CHAPTER 13

Jones looked at me somewhat surprised. We are barely familiar, let alone having a meal together. In the past, we would simply glance at each other without even exchanging greetings. However, this time it was about his best friend's marriage and he knew the importance of the relationship between the Coleman and Brooks families. So after some thought, he agreed, "Alright, let's say this evening. I'm free." "Great! I know a coffee shop with some really good coffee and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for a chat. Here, add me on WhatsApp, and I'll send you the address?" | enthusiastically took out my phone, opened my WhatsApp QR code, and placed it in front of Jones. Jones glimpsed the QR code, then handed me a pen, "No need to add me on WhatsApp, just write the address on a piece of paper." What an old-fashioned guy! Like a hermit who just crawled out of a cave? I gave him a speechless look, then wrote down the address for the coffee shop. "See you there at eight thirty." I said with a smile, then cheerfully left. At eight o'clock, Jones would be at the coffee shop, but he wouldn't meet me, he would meet Ariel. With this expectation, I was excited all day, looking forward to the scene when Jones meets Ariel. I even decided to dress up and personally witness this important moment. Damon and Jones are really close friends, even falling in love with the same woman. I'm just not sure if Jones fell for Ariel at first sight or if he gradually developed feelings for her. If it wasn't love at first sight, then tonight might be disappointing. I put on a loose black dress and pants, and even wore a wig. At around eight o'clock, I headed to the coffee shop alone. I didn't walk into the cafe but only looked through the window. As expected, Jones was already sitting in a spot near the corner. Wasn't that my favorite spot?

He was wearing a simple white T-shirt, combed his hair, and looked a few years younger. His demeanor was still aloof, quietly sipping his coffee without even taking out his phone. What about Ariel? I looked again at the counter, trying to spot her. After a while, I didn't see Ariel. Instead, my strange actions caught Jones's attention. He saw me and walked out. I wanted to run, but felt it was inappropriate. "Eliana, can't you see me?" Jones asked as soon as he saw me. "You're a doctor, can't you speak more politely?" I said somewhat perplexed, taking off my wig. Honestly, it was hot. "You invited me to talk and then secretly spy on me from outside, what's the meaning of this?" Jones asked with a frown. "I'm here, I just wanted to confirm whether you were in there," I confidently retorted. Without further words, Jones opened the door to the cafe and spoke to me commandingly, "Come in." I walked in reluctantly with my wig. When I passed by the counter, I again took careful looks around but did not see Ariel. I asked another girl, "Where is Ariel?" "She's off today," the girl replied. My face fell and my heart, once full of anticipation, felt empty. I sat down disappointedly next to Jones, ordered a cup of Americano as usual, and drank in silence. Jones looked at me, "Weren't you going to talk to me about you and Damon?" I shrugged, "I don't want to talk anymore. I just invited you for a cup of coffee. You can go home and rest." As soon as I finished speaking, I felt Jones's icy demeanor. His sharp eyes were on par with Damon's. "Are you playing a trick on me?" he asked coldly. "No, I just don't think there's anything to talk about between Damon and me. You guys know I've liked him for years, right? But he doesn't like me. He didn't in the past, he doesn't now, and he certainly won't in the future. What's the point of talking about it?" I answered somewhat irritably, "If you really want to help me, and then persuade him to divorce me!"

Jones stared at me, seemingly judging the credibility of my words. Feeling uncomfortable, I pretended to drink my coffee. "Your marriage alliance isn't as simple as ordinary people getting married, and you don't need me to tell you that." Jones finally spoke, "Unless there's a serious problem, you can't divorce. Damon won't agree." "You really do understand him, he said the same thing," I sighed, "You guys are really of the same mind." Jones didn't say anything, just took a sip of his coffee. I didn't want to chat with him anymore. Since Ariel was not here, there was no need for me, a side character, to have so much dialogue with today's protagonist. After three minutes of coffee, I got up to pay the bill. 'Let me take care of it, 'Jones stood up, chivalrously blocking me. "Alright," I didn't refuse. To Jones, this amount of money was nothing. While Jones was paying. I quickly left the cafe and drove off. At the intersection, I saw in the rear mirror that he had just come out of the cafe, looking in the direction I had driven off. Shaking my head, I sighed. Jones was destined to always be one step behind Damon. I had tried to help him twice and failed both times. The relationship between Damon and Ariel must be very strong. I felt it was a waste of time to try and convince Jones anymore. I might as well rest. It's only ten days, right? I can wait. Just as I expected, Damon didn't come back at all in the following week. We returned to our previous state, no contact, no meetings. I enjoyed the peace and quiet, had time for my own things. I picked up Joshua from the hospital when he was discharged, treated him and Ariel to a meal. I also devoted myself to practicing cello, trying to regain the skills I had lost over the years. Having herbal supplements three times a day and eating cherry's delicious meals, I surprisingly gained two pounds.

"Eliana, have you been pigging out recently? You're glowing" Luna asked at the party, pinching my cheeks. I'm having some herbal supplements that are helping me gain weight. Gotta say, the extra food is doing its thing." I replied cheerfully. "That's just not fair!" Sofia shouted excitedly. "We're all here trying to lose weight, and you're having supplements to put on more?" Clara naughtily patted Sofia's bouncy butt, "Your weight is a sign of happiness, girl. Be grateful!" Sofia's boyfriend is good at cooking and really spoils her with his cooking. Sofia swayed her head proudly, "envy, huh? That's the benefit of having a boyfriend who knows his way around housework!" Even though her boyfriend wasn't as well-off as she was, he's a great guy, good looking, and super gentle. So Sofia's family didn't object. "Sofia, next time you have a suitable business plan for a concert, count me in." I suddenly thought about this. Staying at home was too boring and I needed to get my career going!