Chapter 48

Elsie lowered her gaze, her thick lashes hiding the emotions in her eyes.

She gestured lightly with her hands. "Ronald and I used to be married."

"But now, we barely have any connection. He has someone else he loves."

Aline raised an eyebrow, noticing the slight tremor in Elsie's fingers and the fleeting bitterness in her eyes when she mentioned "someone else."

"Oh? Is that so?" Aline drew out her words, her eyes casually sweeping over the medicine bottles and Bruce's business card on the table.

"I see Dr. Valois cares about you a lot. He comes over often, doesn't he?"

Elsie continued to gesture with her hands. "Dr. Valois is just a friend. He's helped me a lot and is very kind to me."

Aline looked at Elsie, recalling Bruce's frequent visits to the apartment and his attentive behavior. It didn't seem like they were just friends. Coupled with Elsie's divorce from Ronald, a bold guess formed in her mind.

"So, is Dr. Valois the reason you and Ronald got divorced?" Aline asked directly.

Elsie looked up sharply. "No! Ronald asked for the divorce because he has someone else he is into. It has nothing to do with Dr. Valois."

Aline's gaze shifted to Elsie, catching the sadness in her eyes. 

Despite Elsie's efforts to hide it, Aline sensed the helplessness in her tone. She suddenly felt she might have gone too far, prying into her wounds.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have pried."

Aline softened her tone, her curiosity giving way to empathy.

"But staying cooped up at home isn't good for you."

"I need to get some things for the rooftop garden. Want to come with me? Take in the scenery, breathe some fresh air, and your spirits will surely lift."

Elsie looked at Aline, a bit puzzled, but she nodded. She did need to get out, clear her mind, and find some peace.

At the flower market, Aline enthusiastically picked out succulents, humming a tuneless song. Elsie quietly followed, her eyes lingering on the various green plants.

"How about this cactus? Isn't it cool?"

Aline held up a spiky cactus, waving it in front of Elsie.

Elsie smiled and gestured, "It's unique."

Aline also bought a few succulents and a bouquet of sunflowers. Elsie chose a pot of lavender with delicate purple flowers and a pothos plant.

As they left the flower market, they passed a pet store. 

Inside, furry little animals crowded together, making all sorts of noises. 

Elsie couldn't help but stop, her attention drawn to an ugly cat curled up in a corner. Its fur was a patchy mix of gray and white, like a dirty rag. One ear was missing a chunk, revealing pink skin. Most striking were its eyes—one green, one gold. It looked odd and comical.

The cat huddled in a shabby bed, warily watching the passing people. Elsie felt an inexplicable connection to the cat. 

She remembered wanting a pet before, but Ronald had refused, calling it a hassle and unsanitary. She hadn't dared to argue and had silently given up. Now, she could finally do what she wanted.

She pointed to the cat and looked at Aline.

"Want to adopt it?"

Aline followed her gaze and frowned. "That cat doesn't look great. If you like cats, I can take you to another store with purebred ones."

Elsie shook her head and pointed to the scruffy cat again. She liked it precisely because it was different, with a unique charm that defied societal norms.

Seeing Elsie's determination, Aline shrugged.

"Alright, let's check it out. But be careful, it looks a bit fierce."

Elsie entered the pet store. The owner, a chubby middle-aged man, was dozing in a chair. 

Hearing someone come in, he lazily opened his eyes. Seeing Elsie pointing at the scruffy cat, he looked surprised.

"Young lady, you have a good eye! This cat is the star of our store!"

The owner got up and walked to the cage, speaking in an exaggerated tone.

"Don't be fooled by its looks. This is a genuine... mixed breed! It's very smart!"

Elsie typed on her phone, "How much?"

The owner rubbed his hands together. "Not much, just a thousand dollars! A real bargain!"

Aline rolled her eyes. This cat was worth maybe a hundred bucks at most.

"Sir, this cat has a missing piece of its ear and its eyes are different colors. Surely it isn't worth a thousand dollars? Are you extorting us?"

The owner sipped his tea leisurely. "Young lady, you don't understand. This is called character! It's one of a kind! Look at those heterochromatic eyes, so cool! The missing ear is a badge of its brave past!"

Elsie almost laughed out loud. She typed on her phone, "One hundred dollars."

The owner widened his eyes.

"One hundred dollars? Young lady, you're too harsh! I paid two hundred dollars for this cat!"

"This cat cost me a fortune to import from abroad..."

"Stop." Aline interrupted impatiently.

"Cut the nonsense. One hundred fifty dollars, take it or leave it. Otherwise, we're leaving."

"Fine, one hundred fifty dollars it is!"

The owner grumbled about losing money as he opened the cage and handed the scruffy cat to Elsie.

She carefully took the cat, which was as light as a feather and trembling slightly. She gently stroked its messy fur, feeling it gradually relax.

"Let's call it Spud," Elsie signed to Aline with a smile.

"Spud?" Aline looked at the scruffy, dirty cat and couldn't help but laugh. "That name fits perfectly. Let's go buy some cat food and supplies."

Aline pushed the shopping cart towards the pet supplies section. Elsie followed, holding Spud, a small smile on her lips.

After buying cat food, litter, and toys, they returned to their apartment. Elsie gave Spud a bath. Cleaned up, Spud was still scruffy, but at least it wasn't a dirty mess anymore. Its one emerald-green eye and one golden eye, set against the backdrop of its pristine fur, rendered it exceptionally unique, even a bit cute.

Spud seemed pleased with its new home, occasionally making curious sounds. Watching Spud explore the apartment, Elsie felt a strange sense of satisfaction. Maybe having a pet could really bring her some comfort.

Elsie opened the cat food and poured it into a bowl. The cat cautiously peeked out from under the couch, sniffed the food, and then tentatively took a bite.

"Looks like it likes its new home."

Aline crossed her arms, watching Spud with an unusually gentle tone.