Chapter 108 Witness Your Moment of Happiness
Leopold jolted awake to his alarm—barely two hours of sleep after pulling an all-nighter on proposal drafts.
After replying to Preston's WhatsApp, he dragged himself to the shower.
The renovation had reached the mason phase. Caroline sent him progress photos every few days, always with playful little messages attached.
Caroline: [Mr. Wipere, project update—sand and cement deliveries complete. Any further instructions?]
Caroline: [Leopold, I missed you today.]
Caroline: [Mr. Wipere, trenching and pipe installation finished.]
Caroline: [Leopold, I missed you today, too.]
Caroline: [Mr. Wipere, it's Mother's Day—don't forget to text your mom.]
Caroline: [Day off today.]
Caroline: [Mr. Wipere, backfilling phase underway.]
Caroline: [Leopold, I missed you a lot today.]
Leopold noticed the pattern—she addressed him as "Mr. Wipere" for business updates, but switched to "Leopold" for the emotional stuff. That little toggle had a certain charm to it.
Then one day, her message read: [Saturday night—high school reunion at The Ivy Bistro. Bunch of out-of-towners are flying back. Rare chance to see everyone. Don't worry, I won't drink.]
The reunion organizer was Orion Rodriguez, now working in university PR. Once he got the ball rolling, even classmates from out of state answered his call.
Caroline got Orion's call right after wrapping a meeting downtown. Since taking the manager position, she'd been drowning in the government's new "business environment initiative"—new directives every three days, policy changes every five. She was constantly shuttling between headquarters and the branch office, running herself ragged.
Work wasn't her only headache—there was the house renovation to oversee too.
That afternoon, the photo studio called asking her to review the retouched wedding photos. With no time during business hours, she could only squeeze it in after work, scheduling a 6:30 PM appointment after confirming their closing time.
Twenty-four hours in a day barely felt like enough. Some days she wished she could sprout six extra arms.
For the reunion, Caroline chose a formal white suit—clean lines, no fussy details, paired with understated, elegant jewelry.
The plan was 5 PM at The Ivy Bistro. She arrived ten minutes early.
Orion was already stationed at the entrance playing the greeter. Cars jammed every spot out front, forcing Caroline to drive further down the block before finding a corner space.
As she stepped out, a bicycle bell chimed behind her. She turned to see a familiar face.
They recognized each other instantly.
"Sawyer."
Sawyer Martinez grinned. "Caroline."
He quickly parked his bike. "Hang on, let me lock this up."
His gaze drifted toward a nearby residential complex. "I can see the restaurant from my apartment. Saw all the cars parked out front, so I biked over."
"Right!" Caroline remembered. "You live around here."
"Right over there." Sawyer pointed behind him. "Eight-minute bike ride. If I'd driven, I'd spend eight minutes just hunting for parking."
"Must be nice living so close," Caroline said.
As they walked, Sawyer asked, "Heard you got promoted?"
Caroline gave a modest smile. "Just a small position change. Nothing major."
"Don't be so humble—I'm not here asking for favors." Sawyer laughed. "So, wedding date set yet?"
Caroline had given Sawyer a cash gift at his wedding—this was just returning the courtesy.
"Next month. June 28th, at Celestial Waters Hotel on Solstice Mountain."
Sawyer pulled out his phone. "Let me jot that down. My memory's shot these days—better set an alarm reminder."
By then, Orion spotted them approaching and waved them over.
"Caroline! Sawyer!"
Caroline walked up, eyeing Orion critically. "Orion, you've really let yourself go since high school. Look at that belly."
Orion patted his expanded midsection. "Can't help it. All these dinner obligations—if someone invites you and you don't show, it's like slapping them in the face."
Caroline understood the social pressures of his circles. "Just watch your health. Don't overdo the drinking."
Sawyer offered Orion a cigarette. "How many people showed up?"
Orion pulled out his lighter, lit Sawyer's cigarette first, then took a drag. "Over twenty so far. You two better head in."
Caroline raised her eyebrows. "That many already?"
Sawyer nodded. "We should get in there."
Their graduating class had thirty students total—this was the best turnout they'd ever had.
Just inside the lobby, Caroline spotted Griffin at the bar counter with several classmates, ordering food. Someone called out her name. Griffin's instinct was to turn around, but he forced himself to keep facing forward, pretending he hadn't heard.
"I'm thinking we should add more dishes," Griffin said. "With this many people..."
Delta Murphy grabbed Caroline's arm, pulling her over—right next to Griffin. Delta looked Caroline up and down. "Oh my God, Caroline, how is your figure still this perfect? Haven't gained an ounce. Look at me—I gain weight just drinking water. There's no comparison."
Caroline smiled. "You're not heavy at all. Your figure's great."
Delta pouted, clearly unsatisfied. "It's been a year since I had the baby, and I still haven't bounced back. Look at this waist, these hips—pure flab, like I'm wearing two life preservers. So jealous of your tiny waist."
She actually reached over and pinched Caroline's waist.
Caroline knew Griffin was deliberately avoiding her. "You guys finish ordering. Which private room are we in?"
"The big banquet hall—keep walking straight back," Delta said. "Griffin, order me some lamb."
Forced to respond, Griffin reluctantly glanced over. His eyes met Caroline's. He gave an awkward nod. "You made it?"
"Yeah. Have you been here long?" Caroline asked.
Griffin turned to face her properly. "I know the owner. Orion asked me to come early and help with the order."
"Ah, makes sense." Caroline smiled lightly. "I'll let you finish up. See you inside."
"Just wrapping up now," Griffin said. "I'll come with you."
They walked side by side. Caroline could feel the awkward tension between them—probably because of that arranged blind date.
Griffin broke the silence first. "Congratulations. On getting married."
"Thanks," Caroline said.
"Set a date yet?" He asked.
"June 28th. Wedding ceremony at Solstice Mountain Hotel. If you're free, you should come."
Griffin's hand clenched in his pocket. "Wouldn't miss witnessing your happy moment."