Chapter 16 Encounter at the Restaurant
Alba ducked her head shyly. “Mm–hm.”
“Have you ever dated before?”
La 98
Finished
Alba shook her head. “No. Not even once.”
Back when she was living with the Gulliver family, life had been so poor that no matchmaker dared arrange anything for them. With so many mouths to feed and a paralyzed father at home, no one wanted to marry into their family.
It wasn’t just her–even her older sister Charlotte had never been introduced to a boyfriend. Their conditions were so bleak that everyone avoided them like the plague.
When Auster learned that Alba had never even had a boyfriend, he immediately became interested. Still a virgin? Finding one was almost impossible these days.
With that, he grabbed Alba’s hand and pulled her toward a nearby lounge.
“Mr. Auster, what are you doing?” Alba asked nervously.
“Nothing. Don’t you like me? Let’s go have a deeper conversation in the room.” He dragged her inside and began tearing at her clothes.
“Mr. Auster…” Alba’s voice trembled with fear. After all, it was her first time.
“What? Didn’t you say you liked me? You act like you’re holding back, saying one thing and meaning another!” Auster made to leave.
Not wanting to lose such a good fiance, Alba grabbed his hand. “Mr. Auster… don’t go…”
“Alright, I won’t.” Auster grinned triumphantly.
“Mr. Auster… It hurts…”
“It’s fine. It’s always like this the first time. Bear with it.”
She fell silent.
It just so happened that Linnea and Evelyn were dining in the same restaurant.
“Evie, your situation isn’t what it used to be. If you need anything, just tell me!” Linnea said warmly.
1/3
Chapter 16 Encounter at the Restaurant
Finished
“I know. I’m not lacking anything,” Evelyn replied with a faint smile.
Ever since Linnea had learned she was switched at birth, she had worried about how Evelyn was living.
Just then, Linnea’s phone rang. After answering, she said, “My dad needs me for something. I have to head back.”
“Alright. I’ve eaten enough anyway. You go on ahead. I’ll have the server pack some food for me.” Evelyn was planning to stop by the hospital later to bring something for Stellan.
“Okay, see you next time!”
After Linnea left, Evelyn waited until the server finally brought her the packed food. “Take care, miss.”
Carrying the bag, Evelyn walked through the hallway to leave. Suddenly, a lounge door opened, and Auster stepped out, holding his belt as he buckled it.
“Evelyn Gulliver?” He froze, clearly surprised to see her.
Just then, Alba walked out as well. When she saw Auster face–to–face with Evelyn, jealousy flared instantly.
“Evelyn Gulliver, what are you doing here?” Alba cried, stamping her foot. “I know! You must’ve heard that my family’s here to discuss marriage with the Sharpes, so you came to stir up trouble!
“Well, get this straight–I’m the Cirruses‘ real daughter, you’re the imposter, and Mr. Sharpe is my fiance. Don’t you dare covet him!”
Evelyn let out a disdainful snort. “Shut up. You’re so pathetic–the kind of fool who thanks the thief for robbing you. I’ve seen plenty of fools, but never one quite as brainless as you.”
“Who are you calling brainless-”
Auster stepped in, putting an arm around Alba’s shoulder. He looked at Evelyn with smug satisfaction. “See that? Alba’s the real heiress now, and she’s the one I’ll be with. I used to think I’d marry you, but turns out you were a fraud.”
Evelyn sneered, “Well then, congratulations. A b*tch and a stud–what a match made to last forever.”
“You–who are you calling names?” Alba shouted.
“Whoever takes offense,” Evelyn shot back.
༡/༢
8:35 Sun, Oct 5
Chapter 16 Encounter at the Restaurant
98
Finished
“You’re just jealous because you can’t have Mr. Sharpe!” Alba yelled. “You’re vile, Evelyn! You curse what you can’t have. A fake will always be a fake. I’m the real Cirrus heiress! You don’t deserve to be with Mr. Sharpe!”
Watching her protect him like a treasure, Evelyn only found it laughable. Alba actually thought Auster was worth something.
Auster’s eyes suddenly flicked to the bag in Evelyn’s hand. “I get it now. You’re here because your family’s too poor to eat, didn’t you, Gulliver? So, you’re packing up other people’s leftovers! Hahaha…” He burst into laughter.
Alba looked pleased as well. The Gullivers were already dirt poor when she lived with them, and it seemed that they’d gotten worse after Evelyn joined them. She was relieved she’d returned in time–otherwise, she would’ve been the one suffering now.
“None of your business. Mind your own.” Evelyn pushed past Auster, knocking his shoulder hard, and strode forward.
Auster’s shoulder throbbed. Furious, he shouted after her, “Evelyn Gulliver, you cross me and I’ll make sure your whole family suffers!”
Evelyn froze for a second, then kept walking straight out the door. Once outside, she pulled out her phone and called Lucian.
“Hey, Boss. What can I do for you?”
Send Gifts
10
