Chapter 52
Barbara felt as if the pitch–black night sky had, in an instant, been strewn with bright stars. A graceful crescent moon, encircled by the stars, radiated elegance and warmth, stealing the world’s attention.
Barbara’s eyes lit up at that moment, like suddenly glimpsed the Milky Way. Stunned, she gazed at Frank like she’d forgotten how to breathe. She had never encountered such elegance in a man–one so gentle and refined, like a noble straight out of a fairy tale.
Frank looked down at Barbara’s legs calmly. The dirty water splattered on her legs was glaring. “I’m sorry.” He apologized. “I didn’t notice earlier. As he spoke, he reached into his pocket and pulled but a pack of napkins, holding them out to Barbara. “Here, you can wipe it off.”
A faint fragrance drifted over, carried by the night breeze.
Barbara snapped back to reality, her gaze landing on the napkins being handed to her. His fingers were long and slender, nails neatly trimmed and a healthy shade of pale pink Just by looking at his hand, one could tell he was someone of refined upbringing.
“Take it.” Frank said, noticing Barbara didn’t move, and gently moved the napkin closer. He gave a slight smile that felt like a gentle breeze, effortlessly putting people at ease.
Almost involuntarily, Barbara accepted the napkin.
Frank quickly released his hold, nodding apologetically to Barbara. Tm terribly sorry.”
“Never…” Before Barbara could finish her words, a delicate arm slipped through Frank’s, entwining with his. The girl lightly leaned against him. her sparkling eyes gazing warmly at Barbara
The girl looked as cute as a doll, with soft, rosy features, and wore a beautiful pink tutu dress. Her expression was innocent and untainted, like a princess shielded from the world’s troubles
Watching the girl cling to Frank, the rest of Barbara’s words caught in her throat. She thought. Is this his girlfriend? They are so close. She is so adorable and beautiful.‘
Looking into the girl’s clear eyes, Barbara suddenly felt a twinge of inferiority. She thought, ‘If that girl is a princess, then I’m nothing more than Cinderella.
“Miss, you should wipe it off quickly, or once the water dries, it won’t come off,” Evelyn said softly, her sweet and gentle voice. soothing to the ear.
Barbara suddenly recalled her own loud, boisterous laughter and awkwardly forced a smile.
“Bye–bye.” Evelyn waved lightly at Barbara, looking as cute as ever.
Barbara was at a loss for words. Only after they walked away did the words “bye–bye” awkwardly stumble out of her mouth. Usually, she was the queen of socializing at work, smooth and quick with her words. Yet just now, she had been entirely tongue–tied. Ugh, I’m so useless, she thought.
Feeling frustrated, Barbara grabbed a napkin and knelt down to wipe the dirty water off her legs. The napkin had a faint scent of jasmine, a fragrance she liked.
Barbara carefully tucked the napkin into her bag and replayed the image of Frank’s slender hands and neatly trimmed nails in her mind. He must play the piano beautifully, she thought.
Then, shaking her head, Barbara sighed inwardly, ‘Why would it matter to me how well he plays? They were just two people who happened to cross paths. No matter the brief connection, they would remain strangers.
15-19 Wed, Oct 30
Chapter 52
Inside the bar, the laser lights slowly spun, and the pounding music filled every corner of the room.
Frank frowned slightly and sighed, “Why riot go to a quieter bar
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Evelyn chuckled. “Frank, you’ve been going to quiet bars for so long. Isn’t it good to switch things up? Besides, today Lucia isn’t in the best mood. She wanted a lively place, so we’re following her wishes”
“What’s wrong with her?” Frank asked.
Evelyn said. “Apparently, she was harassed by some creep.
Frank’s tone turned serious. “Did she report it to the police?”
“Oh, it’s not that kind of harassment. Look, there she is. Evelyn pointed toward one of the booths. “And don’t bring it up at
Frank remained silent as they walked toward the booth
Sitting on the couch, with a less–than–happy expression while strolling through her phone, was the girl who had ridden on Thomas‘ motorcycle earlier in the day. She had changed into a strappy top and shorts, a bold and eye–catching outfit.
A dozen bottles of alcohol were already on the table, and several good–looking guys had tried to approach her, but after spotting the designer handbag worth tens of thousands of dollars next to her, they quietly backed away. This wasn’t a girl who could be won over with just a drink.
“Lucia Evelyn greeted as she linked arms with Lucia Gissing, glancing around. “What? You didn’t manage to ask Clarry out?”
Lucia tugged at her lips, clearly still in a bad mood. She glanced at Frank and said, “You and he grew up together, and even you can’t get him to show up. What makes you think I have the charm?”
Frank sat beside them and said calmly, “It seems Cathy needed something, so he went to her.”
Evelyn giggled. “The moment Cathy comes back, she’s always clinging to him. Could it be that Clarry really has feelings for/
her?”
“You’re overthinking it, Lucia said, casually tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Don’t forget who Mrs. Marilyn Vanderbilt’s ideal Clarry’s future wife is. Even though Cathy is her foster daughter, Jeni is the one who is more suitable for Clarry in every way.”
“True” Evelyn nodded. “Speaking of which, should we invite jeni to hang out? We haven’t had a proper get–together since she got to Angoria”
“Forget it. She’s a career woman. She’s busy working on some project plans and has no time to waste like we do.” Lucia reached for a drink. “We three just enjoy the night. Come on, a toast–to Frank’s imminent debut and rise to fame in the entertainment industry.”
The siblings clinked glasses when suddenly a frivolous voice came with a giggle. “Well, well, isn’t this Lucia?
The trip turned their heads.
Three men were approaching, with the one in front wearing a garish floral shirt and a wide grin. He was handsome, but his demeanor screamed playboy. “Evelyn, Frank, you’re here too.”
Evelyn smiled slightly, “Jeremy.”
Frank said calmly, “We were just talking about your sister, and here you are in Angoria too.”
“I’m just here for a little fun. Jeremy looked at Lucia, his interest clear. “Lucia, no flights today?”
III
Chapter 52
Lucia responded with a faint “Mm” clearly uninterested in engaging further.
Barbara stood by the roadside, holding the napkin, her mind wandering. She didn’t even notice Seraphina’s arrival until a hand gently tapped her shoulder, snapping her out of her thoughts,
“Who’s the handsome guy you’re thinking about so intently?” Seraphina teased with a light laugh.
Barbara was at a loss for words. She really had been thinking about a handsome guy. But he was someone entirely out of reach. His manners, his refined demeanor–it all reminded her that they came from entirely different worlds.
B
