CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56: NOTHING TO BE BOTHERED ABOUT

Whether it’s Henry Preston or Ivan Underwood, they originally weren’t destined for me. It’s just because of the butterfly effect from my rebirth in this life that we had some unexpected interactions. Now that everything’s back on track, I can accept it.

The chill in the wind grew stronger in early winter. I wrapped myself in a white wool coat, sitting by the window, watching the fallen leaves flutter outside.

My phone buzzed in my hand, Crystal Dawson tagged everyone in the group chat: Ladies, it’s snowing! It’s a light snow today; wanna meet up?

Tiana O’Connell sent a crying face emoji: I’d love to, but there’s a company celebration in a few days, and I’ve miserably become the person in charge!!

Crystal Dawson: Does your dad treat you as a daughter or a laborer? Go protest!

Leah Lane popped up: Tiana, keep it up, work hard to become a successful woman, and support us three in living it up with food and drinks. I’m rooting for you~

Crystal Dawson: Yara, you and Zoe come out; we’ll head to a bar and check out any good-looking guys. If so, let’s invite a few to play an escape room game, then have some spicy lamb hot pot, and go home for a good sleep, perfect!

Her plan sounds pretty good, and I’m a bit tempted. Staying home alone is boring, so I replied: I’m in; send me the address, and I’ll head out right away.

Leah Lane saw this and replied: I’m in too!

At this moment, a small snowflake fell on the glass window, quickly melting away. It really was snowing, so I grabbed a beige scarf, put it on, and set off for the bar.

As soon as I stepped into the bar, the temperature shot up quickly. Leah Lane and I arrived at almost the same time, and we both found Crystal Dawson already chatting with some handsome guys.

"Why are you both wearing such thick clothes? Quickly take off your coats; there’s going to be a hot dance event soon. Ladies who get on stage to dance can win a free bottle of red wine, and whoever gets the most popular votes will get a half-year discount coupon for drinks!" Crystal Dawson was extremely excited and started helping Leah and me take off our coats.

What kind of event is that? I was full of questions, but still took off my coat and put it aside.

Not far away, there was a colorful stage with a few voluptuous women swaying to the music, surrounded by a crowd hyped up like they’d had energy drinks. It was quite noisy.

I glanced around and then spotted a familiar face, Joel Sutton.

I haven’t been in touch with him for a while, not since the post-breakup phase. He’s clearly lost weight, and his whole demeanor has become more desolate, with a kind of brooding air.

He seems to often work part-time at various bars, which I can understand. Places like these have lenient staff management and offer better pay.

Seeing me, Joel Sutton paused for a few seconds, then walked over, "Miss Hathaway."

"Working part-time here?" I asked.

"Yeah, I’ll be looking for a proper company internship next semester." Joel Sutton smiled slightly and answered.

Crystal Dawson widened her eyes at this young, handsome guy, then remembered Joel Sutton with her extraordinary memory, "Isn’t this the hot guy you flirted with at The Nightingale Garden?"

I quickly pinched Crystal Dawson, "What are you talking about? He’s still a student!"

Crystal Dawson immediately covered her mouth.

I then told Joel Sutton, "Well, if there’s anything you need help with, you can come to me. Focus on your work."

"Miss Hathaway, could we talk for a bit?" Joel Sutton stared at me.

That look made my heart skip a beat, but I still agreed.

Joel Sutton and I went outside the bar. Small snowflakes fell on the streets, forming a thin sheet of white. His nose was a bit red from the cold, and after taking a breath of cold air, he said, "Miss Hathaway, I know everything now."

"What?" I was puzzled.

"Your husband, he’s the one pursuing Azure Vaughn," Joel Sutton lowered his head, "You always knew, right? With your status, it’s impossible you didn’t investigate. I’m just confused, don’t you love your husband? Knowing what he’s done, how can you be indifferent? How didn’t it bother you having meals with me and Azure?"

This kid is quite clever. I laughed and said, "What’s there to be bothered about? I get money to spend, and he doesn’t come home. Isn’t this the most comfortable life for modern women?"

"Is it?" Joel Sutton was silent for a few seconds, then continued, "I recently got in touch with Azure. She hasn’t fully accepted your husband yet, but she said they’ve discussed many things openly, which likely includes you. I never expected her to become the third party one day."

I rubbed my arms, feeling the cold through the thin turtleneck sweater, fearing I’d catch a cold if it went on.

"People change. You’ll slowly get used to it. Sutton, I’m heading inside first, it’s too cold!" I sniffed and said.

"Alright." Joel Sutton nodded and we both returned to the bar.

He went back to work while I found Leah Lane. Crystal Dawson was now on stage, wearing a black spaghetti strap dress, a blood-red rose in her mouth, dancing wildly to the pulsing music. The crowd cheered enthusiastically, occasionally tossing roses onto the stage.

Whoever gets the most roses becomes tonight’s popularity goddess.

Leah Lane smiled as she watched, then asked me, "Zoe, why don’t you get up there and dance?"

"I’m not going, don’t want to embarrass myself." I waved my hand.

"No way! I remember in college you joined some dance club. I saw you dance; you were amazing!" Leah Lane encouraged me, "Give it a try. You never know, you might have some young handsome guy head over heels for you. Now younger men are all the rage, aren’t you tempted?"

I initially wanted to refuse again, but then I caught a glimpse of a few people arriving.

Silas Lockwood was walking in front, followed by Ivan Underwood and Jason Forrest talking side by side, and finally, Henry Preston and Azure Vaughn.

Why were they here too? My eyelids twitched as I watched them head to the second floor to sit. Those seats had a clear view of the stage below.

Henry Preston and Azure Vaughn sat together, while Ivan Underwood, Silas Lockwood, and Jason Forrest sat on the other side.

Wouldn’t Joel Sutton be heartbroken if he saw this?

"Whoa! The previous dancer’s moves were so hot! Any other ladies wanna go on stage and show off?" someone shouted loudly.

I looked at Azure Vaughn in her pink sweater. She seemed a bit reserved and anxious; when Henry Preston poured her wine, she shook her head.

Henry Preston wore a black turtleneck sweater, having taken off the coat draped to the side. I wondered what he said to Azure, making her smile.

Why is my eyesight so good? I see every sordid detail clearly, making my heart ache.

I turned towards the bar, ordered a bottle of wine, and downed more than half in one go. Fueled by the pent-up energy in my chest, I headed toward the stage.

Azure is the pure white moonlight; I’ll be the mosquito blood.

As I stepped onto the stage, whistles and cheers erupted around me. I glanced at the passionate eyes in the audience, took a deep breath, and waited for the music to begin.