Cece Claudia huffed. "

But..."

“But what?"

“In my dreams, perhaps."

Embarrassed by her own words, Claudia blushed.

Aurora teased, “Is that all you aspire to in your dreams? Cece, you're too timid."

Claudia was at a Loss for words.

Her friend's mind was indeed full of sex!

Aurora and Claudia strolled casually in the mall during the afternoon until it was time for dinner.

Aurora had secured a reservation at a renowned restaurant. That day, it was teeming with patrons. Though they got a table without a delay, the food took its time to arrive. They left the restaurant only to realize it was already seven.

Although they'd joked about visiting a bar to see some handsome male dancers that night, in truth, Aurora was too shy to really do so.

So in the end, they chose a quiet bar, with the intention of having a nice chat over drinks.