Chapter 350
350:
“Beth, I think it’s just envy eating at you because of Linsey’s blissful marriage. Come on, when are you going to land a wealthy partner and make the rest of us jealous?”
“You all!” Beth’s voice crackled with fury. Standing before her former classmates after years apart, she noted their newfound eloquence, and it stung. Feeling cornered and outnumbered, Beth struggled to muster a clever comeback. Instead, her voice dripped with scorn as she continued to deride Linsey. “What’s there to envy, really? Marrying a cripple? Just focus on your meal, everyone.”
Beth then turned away from the group, her gaze burning into Linsey with a piercing intensity. She couldn’t bring herself to think that Linsey’s marriage was as happy as it seemed. Honestly, if her marriage was so amazing, why would she turn up here all by herself? If Linsey’s crippled husband made an entrance, Beth doubted she would be able to keep up that cheerful facade.
A cunning smirk slowly crept across Beth’s face as a plan began to take shape. Rising from her seat with a flourish, she grabbed her wine glass and sauntered over to Linsey.
“Linsey,” she called out softly.
Linsey turned, her eyes meeting Beth’s, which were oddly twinkling with a forced charm. “What’s up?” she responded, her tone cautious yet curious. Flashing a toothy grin, Beth leaned in and whispered slyly, “Linsey, I really must apologize for earlier. You know how Kristy can be—utterly domineering. She just pushed through, insisting on saying those things, and I found myself powerless to stop her.”
From across the table, Shari’s eyes darted between Beth and Linsey, her expression clouded with confusion. “What happened?” she inquired.
Beth feigned surprise. “Oh, right, I almost forgot. Shari, you just arrived, so you probably missed the earlier events—”
ᗰσ𝓇𝑒 υ𝐩𝓭𝑎𝓉𝑒𝓈 ι𝐧 ɢ𝒶𝐥𝓷𝑜𝐯𝑒𝓁𝓈.𝒸𝑜𝓂
At that moment, Linsey stood up, her gaze icy as she looked straight at Beth. “Beth, what the hell do you want?”
Linsey wondered why Beth had to stir up trouble when she was in a good mood. Shari, looking concerned, stood up too and asked Linsey, “Did Kristy stop by? Why did she leave?”
She recalled how Kristy often caused problems for Linsey during their college years. Given Beth’s insinuation, something significant must have transpired in her absence. Indeed, the atmosphere had shifted noticeably.
Beth began to speak, but Linsey cut her off sharply. “Beth, there’s nothing left to discuss between us. And no need for apologies.”
The previous issue had been settled, and Linsey hadn’t intended to involve Shari, wishing to spare her any concern. However, Shari, expecting some explanation, felt a deep sense of disappointment.
Years had passed since Shari had moved abroad after her marriage, losing contact with Linsey. Though Linsey was kind this evening, Shari guessed that she was still mad at her. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have kept her in the dark.
Beth caught the brief look of sadness on Shari’s face and felt a secret satisfaction. She hadn’t really approached to apologize to Linsey.
“Well, if that’s the situation, I suppose I was overreacting,” Beth declared, then turned away with an exaggerated show of disappointment.
Meanwhile, Beth subtly stepped on Shari’s gown. Shari stumbled suddenly, almost spilling her wine glass. While Shari didn’t scream, Beth reacted loudly, drawing attention. She quickly righted the glass and shot Shari a reproachful look. “Shari, it’s been years since we graduated, and you’re still this clumsy? Be more careful, especially next to Linsey. Did you know the dress Linsey is wearing is from the renowned designer?”
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