“Go ahead.” I waved her off
Chapter 38 Drinking Alone
Atter Natalie lett, Jean, Olivia, and I spent the next half an hour charting. Then, we saw Kaden and his parents come in.
Kadenew we were close to Natalie, so he brought his parents over to say hi. “Ivory, Jean, Olivia, you’re here,” he said.
“Of course, we’re here. Nat’s engagement is a big deal,” ran replied.
I looked at Kaden’s parents. His dad greeted us with a smile, but his mom looked unhappy. It was strange to see a sour face on such a happy day,
Just then, Natalie came over with her parents
“Mr. and Mrs Reed.” Kaden greeted them, smiling at Natalie.
Natalie led back at him.
Jean, Olivia, and 1 also greeted them. We were familiar with Natalie’s parents, but it was our first time meeting Kaden’s parents.
Natalie had probably only met them a couple of times at most. We heard that they lived in their hometown, which was quite a distance away.
After exchanging greetings, Natalie and Kaden took their parents to chat, 1 sighed and said, “I have a feeling Natalie’s future mother–in–law won’t be easy to deal
Wil
“She looks mean
Nat will
will regret it,” Jean said.
Jean never supported Nat’s manage because Kaden’s career wasn’t going well. Their wedding might not even be up to her standards. Jean couldn’t understand why Natalie was doing this.
Olivia reminded softly. “This is Nat’s engagement party. Say something nice.”
Jean and Lexchanged a helpless look Marriages that weren’t well–matched often had problems.
noon, the banquet began. Jean, Olivia, and I enjoyed our meal. Rowan and his group sat at another table. He didn’t come over to our table, but I didn’t mind at all.
After the party, Olivia rushed back to work, and Jean got a call from home asking her to return for something. I stayed a bit longer to chat with others and said goodbye to Natalie before leaving.
Before left, I went to the bathroom. When I came out, I saw Rowan in the hallway with Ashley, who was in her Vinestone Hotel uniform.
“If you need money, tell me. This job isn’t right for you,” Rowan said, looking at Ashley.
I couldn’t bear him clearly, so I paid closer attention to the conversation.
“Mr. Payne, I’ve already turned you down. We’re from different worlds. We’re not suitable. I already have a boyfriend. Please don’t show up like this again,” Ashley replied, hervolce as clear and pleasant as ever.
“I told you, I don’t take no for an answer,” Rowan’s voice tumed cold. “I’ve given you many chances. Don’t test my patience.”
I shook my head. He would scare her.
Suce enough, Ashley’s voice trembled with fear. “What do you want? Illow I can’t mess with you, but I cant in away!”
“Naive. Where do you think you can run to?” Rowan laughed, seemingly amused by her words, finding them entertaining
Ashley tried to speak, but Rowan cut her off, “You have one week to break up with him. If not, face the consequences.” With that, Rowan turmed and walked away.
Ashley stood there, her shoulders heaving in silent sobs. I didn’t comfort her and left another way.
Downstairs, Rowan was already waiting in the car. I got in the car, maintaining my composure. “Let’s go home.”
My heart looked calm on the surface, but ripples were spreading beneath. I realized I wasn’t truly at peace. In my last life, I only saw Rowan’s crazy love for Ashley but never saw their little moments. Now, I’d seen some.
I couldn’t deny it, I felt a bit jealous, a familiar feeling of envy stiming inside me.
“Pullover Thave something to do. I’m not going back,” I suddenly said
“Where are you going?” Rowan asked.
“Let’s not get into each other’s private matters,” I replied coldly, unbuckling my seatbelt.
Rowan gave me a cold look, then pulled over. “Get out.“”
I got out and walked onto the sidewalk without looking back Rowan’s car sped away without hesitation
If it had been Ashley getting out in a huff, he wouldn’t leave. No, he wouldn’t even let her get out
I patted my head. Why was I comparing myself to Ashley? In Rowan’s heart, I wasn’t in the same league as her.
I hailed a land and tiredly said, “Take me to the nearest bar.“‘”
Tem minutes later, I arrived at a bar. It was quiet in the afternoon 1 found a spot alone, ordered a few bottles, and drank by myself.
I suddenly semembered the handsome guy Jean introduced me to, 1 had refused to take his contact info, Now, I really needed someone to drink with, so I decided to call Jean and get his number.
“Ivory?” just as I picked up my phone, Benjamin appeared in front of me, wearing a bartender’s uniform.
“Benjamin?” I was surprised. “Are you working here part–time?”
Benjamin smilled and nodded. “Yes, school’s on break”
Chapter 3 Danking Alone
I thought for a moment. Oh, it was semester break. As someone who neither worked nor went to school, I hadn’t noticed.
No wonder Ashley was working at Vinestone Hotel too. The couple had taken up part–time jobs together.
I had to admit that Benjamin looked handsome in his black–and–white vest and shirt. He looked more like a man and less like a student, though his eyes were still clear and pure.
“Are you busy? If not, sit and have a drink with me.” I pointed to the seat next to me.
“It’s not busy now. The bargets crowded in the evening.” Benjamin sat down and glanced at the drinks. “Ivory, are you feeling down? Why are you drinking alone?” I poured him a drink and gave him a bitter smile. “Yeah, feeling down. I’m about to divorce my husband.”
Benjamin was shocked. “Why?”
I looked at him and said playfully, “Guess.”
Benjamin stayed silent, probably afraid of guessing right and hurting me. Sering his worried face, I felt a bit better. What a sweet guy, much better than Rowan “He fell for someone else. I’ll probably get a hefty sum in the divorce settlement and become a divorcee.” I said with a smile, though it was a sad situation. “Ivory, you’re so great. How could he fall for someone else…” Benjamin seemed confused.
I sighed. “Some like expensive seafood, others prefer simple home–cooked meals. It’s normal.”
Benjamin tried to comfort me. “Ivory, he’ll regret it. One day he’ll see you’re the best.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. I wanted to tell Benjamin that Rowan fell for his girlfriend. He wouldn’t regret it. He would love her more and more. Their love was
intense.
“Maybe. Who knows?” I raised my glass. “Let’s not talk about sad things. Let’s drink”