Chapter 50
Elizabeth hadn’t even begun to think up a good excuse, another man had approached, speaking in a loud voice, “Isn’t this Frank’s wife?” Elizabeth wished she could just disappear.
witnesses, Leon was an even bigger headache. Just as she was getting all worked up. It was already hard to handle Zachary, and now there were two Leon strolled over. The two of them closed in on her, making it almost hard for her to breathe. Leon bent his head and said, “Elizabeth, what a surprise”
Elizabeth’s fingers clenched the wine glass, turning white, as she bit her lip. After a short pause, she lifted her head with a strained smile. “What a coincidence, Leo”
The radiant light illuminated Leon’s face. He seemed curious. “What brings you here? Are you alone! Did Frank ask you to
come?”
They were all friends of Franklin. Back when Franklin and Elizabeth were together, Leon didn’t hesitate to talk all about Elizabeth’s background at gatherings, being the meanest one to her,
“I came alone. I’ve got things to do, so I better head out. Let’s catch up next time.” Elizabeth said abruptly, not wanting to linger. She hurriedly hopped off the high stool
As she tried to make her escape, Leon blocked her path. Unable to contain his curiosity, he asked, “Elizabeth, do you even know where you are! Did Frank know you were coming here!” Leon and Zachary were both sharp people.
Elizabeth couldn’t fabricate a lie this time. I don’t know. I came here on my own.
“You don’t know“” Leon was filled with anger. He shot a glance at Zachary, a signal passing between them, a silent call for him to tell Franklin. While trying to stall Elizabeth, he warned, “Then you better not stray. These are all shady people around here.”
I’m leaving now, Elizabeth said.
She aimed to make a break, but Leon closed in “Hold your horses. Either we escort you back or you stay here until Frank comes to pick you up. If anything goes wrong, well all be responsible.”
“Damn it! Zachary is gonef Elizabeth thought, gritting her teeth in frustration and knowing he had gone to make a call. With no other option but to slip out, she kept her cool and asked, “Mind if I hit the restroom!”
Leon shrugged. “Sure, follow me
Elizabeth bit back her irritation and said, “Thanks. I could really use a guide.
The way to the restroom was crowded with young couples. Elizabeth maneuvered through the pairs, only to run into another duo just a short distance in. Her face burned with embarrassment, but she tried to play it cool.
Noticing Elizabeth’s unease. Leon chuckled. “Why weren’t you at my engagement banquet with Frank the other day? Do you dislike me!”
Elizabeth replied casually. Just had a lot going on.”
“Is that so? Then how did you end up here?” questioned Leon.
Elizabeth didn’t know what to say
“Are you and Frank on the outs? He hasn’t been taking you out much lately.” Leon probed.
It was true. The last time Franklin had brought Elizabeth out for a social gathering was at an engagement banquet two years ago, which wasn’t pleasant. Elizabeth sat next to Franklin, silent and unmoved. When some lady from a nearby table tried to sit on Franklin’s thighs, she just moved her chair, making room for them.
After the wedding banquet, many people sarcastically suggested that their wives should learn from Elizabeth, but as Elizabeth and Franklin exited the venue, Franklin, out of nowhere, got all riled up and smacked her on the face. Since then, they never showed up together at any events.
Elizabeth calmly declared, “We’re not on the outs. Just as you all wished, we’re getting divorced” Getting to the restroom door, she turned around, plastering on a bright smile, Tll g
Leon stood frozen, thinking he had heard is wrong. Divorce? Could that be something Elizabeth would say?
The restroom was big, with a lot of space between the sinks. Elizabeth splashed cold water on her face, hiding in a corner as she slipped away into the crowd whale Icon was lost in thought.
+
will buzzing with people reveling. Elizabeth, escaping through the corridor, wasn’t fully sober yet still knew she couldn’t st Supce Leon spotted her, Franklin would soun know. She wanted in avoid a direct confrontation with him
stick around.
Chapter 30
Trying to find someone on the chaotic dance floor felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. Sweat–soaked, Elizabeth suddenly remembered to call Joanna, but the loud music drowned out her phone’s ringtone. Several calls went unanswered.
With no other option, fearing that Franklin would show up any moment, Elizabeth had to make a run for it. She stumbled towards the exit, feeling the chilly wind outside the bar, only to find that familiar car screeching to a halt right in front of her. Lawson flung open the car door, marching towards her with a fierce expression.
Zachary
chary didn’t call Franklin but Lawson instead.
Before Elizabeth could even execute her escape plan, Lawson grabbed her collar. Fuming, he looked like a parent catching a rebellious teenager. “You’re getting more and more reckless. Now you even dare to hang around in places like this.” He raised his hand, ready to strike Elizabeth on the head.
Elizabeth winced, covering her head and shouting. “Let me go
Lawson insisted, “Come back home with me.”
back!” Elizabeth knew Franklin would catch her soon if she returned. She couldn’t risk it with the blood donation coming up next
“I’m not going b
month.
Lawson poked her head and said, “Look at you, getting caught by Leo and Zach. No guessing is needed. Frank is definitely on his way here right
Elizabeth grumbled. “Didn’t I just leave?”
“Let’s go Lawson urged, grabbing her arm and pulling her collar.
The sudden force knocked her off balance, causing her to stumble and fall. Her forehead hit the ground, leaving a bruise, instantly sobering her up.
In a hurry to get her out of there, Lawson bent to pull Elizabeth by her collar, but before he could touch her clothes, a sudden blast–like force hit his back, knocking him down. His knees slammed onto the ground. He felt the fiery pain as the skin rubbed raw.
“Who did this?” Lawson’s face turned red with anger as he spewed out a string of curses.
Joanna had just seen him bullying Elizabeth–shoving, pushing, and yelling at her. How could she just stand by? Her hot temper flared up, and she swiftly delivered a kick from behind.
Pulling Elizabeth to her feet, Joanna asked, “Does it hurt?”
Elizabeth shook her head, and they exchanged concerned glances. Lawson picked himself up, glared at Joanna, and was ready to strike, but Elizabeth quickly stood in front of him. “Go on, if you want to kill me, do it. Save yourself the trouble of tormenting me
“You’re such a disappointment Lawson spat out, “Couldn’t you at least wait until the divorce before fooling around? Now, are you waiting for the Jones family to catch you red–handed?”
“That’s ridiculous. The voice wasn’t Elizabeth’s. Her voice wasn’t this assertive.
Joanna had short hair and a sharp, clean face. Her bright eyes oozed confidence as she spoke up. She didn’t know Lawson but was certain he was there to hinder Elizabeth.
“Isn’t Franklin fooling around with other women? Isn’t it his fault as well?” Jo
Joanna asked.
Lawson raised an eyebrow and hesitated before responding. His pale words hung silent for a moment. Shifting his gaze, he looked straight at Elizabeth. “Who is she?”
