Chapter 25 Housewarming As her very first home of her own , it carried a special meaning . 81 Finished Claudia had carefully prepared a housewarming dinner back then , inviting only the two closest people in her life - her boyfriend Jasper and her best friend Whitney . But that day , Lydia had an important performance competition , and Jasper suddenly ditched the dinner to go support her instead . Whitney was so furious she cursed him between bites . After that , there were always excuses keeping him from coming , and with their relationship plummeting over the past year , Jasper barely showed up at all . Counting it up , he hadn't been there more than a handful of times , and always in secret . He had even less presence than Sterling , the injured man Claudia sometimes dragged downstairs for a walk . So when Jasper loudly claimed that the owner of Unit 1601 in Building 2 was his fiancée , no one believed him . Especially those who had already heard the gossip shared by the elderly neighbor in the group chat - they were convinced he was delusional . The young couple seemed perfectly happy together . This man's empty accusations only made the crowd beat him harder . Jasper , caught in this storm for no reason , felt utterly aggrieved . Upstairs , Claudia was nibbling on a small strawberry cake when she heard the commotion outside . Her ears twitched . " Hm ? What's going on downstairs ? So noisy ? " She was about to lean over the balcony to take a look . Because Jasper popped in and out unpredictably , she had been going downstairs for walks less often lately . Bad luck . Sterling came out from the kitchen , where he had been slicing fish , and smoothly blocked her path . " Claudia , pour me a glass of water . " Since it was her benefactor - slash - dad in the kitchen cooking , Claudia was happy enough to oblige . But after Sterling drained the glass , he caught her again just as she was about to rush onto the balcony . " Weren't you hungry ? Come lend a hand . " 1/3 9:43 Tue , Oct 7 Chapter 25 Housewarming 81 Finished Claudia blinked at him , wanting to protest that she wasn't that hungry and could still peek at the excitement before coming back . But one sharp look of warning from Sterling made her slump her shoulders like a duckling and trail back into the kitchen . Luckily , she was more of a mascot than an actual helper , so it didn't take much effort . By the time they had finished cooking and eaten , the ruckus downstairs had long since ended . Still curious , Claudia opened the residents ' chat group that she almost never looked at . Sterling brought over a plate of washed fruit and sat down beside her , openly reading along . Claudia didn't bother hiding anything . In fact , she tilted the screen closer to him . " The group says some creep showed up in the neighborhood today . Everyone was ready to drag him to the police station , but he drove off before they could . " The discussion was still going strong . " He even picked up a phone call as he left - it was from a hospital . Judging from how panicked he looked , maybe his wife really was there ." " Let's all remember his face . Next time we see him , call the cops ." " Sigh , such a pity . What a waste of that handsome face . " " Come on , looks mean nothing . You never really know people these days . " " For all we know , that face could be plastic surgery too . Haven't you seen the news about killers changing their faces and living new lives ? " " What the hell are you people talking about ? Now I won't be able to sleep tonight ." " You sneaky bastard , usually acting all serious with those thick eyebrows , but now you're just using this as an excuse to flirt . " The group kept tossing jokes around , spinning the story more wildly by the minute . Claudia laughed so hard her teeth showed . She hadn't realized before just how lively the neighbors were . Because she wanted to share the gossip with Sterling , she leaned in close . Sterling shifted back against the sofa cushions , so when Claudia bent forward , it was like her upper body nestled into his chest . 2/3 9:43 Tue , Oct / Chapter 25 Housewarming 81 Finished Her hair lifted slightly as she laughed , a few strands falling against him , carrying her unique fresh scent that seemed to cling to him as well . Sterling glanced at the chat a few times , absentmindedly twirling a lock of her hair , a faint smile tugging at his lips . The next morning was a weekend , and Claudia was still fast asleep when the residents ' group chat exploded again . " Did you get it ?! " " Got it ! My husband is already scrubbing up and reverently unwrapping it . " " Not me , I'm snapping pictures like crazy . I'm going to post at least ten of these to my Moments . " " Pictures ! " " Pictures !! " Those who had just woken up stared in confusion . " What are you talking about so early in the morning ? What did you all get ? " " Heh , guess you're not up yet . Step outside or ask someone at home and you'll see . " " Fine , I'm getting up now . If there's no surprise , you all owe me for my lost sleep . " " Relax , it's worth it . " A moment later , shrieks of delight rang out from one of the buildings . " Aaah ! It's breakfast ! That place is insanely expensive and nearly impossible to get into . Their food sells out every day . Normally you can't even buy it ! " Send Gifts 10 。 A ว Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!