Chapter 51 Like
From Caroline's earlier reminiscing, it was clear she loved New Year's celebrations, but after a moment of silence, Leopold simply typed: [Yes.]
As if welcoming the New Year, a heavy snowfall had blanketed everything overnight. The entire hotel and Solstice Mountain were wrapped in thick snow, attracting plenty of tourists who'd made this winter wonderland their trendy holiday destination.
Leopold gazed out the window at the snow, yet couldn't feel an ounce of the joy it brought others. To him, it only felt cold and empty.
Just then, Erica waltzed into the office carrying bubble tea and desserts.
"The queen has arrived," she announced with theatrical flair. "Please hold your applause."
She'd expected to find Caroline looking bored to tears, but instead discovered her friend deeply focused on her work, scribbling away furiously.
"Oh my God, working on New Year's is depressing enough, but you're actually working?" Erica exclaimed.
Caroline looked up at the sound of her voice, eyes lighting up at the sight of bubble tea. "Thank you! You're literally my personal charging station."
Erica handed over the drink, then scanned the snacks already scattered across Caroline's desk. "Well, well, looks like you weren't exactly starving without me."
"I wouldn't starve, but nothing compares to the cake you bring," Caroline replied, closing her blueprints and neatly setting aside her files. She took a sip of her tea before cutting herself a generous slice of cake and popping it into her mouth. "Seriously, only a world filled with cream could be this perfect."
Erica settled into the chair across from her and asked, "You're really not going home tonight?"
"Can't," Caroline sighed. "If I leave and something urgent happens with no supervisor on duty, I'd be in deep trouble."
"What are the odds of that happening?" Erica asked, clearly hoping for a different answer.
Caroline shook her head. "It's just one day. Not worth gambling on slim chances."
Erica considered this. "Fair point. If something goes down and people can't reach you, you'd definitely take the fall. Better play it safe."
Caroline smiled. "Exactly."
"So what's for dinner?" Erica asked. "Isn't the cafeteria staff off today?"
"They keep one person on rotation," Caroline explained. "They'll cook for those of us working. It's not dinner time yet, but when it is, I'll grab something and bring it up. You should try it—our chef is amazing."
"What time?"
"Five o'clock."
Erica slumped dramatically against the chair back. "So I have to wait until five just to eat dinner? Can't your workplace be a little more humane?"
Caroline gave her friend a once-over. "Are you hungry already?"
Erica took another massive bite of cake. "Do I look hungry to you?"
"Wait, stop with the cake. I'll call the chef and ask if dinner can be ready earlier. That way they can go home sooner too."
Erica wiped cream from the corner of her mouth with a napkin. "That's more like it." A thought suddenly occurred to her. "Hey, what about your boyfriend? Did he go home for the holiday?"
"No," Caroline replied. "He's at the hotel."
"At Solstice Mountain?"
"Yes."
"And he hasn't even stopped by to see you?" Erica mentally deducted points from Leopold's boyfriend's score. "If he can't come in person, he could at least send you some food."
"The hotel gets busy during holidays too. He can't get away."
Though Caroline tried to sound understanding, it was clear she had her own thoughts on the matter.
"Too busy? How busy could he be? Busier than the mayor? Even your dad makes it home for New Year's to be with your mom. What's his excuse?" Erica fumed on Caroline's behalf. "Stop always considering everyone else's needs. Sometimes, you need to get mad when it's justified. If you're going to have a boyfriend, find one who treats you right. If he's not cutting it, replace him. Cut your losses—life's too short to waste time on the wrong person."
Caroline's expression remained composed, her smile polite but distant. "I know. Don't worry, I'm not a pushover."
She paused before adding, "If he truly cares, it'll show in his actions—it's just a matter of time. But if he doesn't step up this time... well, I've got my own calculations and considerations."
Erica nodded approvingly. "Nothing like a trash boyfriend to help a woman develop armor-plated boundaries."
The two women chatted a while longer before starting a game, and before they knew it, the afternoon had slipped away, and darkness had fallen. Caroline's phone rang—the cafeteria chef letting her know dinner was ready.
Just as Caroline turned into the cafeteria, Leopold hurried into the office building carrying an insulated food container.
Erica, bored out of her mind, was spinning idly in Caroline's chair when she heard footsteps behind her. Assuming it was Caroline returning, she stayed put. Then the door closed, and Leopold's deep, husky voice filled the room, "Just checking if my government-assigned sweetie pie is hungry yet."
Erica was stunned.
Holy crap, Leopold's actually got game in private?
She remained silent, curious what other surprises might follow.
Leopold, assuming Caroline was giving him the silent treatment, continued in a cajoling tone, "It's New Year's Eve, and a lot of staff went home for the holidays. The hotel is short-handed, and I've been running around all day. I came as soon as I could break free. Look, I even made you some dishes myself—cooked them with my own two hands."
Erica covered her mouth, barely containing her laughter.
"Are you giving me the cold shoulder?" Leopold opened the container, removing dishes still steaming hot. "Aren't you hungry?"
When the person in the chair still didn't respond, Leopold—facing his first experience with an upset Caroline—found himself at a loss. Still, his apologetic attitude was genuine.
Just as Leopold reached for the chair back, his voice dripping with affection as he continued: "Caroline, I really was swamped today, otherwise I would've been here sooner. Don't be mad—" The office door suddenly opened.
Leopold turned around.
Caroline froze at the sight of him. "What are you doing here?"
Leopold's eyes darted to the chair. "Then who's...?"
Erica, knowing she'd been discovered, slowly stood up. Though she tried to maintain her composure, the corners of her mouth twitched uncontrollably. "What a coincidence, Mr. Wipere."
Leopold, recalling what he'd said when he entered, nodded with forced casualness. "Hello."
Caroline sensed something odd in the atmosphere between them, but her attention was drawn to the food on the desk. "You brought this?"
Leopold nodded. "Yes. You should eat while it's hot. I made it myself."
Erica couldn't resist teasing from the sidelines, mimicking Leopold's earlier tone, "Just checking if my government-assigned sweetie pie is hungry yet."
Though Erica hadn't specified who she was imitating, Caroline immediately knew it was Leopold.
Had he called her sweetie pie?
Caroline shot Leopold an incredulous look. He scratched the corner of his eyebrow, clearly at a loss for how to hide his embarrassment. "Eat before it gets cold," was all he managed.
Erica burst out laughing. "I don't know about the food getting cold, but someone's definitely getting the cold shoulder. Sweetie pie? Who knew our Caroline had such an adorable nickname?"