Sometimes, you need a sharp knife to cut through a tangled mess., I hoped Ernest could be that knife, severing the twisted ties between me and Conrad., After hanging up with Ivan, I continued tidying up my knick-knacks and the house, neatly folding the pink blanket Ernest had used last night and placing it on the bed. The image of Ernest wrapped in that blanket flashed before my eyes, and I couldn't help but smile., Life is full of hardships, but it also brings unexpected joys., Despite Ivan's troubling news, which should have made me anxious, I felt strangely calm, even nonchalantly waiting for a call from my new job about a possible firing., But as I cleaned every corner of my little house, even watering the flowers on the balcony, my phone remained silent. Eventually, I brewed a pot of coffee and settled into the porch swing with a book, listening to voices from downstairs. Curiously, I peeked over the railing to see a furniture delivery truck and a couple of movers., They were taking a smoke break, chatting, when I saw the landlord, Mrs. Thompson, arriving on her electric scooter., I realized she was bringing furniture for a new tenant., The thought of having a male neighbor, especially after last night's creepy date, suddenly didn't seem so bad. If danger lurked, I figured knocking on his door for help wouldn't be out of the question. With a smile, I returned to my swing and book until a knock at my door pulled me back to reality., It was Mrs. Thompson, all smiles,

"I'm so sorry, Felicia.

", She was apologizing for not being able to help me sort out a lease issue., I smiled back,

"It's no problem.

", Glancing at the open door across and the furniture already in place, I asked,

"When is the new neighbor moving in?

",

"Today,

" Mrs. Thompson said, shaking her head.

"He wasn't in a hurry, but then called early this morning wanting to move in right away, asked me to have everything ready.

", I nodded, making small talk,

"Such a rush.

", Mrs. Thompson sighed,

"Young people are hard to figure out. But he seems nice. Don't worry, I've told him to be a good neighbor.

", I chuckled,

"I'll try my best to get along with the new neighbor.

",

"Oh, Felicia, do you have a mop? I came over in a hurry and forgot to bring one. I just want to clean the floor before handing over the keys,

" Mrs. Thompson said, a bit embarrassed.,

"Sure, I'll get it for you,

" I said, fetching the mop from the bathroom., But by the time I returned, Mrs. Thompson was already back in her apartment, seemingly on a call., I took the mop across the hall, observing the plainly painted room and its simple furnishings—a bed and a desk with bookshelves., Mrs. Thompson, finishing her call, thanked me and began to explain,

"This young man didn't mind the old furniture, just insisted on a new bed and bookshelf. I didn't agree at first, but he was willing to pay for them himself,

" she said, shaking her head., I didn't comment, just took a quick look around and found an excuse to return to my apartment., The call I had been dreading never came. I even called my friend, Fanny, to test my phone-it worked fine., Fanny, upon hearing about my ordeal and Ernest's chivalrous rescue, immediately said,

"Felicia, you've got to get serious with him. This guy sounds amazing, and I can't wait to meet him.

", Swinging lazily, I replied,

"When it's time to get serious, you'll meet him.

", Fanny clicked her tongue,

"Sounds like you're smitten, too?

", I glanced at my polished toes,

"I'm not heartless.

", Ernest had rescued and helped me more than once.,

"The sun has its spots, and it's true. Felicia, I'm so glad you're moving on from Conrad, that jerk,

" Fanny said, the one person in the world who genuinely cared for me without any ulterior motives., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.