After delivering the pastries, Lisette went in search of the man who had asked her to buy them. “Sir, the pastries are here.” The man, holding a glass of wine, appraised her closely. Her long hair, gathered in a loose bun, had unraveled somewhat, with strands falling around her face. She wore no makeup, and her small, sun-kissed face and bright eyes stood out against her simple attire of a loose T-shirt, jeans, and canvas sneakers—there was nothing particularly noteworthy about her. What distinguished her was her freshness, though this was largely due to her modest background. “Good, I’m pleased. Just wait a moment,” he said. He went to fetch Chris.

A woman who captured a friend’s interest deserved an introduction. Lisette didn’t know what the man was asking her to wait for but guessed he might be planning to reward her for her service, so she stood by, anticipating. The man approached Chris, pointing out Lisette, who seemed out of place amid the party’s revelry. “Here’s the woman you’re interested in.” Since Chris couldn’t remember where he had seen her before, he stopped thinking about it. He had been preoccupied with a call girl and was kissing her. When he heard his friend, he immediately let go of her and shifted his focus to Lisette. However, she wasn’t facing him, leaving him only able to view her profile. Chris immediately walked to her. The call girl, looking displeased, called out, “Mr. Turner!” She attempted to follow but was stopped by the man. “Hey, little temptress, Mr. Turner seems more interested in that older lady now. How about keeping me company?” The call girl pouted playfully. “Sure.” While they flirted, Chris reached Lisette and examined her intently. Lisette was taken aback when someone suddenly appeared in front of her. “What—” “Have we met before?” Chris interrupted, studying Lisette closely. Lisette shook her head quickly. “Sir, I don’t think we’ve met.” The man in front of her was tall and slim, not particularly handsome but exuding an air of wealth. The only wealthy person she knew was William.

“I need to return to work now,” she said, lowering her gaze. “Excuse me.” She noticed the party guests in the corner—some were kissing openly, while others engaged in more explicit activities. This was not a place she wished to linger. She had to leave promptly. Lisette turned and walked away. As Chris watched her leave, a sudden realization struck him. He clapped his hands loudly, saying, “I remember now!” The sudden noise startled those around him. Ignoring their curious looks, he pulled out his phone and hurried outside. In a studio’s makeup room. Mabel sat in a chair, sipping lemonade. Nearby, a man in a black shirt with the top buttons undone leaned casually against the vanity, his roguish charm evident in his smirk and crossed legs. “Mabel, as your close friend, I’m genuinely worried about you.” Mabel, impeccably made up in the latest haute couture and preparing for a runway show set to start in ten minutes, fixed him with a cold stare.

She was a model and a designer—a darling of the fashion world. “Your presence only adds to my concerns.” “Ah, is it because of William?” The man’s eyes glinted with a chilling light. Mabel sneered. “Neil, I’ve made my position clear. If you keep this up, we might not even remain friends.” She turned and walked away. Neil Gardner watched her retreating figure with a widening smile. “Mabel, as a friend, I must warn you—this woman has fled with the child of the man you love. And remember, she’s been with William for a year, doing things with him you never did. “Moreover, it’s possible William deliberately let her go. With his resources and connections, how could he not track down one woman?”

Mabel clenched her fists in frustration. Neil leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Mabel, remember, relationships between men and women are fleeting. Think about it.” Neil left, leaving Mabel’s emotions in turmoil. Since learning about the pregnancy, she felt as though her heart had been pierced by an unremovable thorn! Neil got into his car and started the engine. His phone rang. He pressed the Bluetooth button and turned the steering wheel. “Hello.” “Neil, it’s me, Chris. I saw that woman today!” “Which woman?” “William’s wife!”