Semua Bab Opening My Eyes to Reality: Bab 761 - Bab 770

Benjamin caught the obvious provocation in Lucille's eyes and spoke in a calm voice, devoid of warmth, "Ms. Gerwin, you may leave the clothes and go."Her intentions were easy to guess, but he had zero interest in her whatsoever. If she hadn't still held a bit of use for him, he would have long since fired her.Lucille's smile stiffened. Jealousy surged within her, but she dared not defy Benjamin's orders. She set the shopping bags on the couch, though her eyes stayed glued to Cheryl. Her tone carried a barely noticeable hint of provocation. "I'll get going then, Cheryl. Oh, and are you coming home today?"Her words were steeped in a subtle, manipulative charm.Cheryl slowly glanced over. "How exactly would you like me to answer?"Lucille gave an awkward laugh. "Of course, I hope you'll come home. Mom and I will worry if you're staying out here alone."Cheryl didn't respond, so Lucille couldn't push it. She cast one last, deep look at Benjamin before reluctantly turning to leav

Lucille took two steps forward in her stilettos as her fingers, adorned with a glittery manicure, twirled a lock of her hair. Her eyes swept over Cheryl's indifferent face, and a thin, mocking smile curled at the corners of her lips."Why are you out here alone? I thought Mr. Zimmerman would personally walk you to work."She dragged out the last few words on purpose. The contempt in her tone stung like needles. "Well, that makes sense. No one can accept a woman who's flighty and indecisive. Mr. Zimmerman must be furious, so why would he bother giving you a ride to work?"She gave a light laugh and continued, "He was just looking for something fresh and having a little fun, Cheryl, but did you actually believe you were special?"Morning light hit Lucille's finely made-up face, sharpening every trace of spitefulness on it.On any normal day, Cheryl might have ignored Lucille, but something in her mood was off today. Lucille's words felt like sparks landing on gasoline.Cheryl str

Cheryl's hands paused in midair. Her eyes fell on the plate of honey-glazed ribs she'd barely touched. It was something she'd always ordered whenever she ate with Benjamin. She picked up a piece, and instead of eating it, her fingers traced the rim of the plate. Her voice was low and bland as she said, "I'm tired, Natalie."When she looked up and met Natalie's searching gaze, she gave a small, almost relieved smile. "I spent years running after him. No matter who was standing beside him, I always had the strength and courage to stay and expect nothing in return."But things are different now. I'm exhausted, and I've lost that reckless fearlessness. All I want is to live an ordinary, simple life."Natalie sighed. She could understand Cheryl's feelings.That sense of disappointment was similar to what she'd once felt about Jason. Perhaps the only difference was that Cheryl held no hatred for Benjamin, and he'd never lied to her.Yet, Benjamin was Natalie's childhood friend, so she

Jessica fumed, her eyes wide with anger. She'd wanted to humiliate Cheryl, not create a romantic rival for herself.Knowing when to quit, she said, "Whatever. I'm done wasting my breath on you."With a dramatic sway of her hips, she turned and strutted away on her heels.Cheryl tugged lightly on Natalie. "Come on, Natalie. Let's go."Since this was Cheryl's personal matter, Natalie knew better than to comment further. She nodded and followed Cheryl out of the restaurant.Once they stepped outside, Natalie casually remarked, "So her name's Jessica Trent. Honestly, I don't get Benjamin's taste sometimes. He'll take anything, like a dog that might even eat trash."Cheryl took a deep breath. The coldness in her expression melted into a small laugh prompted by Natalie's crude analogy. "Mr. Zimmerman is a born flirt. It's in his bones."She looked up at the sky, where the sun was shining just right. "Alright, I've got to get back to work. And thank you so much for the exhibition ticke

Nadine paced back and forth in her room, clutching her phone. Her fingertip hovered over the call button for a long time before she reluctantly tapped on Cheryl's number.Once the call was picked up, she immediately feigned a weak, breathy whine and dragged out every word she spoke. "Cheryl… I suddenly felt this tightness in my chest and nearly fainted… Could you come home for a bit?"On the other end, Cheryl froze. She hadn't been home for two days, and Nadine hadn't called her once. Now, the one time she did call was because she needed something.A faint, mocking smile touched Cheryl's lips. "I'm in the middle of an important project. If you're not feeling well, have Lucille send you to the hospital."Nadine's frown deepened at Cheryl's refusal. Already guilty about lying, her voice now carried traces of panic, though she pushed through the act anyway. "Hospital? I know my body and just need a little rest at home, but I need someone around. In case I do pass out, I need someone