At that moment, in a shop on a French wizarding street, Valeria sat by the window, enjoying a strawberry ice cream while watching the pedestrians passing outside. Suddenly, she said, "I thought you'd be very upset."
"Why do I have to be upset?" Catherine turned her head and asked.
"You like him, don't you?" Valeria scooped a huge spoonful of ice cream into her mouth and narrowed her eyes blissfully. "And he's getting married today, but the bride isn't you."
"Are you sure you're not talking about yourself?" Catherine looked at her friend and shook her head. "I knew from the beginning that there was no possibility between us, so I never expected anything from it. Besides, there weren't any feelings between us."
"Why?" Valeria asked in confusion.
"He hates the United States, and I won't leave the United States." Catherine shrugged. "So it's better to face reality early."
"You've really taken it in stride," Valeria remarked.
"What else could I do? Can you steal him away from Isabelle?" Catherine mocked. "Or are you planning to become his mistress? That guy isn't French."
"No, I'm just very upset."
Over the years, Valeria had met plenty of men, and plenty had pursued her, but she had never encountered one outstanding enough to catch her eye.
"You shouldn't compare them to Albert." Catherine shook her head.
"What about Louise?" Valeria looked up at the pretty girl who had just sat down opposite them.
"I gave up a long time ago." Louise shrugged.
"Did you find a boyfriend you like?" Valeria asked curiously.
"Not really." Louise shook her head.
"Then why did you give in too?"
"What else could I do?" Louise glanced at the clock on the wall, intending to close the shop and shut early for the day.
"What gifts did