?Chapter 1657:


    He ced the order, and the food arrived faster than they expected.


    After devouring everything, they drove over to Anthony’s shop.


    The shop was empty when they pulled up.


    Elyse called out Anthony’s name a few times, but the silence swallowed her words. Confused, she pulled out her phone to give him a call.


    Just then, a woman stepped out from the back room.


    She wore a simple dress, her hair pulled into a neat ponytail. There was a quiet confidence in the way she carried herself.


    Her eyes shifted from Elyse to Jayden, a smile tugging at her lips. “I heard someone calling for Anthony. Is that you?”


    Elyse nodded, slightly lost for words. “Yes, we’re his friends. And you?”


    The woman’s face brightened with recognition. “He went out to pick up some inventory. He should be back any minute. I’m his girlfriend, Cathy.”


    Elyse gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Oh my gosh! You’re her, Cathy!”


    “Yep, that’s me!” Cathy replied, her voice a mix of surprise and delight. “Do you know me?”


    Elyse turned to Jayden, practically hopping on her toes with excitement.


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    “Remember when we left? Anthony was totally smitten with a nurse, and we were all betting on whether he’d ever work up the nerve to ask her out!”


    Jayden’s face lit up with recognition, his grin widening. He nced at Cathy. “Looks like he did.”


    Cathy’s eyes twinkled as she winked. “Let’s just say I put him through a lot, but he passed with flying colors, so I figured we should give it a shot.”


    Elyse sped her hands together, her face soft with happiness. “I’m so happy Anthony’s found his happiness.”


    Cathyughed, the sound light and teasing. “Yeah, he’s a lucky guy.”


    They’d barely been chatting for a moment when Anthony walked back in, his arms weighed down with two heavy boxes.


    He froze when he spotted Elyse and Jayden. The boxes hit the floor with a heavy thud as he surged forward, wrapping them both in a crushing bear hug.


    “Oh my God, you’re okay! Thank God!” His voice cracked as he held them so tightly they could barely catch their breath.


    Cathy stepped in, tugging at his arm with augh. “Easy! You’re gonna squeeze the life out of them!”


    Reluctantly, he let go, his eyes rimmed with red. Swiping at them with the back of his hand, he spoke thickly. “It’s just… really good to see you both safe. I couldn’t eat or sleep these past few days.”


    Cathy raised a hand, nodding. “I can back that up. He’s been glued to the news, refreshing updates every five seconds.”


    Elyse blinked rapidly, her voice wavering. “Anthony, you’re going to make me cry.”


    “My heart was in my throat the entire time, watching you all risk your lives in such dangerous conditions. The thought of losing any of you was unbearable,” Anthony’s voice cracked as emotion overwhelmed him. His hands trembled as he covered his face to hide his tears. Moved by his raw disy of emotion, Cathy drew him into her embrace, her touch gentle as she whispered, “They’re safe now. Let’s cherish this moment of joy.”


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