Someone to Entertain I wandered and found myself by the river again.
I had brought some wine and arranged for my mother–in-w to pick Ava up.
Then, I settled by the river to pour myself a drink.
I realized thepany had be an empty shell, its sole purpose to fill the Murphys‘ wallet.
Meanwhile, I was empty–handed.
Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.
No wonder Mnie could taunt me so confidently.
Although I married into the family, I wasn’t part of their world.
Even now, Mnie and Matthew didn’t spare my meager possessions.
They would invade my space andmit vile acts on my bed whenever I was away.
I thought I was strong–willed at the Murphys‘ residencest night.
However, my repayment was a car for Mnie.
When I asked him to send my parents some money, heshed out at Erica.
The more I thought about it, the more my heart ached.
It was like a stabbing pain suffocating my chest.
My phone kept ringing, and I didn’t know what I said when I answered.
I was starting to feel a little tipsy.
I saw the buildings across the river light up as night fell, but none shined for me.
I had nothing left.
I raised the wine bottle toward the lights, only to have someone swipe it away.
A low voice followed, Chloe Hartz.” I turned to look in a daze and saw the man who had witnessed my
consistent misfortunes.
I shook my head and chuckled, saying, “How’d you know I was here? Did I leave something behind?”
“Weren’t you in pain yesterday? Have you forgotten your doctor’s orders already?” As scolded.
“Forget about doctor’s orders.
You’re a buzzkill.” I looked at him and tugged at his sleeve.
“Come on, join me for a drink.” I felt a little yful, likely from him interrupting my loneliness.
It was either that or my inner teenage girl was excited.
As stood there for some time, just watching me.
I shook his arm, urging him, “Come on!” Finally, he leaped onto the riverbank and sat beside me.
He opened two cans of beer, handed me one, and toasted to me.
Iughed, “Thank you for being here with me.” “Tell me, why are you drinking?” he asked.
Do I need a reason to drink?” I took another sip.
“Is being happy a good enough reason?” Like a fool, I stared at the lights on the other side of the river.
+15 BONUS “I’m celebrating the fact that I’ve seen it all now.
I have nothing left.
The man I thought was my soulmate had slung a web for me, and I walked right into it, trapped for
years.
“How naive of me! Haha… Thepany’s gone, the money’s gone.
Oh, I have a daughter, so it’s not aplete loss.
I lost everything, but I still have my daughter.” “What do you n to do?” As asked without looking at
me.
Instead, he stared at the lights across the river.
“I want a divorce to ruin himpletely!” I gritted my teeth.
“You?” He turned to look at me.
“Is getting wasted and making a scene your n for revenge? I never expected you to be this foolish.”
“Why are you trying to discourage me?” I was a bit annoyed at how pessimistic he was.
“Am I discouraging you? Can’t do anything but get drunk here and call it a night, huh? Didn’t you just
see him move everything away, drive a new car, and go to Operose for the weekend? Meanwhile,
you’re just here getting drunk.
What can you do? Yell at them as revenge?” As’s words struck my weakest point, and I felt
ashamed.
My low self–esteem made me hysterical.” You… Do you have the right to say that to me? I’m the one
embarrassed, but it’s not your ce to remind me.” “Is that so?” He w was so close I could feel his
breath.
My heart raced as I looked at him, imagining him embracing me.
I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.
Suddenly, As leaned in and murmured, “It seems you still care about him” His warm breath grazed
my face and sent shivers down my spine.
I instinctively moved back, only for him to pull me into his embrace.
He looked at me intensely and asked, “Do I scare you?” I looked at As’s profound eyes, firm jawline,
and thin lips.
At that moment, it felt like I was falling into an abyss.