Chapter 50 No One Stays Young Forever
#Finished
That evening. I arranged to have dinner with Melanie. She arrived in a hurry, carrying a pile of documents -clearly, work never left her hands.
Melanie had always been a woman devoted to her carcer. In her past life, she had been married and divorced three times, but each time, she gained more wealth as she aged. She had three children from different fathers, yet they all listened to her without question. Compared to her, my own fate had been far
less fortunate.
Recalling the ups and downs of her journey, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of self–pity.
“Order whatever you’d like.” I said, passing her the men. She responded with her usual grace.
“It’s just the two of us, no need to go overboard,” she replied before selecting three dishes and a soup.
She adjusted her glasses, pushed aside the stack of documents before her, and fixed me with a thoughtful gaze. Tiffany, you’ve changed a lot recently. Are you seeing someone new?”
Her question caught me off guard. I instinctively ran a hand through my hair, then smiled. “Really? And how exactly have I changed?”
You’ve slimmed down, your fashion sense has improved, and when we went to the movies last time, I could tell you had a new kind of confidence. Today, you look even more stunning. Not just men, women would find it hard to look away.” Her words were exaggerated, but there was truth in thern.
I took a slow sip of tea and replied casually, “I just realized something important. Beauty fades, and no one stays young forever. When I still have my youth and the means, why not dress up? If I wait until age has taken its toll, I might no longer have the luxury to do so.”
Melanie smirked, tapping the table. That’s quite a change of heart. What happened to your old views? Weren’t you the one who insisted that a wife should be dignified and reserved? You even said Mr. Hartwell preferred elegant women, so you always dressed conservatively.”
I chuckled, unfazed. “That was then. This is now. Things change.”
“So, you must be feeling a little flutter in your heart. Tell me, is it because of Ethan Hayes?” Melanie leaned in, her eyes gleaming with curiosity as she pressed me for answers.
I let out a bored laugh. “Ethan? What does he have to do with anything? Can’t I have my own realization without a man being the cause?”
Melanie leaned back and gave me a look that practically screamed disbelief. “Come on, we’ve known each other for years. I still remember the most dazzling, confident version of you–the year Shawn was chasing after you, before you got married.”
of
That year remained vivid in my mind. I had excelled academically, reaching my junior year by the age 19. It was at a campus dance event that I first encountered Shawn. He had come with friends, merely looking to have fun, while I was performing on stage as part of the university’s dance troupe. Later, he
would tell me that from the moment he saw me under the lights, he was enchanted. He claimed even the way my hair moved carried an irresistible magic.
But the past was untouchable, and every recollection felt like a blade to the heart.
“Malanka ladle not dia in old storiar ar’s talk shou nogu” Iesid faer
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Chapter 50 No One Stays Young Forever
boyfriend? Any progress lately?”
Melanie’s expression shifted awkwardly before she admitted, “Well M
in close contact recently?
I blinked in surprise. “What? You and him? Did he reach out to you first?”
Finished
Hayes’s assistant and I have been
“No,” she declared boldly, holding my gaze. I made the first move. What, do you disapprove?”
I chuckled softly and reassured her, “No, if you have feelings for him, go for it. If you let the opportunity slip away, you might regret it later”
“I’ve moved in with him…” Melanie’s next words completely shook my understanding of the situation.
“Already? I remember we just had dinner together not too long ago!” I exclaimed, utterly shocked.
Melanie’s cheeks turned pink as she lowered her gaze, sipping her tea. “A few days ago, there was a heavy downpour. I invited him over to watch a movie, and well… we ended up trapped in the rain together.“”
Hearing this, I nearly burst into laughter. Melanie was always decisive in her career, and it seemed she carried the same straightforwardness into her personal life.
Where are you living now?” I asked, intrigued.
She murmured, “At his place. He has a two–bedroom apartment, and it’s really close to my office.”
“That’s good. You’re not getting any younger. If it feels right, don’t hesitate to settle down,” I said, offering my sincere support.
“He may not be on the same level as your husband, Mr. Hartwell, but he’s a good guy and ambitious,” Melanie said, her face glowing with happiness.
“Don’t compare him to Shawn.” The thought of Shawn possibly getting tangled up with Queena in Andorwood made my chest tighten with frustration. “He’s not a great man either.”
Melanie gazed at me in confusion. “You don’t think he’s seeing someone else, do you?”
“I have no idea,” I replied, my voice laced with bitterness. Even though I no longer loved him, we were still legally married. I wasn’t dead yet. And yet, he was already openly traveling abroad with Queena,
Melanie gave me a sympathetic look and murmured. It’s all right. Tiffany. Don’t overthink it. Mr. Hartwell wouldn’t do something like that.”
19
