Chapter 18
Macchiato tasted sweet, but I didn’t get a chance to taste the sweetness of love. I felt like that I was a bitter black coffee, while Bonnie was a sweet macchiato. I often gazed her, counting down the days until she met Neil. The Rosemont Summit would start at 9:30 am, and Bonnie, working as a part–time usher, would wait at the entrance. When Neil walked in, he would see her and get hit by Cupid’s arrow.
“Bonnie, are you interested in other part–time jobs? I can introduce you a tutoring job. It starts tomorrow, and the pay is decent, I casually asked while she was cleaning the table next to me.
Bonnie gave me a grateful smile but declined, “Irene, I appreciate your concern, but school term is starting soon and I have this usher job to finish. Then I need to return to school for registration.”
I was taken aback. I forgot she was about to go to school, I was too late. Maybe if I had asked earlier, I could have prevented her from meeting Neil. But maybe it was fate, and I couldn’t stop it from happening again and again….
“No problem, it just crossed my mind,” I said, taking another sip of my coffee. “So, you’re quitting this job too?”
“Yes, I won’t have time once school term starts.” Bonnie looked around, seemingly reluctant to leave. Then she gave me a bright smile, “Irene, I’ll miss you.”
I felt awkward. Bonnie would probably avoid me if she knew everything.
When more customers came in, Bonnie went to serve them. I breathed out a sigh of relief, paid my bill, and left. I wouldn’t have to come back to this budget coffee shop ever again.
The wheels of fate were turning. Watching everything unfold again wasn’t easier than reliving my past life. I realized from Russel’s incident how powerful the butterfly effect was. I knew changes were coming, and I had to face them.
These days, with our parents at home, Neil came home every day for lunch and dinner, and we slept together. Unlike his calm demeanor, I was increasingly restless. “What time are you going to the summit tomorrow?” I asked.
“Eight o’clock.” Neil had his eyes closed and responded faintly,
“Can you bring family members?” I wanted to see the legendary scene for myself because Neil and Bonnie’s love story had been circulating online for a long time during my past life.
Neil glanced at me, his eyes filled with mockery. “Family? You?”
I blinked. “Legally, yes.”
Of course, business summits could be attended with partners or assistants. Many entrepreneurs attended with their spouses. Moreover, given my father’s status, it wouldn’t be odd if I attended. But Neil didn’t think so. He scoffed, “You’re over thinking.”
I turned to face him, staring at his side profile. His profile was very defined and exquisite, especially where his nose bridge and brow bone met. It was perfect. It was funny how such a handsome and wealthy man ended up being attracted to an ordinary girl. It was like the story of Cinderella and the Prince.
“If you won’t take me, I’ll ask your dad to. He’ll wonder why you’re not taking me and might think you’re not treating me well,” I threatened.
As expected, this worked. But Neil’s gaze had turned cold. “Get up at eight tomorrow. I won’t wait for you if you’re even a minute late.”
“Okay, I’ll get up at 7:30. I need to put on some makeup.” I grinned at him,
I had even thought about learning more about Neil and Bonnie’s story. If I ever divorced him, I could write a book about their love story as his ex–wife. I bet a lot of people would be interested.
I’d make a pretty penny out of it. Totally worth it.
The next day, I got up on time, put on light makeup, wore a more formal outfit, and headed out with Neil.
When we arrived at the Majestic Conference Hall, I could see several beautiful ushers standing on both sides of the open doorway. Bonnie was one of them, standing out in her dress. Neil unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car, seemingly not noticing Bonnie yet.
“You go ahead, I need to touch up my makeup,” I suddenly said.
In my past life, Bonnie knew Neil was married but had never met me or had any interaction. I decided not to reveal my relationship with Neil yet in this life.
Neil ignored me and walked away.
I watched him through the car window as he walked towards the entrance. Finally, he reached Bonnie. I couldn’t see his face as his back was towards me, but I could clearly see him pause, seemingly taking in the sight of the pretty young girl.
My heart dropped at that moment. It hurt, but I accepted reality. Even if Neil was attracted to Bonnie, he wouldn’t act on it in front of so many people. It wasn’t the right place or time, so he quickly entered the venue.
After he disappeared, I got out of the car and walked into the hall.
Seeing me, Bonnie looked surprised but quickly recovered and greeted me softly, “Irene.”
I gave her a smile but didn’t say much before finding my seat.
Neil was already seated in the front row, talking to the person in charge of the summit. My seat was next to Neil’s. As I approached, I overheard the last sentence the man said, “Alright, I’ll give you her phone number.”
He then glanced at me awkwardly before quickly getting up and leaving.
“He’s got better taste than Fiona,” I remarked.
Neil glanced at me, looking more annoyed than ever. He probably had Bonnie on his mind and didn’t want to hear me talking.
He didn’t want to hear it, but I had to say it anyway, “Last time, Fiona sat next to me for ages without recognizing me, like I was a freaking ghost or something.” “That’s pretty usual,” Neil replied casually.
“You mean it’s usual for her not to recognize me, or for me to be like a ghost?” I asked, curious.
Neil didn’t say anything else, just watching Bonnie walk towards us from afar, with a gleam in his eyes that I’d never seen before. I knew that look well, because that’s how he looked the first time I saw him.
However, Bonnie’s eyes were all on me, totally ignoring Neil, and that made me content.
I’m starting to believe that Bonnie is really into Oscar. She refused Neil in my past life out of her true feelings. Otherwise, how could she not notice the guy beside. me, who is gazing her with full passion?
