Each Has Her Pain


    I was stunned. Why was Lauren crying?


    I handed her some tissues. “What’s the matter? Was it something I said?”


    Lauren quickly waved off my concern. It saddened me to see her carefully applied makeup start to run.


    She had always appeared graceful and friendly, much like a flight attendant. What could cause


    someone who cared about her looks to cry in front of me?


    She took the tissue paper and blotted her face. Her red fingernails were eye–catching, but that didn’t


    stop


    me from noticing ho


    shoulders were shaking as she sobbed.


    I promised to be a genuine friend to Lauren. Before this, I had resentment toward her and doubted her


    friendship. Instead of saying anything, I let her vent her frustrations


    When she pulled herself together, she dried off her remaining tears. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”


    “Hey, we all have our pain. Some solve them privately, while others must do so publicly–for instance,


    me. Everyone knows about my goddamn divorce,” I said. “Theybeled me an abused wife dumped by


    a cheater. But life goes on, and if you don’t mind, I’ll be like your sister.”


    Lauren looked up at me, dumbstruck.


    N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    “We can support each other and deal with problems together,” I said. Her red–rimmed eyes made me


    feel


    bad for her.


    Lauren got choked up again, smiling as she wept. She eventually said, “Thank you, Chloe. I appreciate


    it.”


    Seeing her vulnerable side contrasted with the woman who had uncovered Matthew and Mnie’s


    affair


    during the anniversary.


    “Chloe… you’re closer to me than my family,” she confessed.


    She held my hand and said, “After all these years, no one has understood or cared about me. I know


    what those men want better than anyone, and I prioritize survival over chastity. But I have my dignity,


    and I’m


    not content with how my life is heading.”


    I understood her feelings.


    “So, you’re wrong, Chloe. I’m not enjoying my freedom and don’t lead an exciting life. It’s miserable not


    having a clear goal,” she admitted. “So, you must build your career. If you ever need help, Just let me


    know. I’ll do anything for you.”


    I held her delicate hand. “You’ve already helped me so much, and I haven’t repaid you.”


    She smiled, letting out a bitterugh. I’m like your older sister, aren’t I?”


    “You are indeed.” I returned her smile and added, “I should introduce you to my parents.”


    “Really?”


    I knew she was upset about something, but I did not pursue it. I knew she would let me know when she


    was ready.


    A weekter, I signed the contract with Echelon. The terms were favorable, and we set the price high


    There was even a 30 percent deposit. Adrian was also very thorough with the contract details.


    The signing of this contract left ourpetitors envious, especially Integra. They tried topete with


    Matthew by offering an absurdly low price, but the project still ended up in my hands. To add insult to


    injury, the price was surprisingly high.


    Before I could celebrate it, Matthew called me and said, “Honey, how’s that? You have me to thank for


    the


    project. Now you know how much I care about you.”


    Disgusted, I hung up without a word.


    The phone rang again. Thinking it was Matthew, I picked up the call and said, “Don’t you feel


    ashamed?


    You disgust me.”


    “Excuse me?” It was a female voice.