38 CHAPTER 38

After Sofia left, Luna, Clara, and I started chatting. It wasn't until half an hour later that Ian and his parents showed up. Ian knew we were tight with Sofia, so he brought his parents over to say hi, "Eliana, Luna, Clara, y'all are here." "Of course we would be. Sofia getting engaged is a big deal." Luna responded. I shifted my attention to Ace's parents. Ian's dad seemed pretty happy, but his mom looked far from pleased. On such a festive day, why was she wearing such a long face? Sofia also marched over with her parents. Ian instantly greeted his future in-laws and flashed a smile at Sofia. Sofia returned the smile. Luna, Clara, and I also chimed in with greetings. We were pretty familiar with Sofia's parents, so it wasn't awkward, but it was our first time meeting Ian's parents, and only Sofia's second or third time. Apparently, they had been living in their hometown far away from the city. After exchanging pleasantries, Sofia and Ian whisked their parents away for a chat. I let out a sigh, "I have a feeling Sofia's future mother-in-law might be a tough nut to crack." "She seems like a real piece of work. I bet Sofia might regret this in the future." Luna had never been for Sofia getting married this soon. Ian's career was still up in the air, they might even have to scale down the wedding. What the heck was she marrying him for? Clara hushed us, "This is Sofia's engagement party. We should say something auspicious." Luna and I exchanged a helpless glance. A match of equals makes for a happier marriage. At noon, the banquet started. Luna, Clara, and I were having a blast. Damon and his crew kept to their table and didn't come over, but I didn't care. After the engagement party wrapped up, Clara hurried back to work. Luna got a call from home urging her to go back and sort things out. I got caught up in a chat with some others, said goodbye to Sofia, and then left.

Before leaving, I made a pit stop at the restroom. As soon "If you're short on cash, just tell me. This job isn't, I strained my ears to eavesdrop on the "Mr. Coleman, I've already rejected you. We and sweet as ever. for I stepped out, I saw Damon in the hallway not far away. Ariel, in her the Hotel uniform, stood by his side. Damon was saying to Ariel, his voice a bit mu ffled from the distance. from different worlds, and I have a boyfriend. I hope you stop popping up unexpectedly like this." Ariel's voice was clear "I've told you, I'll get what I want." Damon's tone suddenly turned Istern, "I've given you plenty of chances. Don't keep pushing your luck." I shook my head. This guy might scare her off. Sure enough, Ariel whimpered, "What do you want then? I know I can't fight you, but I can avoid you!" "You think you can run from me?" Damon chuckled, probably finding Ariel's defiance amusing. Ariel wanted to say something else, but Damon cut her off with a final warning, "You have one week to break up with him, or face the consequences." With that, Damon left. Ariel stood there, helpless, her shoulders shaking as if she was crying. I didn't comfort her and left from the other side. Downstairs, Damon was waiting for me in the car. I got in calmly, "Let's go home." Inside, my seemingly calm heart was rippling. I hadn't quite reached the state of true peace and acceptance. I had only witnessed Damon's crazy love for Ariel, but never every moment they spent together. This time, I saw a glimpse.

I have to say, I felt really upset. A familiar sense of jealousy was sprouting in my heart. "Pull over. I have something to do. I won't be going home for now." I suddenly spoke. "Where to?" Damon asked. "Let's not meddle in each other's affairs." I unbuckled my seatbelt and responded coldly. Damon gave me a chilly glance, then pulled over, "Get out." I got out right away and walked onto the sidewalk without looking back. Damon's car zoomed past me without stopping. Would he have left if Ariel got out of the car after a fight with him? No, he wouldn't even let Ariel out of the car. I rubbed my forehead. Why was I still comparing myself to Ariel? In Damon's eyes, Ariel and I were on completely different levels. I hailed a cab, then said tiredly, "Take me to the nearest bar." Ten minutes later, arrived at a bar. It was pretty empty in the afternoon. I found a spot, ordered a few bottles of booze, and started drinking alone. Suddenly, I remembered the hunk Luna introduced me to before. I had turned down his contact then, but now I really needed someone to drink with. I was about to call Luna to get that guy's number "Eliana? Just as I picked up my phone, Joshua, dressed in a bartender uniform, appeared in front of me. "Joshua?" I was a bit surprised, "Are you working part time here?" Joshua nedded with a smile, "Yes, it's the holiday season." Come to think of it, that's true. Being out of work and school, I had lost track of the holidays. No wonder Ariel was also working part-time at the Hotel. Joshua, in his black vest and white shirt, looked quite handsome. The student vibe had faded a bit, replaced by a more mature style, but his eyes were as clear as ever "Are you busy? If not, sit down and have a drink with me." I pointed to the seat next to me. "It's okay now. The bar usually gets busy at night." Joshua took a seat next to me. He glanced at the bottles on the table, "Eliana, are you feeling down? Why are you drinking alone"

I got Joshua a drink and gave a bitter smile. "Yeah, I'm in a funk. I'm about to get divorced with my hubby." Joshua asked in surprise, "Why?" I looked at him, deliberately making it mysterious. "Take a wild guess." Joshua didn't respond, probably afraid that if he guessed right, it might hurt me. Seeing him a bit flustered, I felt a little better. What a lovely big boy he is! He's miles better than Damon. "He's fallen for someone else. I might end up with a fat stack of cash and become a divorcee." I took a sip of the drink and mentioned this rather pathetic fact with a hint of a smile. "Eliana, you're so nice, how could he fall for someone else…" Joshua seemed a bit puzzled. I sighed, "Some people like fancy gourmet food, while others prefer simple home cooked meals. It's just how it is." Joshua comforted me again, "Eliana, he's bound to regret it. He'll realize you're the best." I burst into laughter. I really wanted to tell Joshua, "the girl Damon has fallen for is your girlfriend! And he won't regret it. Their love will only grow deeper." "Who knows. Maybe." I raised my glass, "Let's quit the downer talk. Let's drink."