Chapter 22

Gerald drove Minerva to a small bar in a quiet corner of the city. She was slightly surprised by the choice of location but followed him nonetheless. He didn't say anything when they arrived. He only quietly ordered her a mojito. Then, without a word, he slipped across the street to a nearby cafe. A few minutes later, he returned and pushed a small box toward her. "You probably need a bit of alcohol with your sweets," he said with a gentle smile. Minerva opened the box and found a slice of strawberry cake inside. "Thank you," she replied, her gaze softening as she looked at him. "You have to start looking forward," Gerald added, finally speaking of the recent incident. Hearing him offer simple words of comfort stirred something within her. There was a new kind of warmth in the way she looked at him now, though she couldn't quite discern the reason for it. Perhaps it was his gentleness, or maybe it was just the alcohol settling in. She suddenly wanted to talk, to stay in this mo