My statement surprised everyone, including Liora. I knew she didn’t expect me to be confrontational. She paused and stared at me but remained silent.The receptionist who attended to me first said smilingly, “Don’t worry, Miss. Let me check how much longer it’ll take for your room to be ready.”“Oh, I’m not in a hurry. Since I’m here, I’ll wait patiently like everyone else. Discussing special treatment for members is unfair, right?” I deliberately provoked the crowd to draw their resentment. After all, Eleanor and I weren’t the only ones waiting.The others also voiced their frustrations. Those who didn’t respond to Liora’s earlier words were equally unhappy with the situation but chose not to express it.One displeased lady added, “That’s right, I want to know the difference between all members here, too.”The receptionist awkwardly replied, “Of course, they’re different, Miss. You’re a regular here, and I wasn’t talking about you.”“Oh, so you directed your words at me?” I smil
I calmly sipped my tea while observing Liora. I even smiled at her to show I didn’t care. Her expression grew colder as she glared daggers at me. I found it amusing but couldn’t understand how Atticus could be attracted to such a troublesome woman.No wonder he told me someone needed to humble her.Suddenly, I realized Atticus was trying to protect his assets. Perhaps he had realized Liora wouldn’t be a long-term partner who would share his hardships. Since he had started hiding his interests, he must be preparing for something.Soon after, a woman in a black pantsuit emerged. She looked authoritative, with sharp features and cold eyes. She glanced around and said, “Please calm down, everyone.”Everyone turned to her as her gaze landed on Liora momentarily. I noticed Liora’s smirk, and then she sat down calmly.Liora knew she had the upper hand, saying, “Ms. Kate, you arrived just in time. If you can’t resolve this, me and my friends will cancel our memberships.“Quick, cancel yo
Kate smilingly motioned to take my card but froze as she was about to touch it. I looked at her in puzzlement while still holding the card. I didn’t know why she froze.She widened her eyes and observed my face. “Y-You—”Eleanor was as puzzled as me, saying, “Just cancel our membership, Ms. Kate.”However, Kate looked embarrassed as her lips twitched. “P-Please wait a moment. I-I need to make a call.”Eleanor protested, “Why must we wait for you to cancel our membership? You already made us wait for someone to serve us. Do you think we have that much free time?”“I-It’s not that, Miss. I just need you to wait a moment.” Kate’s expression showed something was amiss.Liora was just as confused but appeared dissatisfied. “Ms. Kate, my friends and I will cancel if you have trouble handling the situation!”She slapped her card on the coffee table before turning to her friends, saying, “Girls, let’s go!”Her friends followed suit and placed their cards on the table, declaring, “We’re
Liora looked like she had misunderstood something. She glared at Kate, asking, “Did I mishear you?”"Yes, Mrs. Liora, I’ll process your membership cancellation immediately," Kate became more assertive and called the head of the membership department to start the procedure."Wait!" Liora roared, "Kate, what do you mean by this? Tell your boss to explain things to me!”"I'm sorry, Mrs. Liora. Please don't make things difficult. It’s my boss’s decision.""What do you mean? Why won't you process hers?" Liora was outraged, forgetting her reputation. Her friends also became agitated. "Exactly. Why are you canceling ours?"Liora stepped forward and glared daggers at Kate. "Do you want me and my friends to cancel our memberships?”"Mrs. Liora, since you insist on canceling, I can only comply. If I cancel theirs, we'll have to close the spa immediately. So, I'm sorry, Mrs. Liora." Kate paled despite her anger.“Why would you need to close?!” Liora exclaimed."Because these two ladies' h
Soon, the remaining patrons got their turns while I went inside with Elanor.Kate came in to tell me that they had prepared the best masseur for us. During the massage, Eleanor and I discussed what had just happened. She smiled, and we grew closer.Afterward, I took her to a nearby Crispy Crust. Most knew the restaurant for its pizzas, and we ate while continuing our conversation. Eleanor told me about how she had met her boss. I knew she was capable, and I felt tempted to be on her side.I tried probing, “What will you do if the boss’s wife gives you a hard time?”“I haven’t thought that far, but I’ve been involved with him for a long time. I don’t want to make things awkward for my boss, but I don’t want to continue life like this. Perhaps I must decide soon. Maybe I’ll leave him.”"Have you thought it through?" I asked."There’s nothing much to consider. My boss can’t give me what I want, and I can’t stay by his side forever. I don't want to work hard for him only to get nothi
When he spotted me, he got excited as if he had just won the lottery."Chloe, what a coincidence! You're here early, too? We were planning to go together. I wanted to see our daughter as soon as possible!" He stepped out of his car and briskly walked toward me.I put some distance between us. I wasn't keen on our daughter going out to dinner with him. Firstly, I didn't trust him at all. It also felt like a stab in the heart.I quickly dialed my mother's number, fearing she might run into Matthew. I didn't want her to feel upset.Only then did I welcome our daughter out. Upon seeing Matthew, Ava hesitated for a moment. She instinctively looked up at me, and I understood her feelings. This child had learned to read the room.Matthew, on the other hand, seemed natural. "Hey there, princess! Did you miss Daddy? Let me have a look!"Ava didn't move, keeping her gaze on me."Say something, honey. Your dad wants you to join him for dinner. He was busy yesterday, so today, he's maki
As I expected, Melanie approached Matthew like an enraged bear when she got out of the cab. She took a staggering step toward Ava.I cried out in alarm and rushed forward, embracing Ava tightly. Melanie viciously grabbed my hair and yanked my head backward.Ava was instantly frightened, crying loudly, "Mommy... Mommy..."The stunned onlookers let out a collective gasp. No one dared to intervene with the heavily pregnant woman."Matthew, have you gone mad? You dare sneak around behind my back to meet them? I'll finish off these two wretched women. Let's see if you'll still be cozying up to them!" She cursed vehemently while fiercely tugging at my hair. I was forced to tilt my head back, struggling to free myself from her grip. However, the space was too confined, and I feared accidentally bumping into her belly. After all, she was well into her pregnancy, and I worried I might cause harm.Our child cried out hoarsely, and I could hear Matthew shouting, "Melanie, what the he
With trembling hands, I called Johnson to pick up Matthew's car. I waited until Johnson arrived and gave him instructions before leaving with Ava. No matter what, Ava didn't want that toy that Matthew gave her. Back at home, Ava rushed into her grandmom's arms with a loud cry. My mom looked at me, puzzled, and I briefly explained what had happened. My parents let out a deep sigh. That night, I slept with Ava. She told me with a quiver in her voice that she never wanted to see her dad again.I was at a loss for words. Faced with such a dad, I couldn't even defend him. From today's events, I could see how miserable Matthew's days would be in the future.I comforted Ava and shared some simple wisdom with her, teaching her to be a responsible and good person. I wasn't sure how much she understood, but I didn't want her mind to be filled with darkness.Johnson finally called me late at night. He said, "Chlo, don't worry! She's okay.""What about the baby?" I asked worriedly."The