Chapter 8
Asher returned the next day.
His manner was casual as he affectionately kissed her cheek, his voice gentle: “Still angry? Let me apologize, okay?”
He produced a bouquet from behind his back: “Look, do you like it?”
“Though I don’t have much money, Riley, you know I love you. I’ll give you the best I can within my means!”
Meeting his expectant gaze, Riley lowered her head: “I’m not angry anymore.”
Only when you care can you be hurt. She no longer loved him, so how could her heart ache?
Asher took her hand, ready to leave: “Great! Since you’re not mad anymore, let’s go.”
“Where?” Riley asked, startled.
“To Nora’s birthday party! Nora’s so kind–hearted–she says she won’t hold your false accusations against her and sincerely invites you to attend.”
A bitterness she couldn’t express welled up from deep within Riley.
Asher wasn’t comforting her out of guilt or love, but only to fulfill his promise to Nora.
He gave Riley no chance to refuse, dragging her out in her pajamas to the birthday celebration.
A private castle covered in pink roses was piled high with luxury gifts. Nora wore an expensive dress encrusted with diamonds.
She smiled broadly as she took Asher’s arm, offering Riley a glass of champagne: “Riley, thanks for coming to my birthday party! Have this drink, and let’s put all our past grievances behind us, okay?”
Riley now noticed that among the guests were former colleagues and mutual friends from their orchestra days. They had seen her at her most vulnerable, and they had also witnessed her holding the Blackwell siblings‘ hands, declaring she would “never forgive.”
But now, Nora had taken everything from her and was forcing her to publicly shred her last shred of dignity,
She pushed the champagne back: “I’m sorry, I can’t drink.”
“Riley!”
Vivian frowned in displeasure: “What are you doing? Today is Nora’s birthday–why are you being such a killjoy? I’m your best friend–just do this for me, okay?”
The friends around them chimed in: “Is it really worth holding such a grudge after all these years?”
“We all make mistakes when we’re young. As long as she’s sorry, let bygones be bygones!”
No one knew what Riley had been through
Nora’s signature red lips and wavy hair had become Riley’s lifelong nightmare. Even though Nora had “paid her price.” Wiley couldn’t make new friends or stand on stage again.
Two Chances, Our Bullet How His Next I de Promise Failed
Chapter 8
She would dive into bathroom stalls and tremble at the sound of laughter that resembled Nora’s on the street.
Who were these people to forgive on her behalf?
Vivian made a disgusted “tsk” sound and pushed past Riley: “Sorry, everyone. My friend is just stubborn and clueless! I’ll drink this for her. From now on, they have no grudges, and please, let’s all forget what happened back then!”
She raised the glass and drained it.
Asher stood with a smile playing at his lips, his gaze never leaving Nora’s face.
Kiley’s mouth twisted into a mocking smile as she turned to leave.
When she reached the second–floor balcony, Nora followed, grabbing her wrist: “Where are you going? Surprise–you’re finally getting what you deserve!”
Riley struggled to break free: “Nora, Asher is yours now, and so is Vivian. What more do you want?!”
21:58
