CHAPTER 19

As Ava and Mia settled into their cozy living room, the weight of recent events hung heavy in the air. Ava, still reeling from the kiss with Xavier and the unexpected visit from Lia, tried to maintain her composure.

"So how's your medical training going?" Ava asked Lia, trying to shift the focus to something less personal.

Lia sighed but smiled. "It's really intense, but I love it. The lectures are endless, and the practicals are tough. Xan complains about the dissection part—he's always so squeamish."

Ava chuckled. "I can't imagine him being squeamish. He always seems so composed."

Mia piped up, looking thoughtful. "Speaking of Xan, I texted him a few days ago. He mentioned he had something important to share. Any idea what that's about?"

Lia's face turned a bit more serious. "Well, actually, I wanted to tell you that Xan and I are dating now."

The revelation hit both Mia and Ava like a ton of bricks. "WHAT?!" they exclaimed in unison, their surprise evident.

Lia nodded, her cheeks tinged pink. "Yes, we've been dating for a week now. It's been amazing, but I was nervous to tell you."

Mia's face lit up with a huge smile. "That's fantastic news, Lia! I'm genuinely happy for you!"

Ava, who was still absorbing the information, gave Lia a thumbs-up, though her own feelings were mixed. "Yeah, congratulations! That's wonderful."

But Mia's expression shifted from joy to mild annoyance as she looked at Ava. "And I'm a bit disappointed too."

Ava's brow furrowed. "Disappointed? Why? This is good news for Lia."

"I'm thrilled for Lia," Mia said, her tone firm. "But look at you. You're acting like a mess. Lia's found someone, and you're just sitting here moping. It's obvious you and Xavier like each other, but you're both acting like opposites."

Ava's confusion deepened. "What are you talking about?"

Mia's frustration was palpable. "I feel like giving you both a wake-up call. You're both so stubborn!"

Lia laughed at the exchange, clearly entertained by Mia's outburst. "You two are so dramatic."

Ava's annoyance flared. "I'm already dealing with mood swings because of my period. Don't make it worse."

Mia rolled her eyes. "Trust me, I'm having mood swings just watching you stay single."

Lia suddenly remembered something. "Oh, I almost forgot. Xavier asked me to give you this. He called you several times last night and left this letter for you. He's gone to a business meeting in California and won't be back for a week."

She handed Ava a neatly folded letter. Mia's eyes sparkled with mischief. "It must be a love letter. Open it!"

Ava took the letter, her fingers trembling slightly as she unfolded it. The letter was adorned with an elegant script, but the content made her frown.

"'HEY STUPID IDIOT DUMB GIRL,'" she read aloud, her irritation evident. "'CHECK YOUR TEXTS. INSTEAD OF SLEEPING LIKE A PIG.'"

Mia and Lia burst into laughter at the letter's blunt tone.

Lia wiped a tear of laughter from her eye. "There's a quote: 'Don't judge a book by its cover.' It's so fitting for you two."

Ava shook her head with a smirk. "Whatever. I'll check my phone."

She returned moments later with her phone in hand. "He didn't propose, but he did say, 'See you on Monday at my house so that you can improve your so-called physical fitness.' For someone who writes such short texts, he sure makes a big fuss. Sometimes I wonder if he's an adult or a kid."

Lia's eyes widened. "Did he propose?"

Ava shook her head. "Nope. But I'm planning to propose to him when he returns. That way, you two will finally leave me alone."

Mia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? I'm so happy for you!"

"Yes, but mostly because it'll shut you both up," Ava replied, rolling her eyes with a playful grin.

Mia jumped up, doing a goofy dance. "I'm thrilled for you!"

"And Lia, I'm genuinely happy for you," Ava said warmly. "Enjoy your new relationship."

"If he ever hurts you, let me know," Mia added with mock seriousness, making a slicing motion across her neck. "I'll take care of him."

Lia laughed, accepting a cookie from Ava. "Thanks, that's very sweet of you."

"I should get going," Lia said. "Don't tell Xave about this; I'll tell him when he gets back."

"Okay, enjoy yourself!" both Mia and Ava said as Lia left.

Mia turned to Ava with a mischievous grin. "Want me to cook something for you?"

"No, I'm craving chocolate mousse. I'll order it," Ava said, picking up her phone.

"Are you having cramps?" Mia asked, her concern genuine.

"No, not this time," Ava said with a sigh. "Last time was awful, but today I'm just tired."

"I'll cook something anyway. You can't stay on an empty stomach," Mia said, heading to the kitchen.

After preparing a meal, they sat down to eat spaghetti, corndogs, and, of course, the chocolate mousse.