Alone in a Crowded Room


    This New Year was unlike any other before. I stayed home, enjoying the joyful atmosphere family


    gathering filled withughter and chatter. Little Ava became the center of attention.


    f arge


    Even Ivanna joined us after just a few days away. Our family showcased their culinary skills, preparing


    their signature dishes and creating a festive atmosphere with bright lights in the yard.


    During the day, I pretended to be carefree like everyone else, but at night, my thoughts couldn’t help


    but drift to that person. Had he left town? He hadn’t called, and I didn’t reach out. I wanted to test my


    self-


    control.


    Fortunately, I had Ivanna and Lauren to keep mepany.


    Ivanna quietly whispered, “Harmony seems to be fading. She’s been saying she spent Christmas


    overseas,


    but it’s all a lie. She’s my artist. I know she worked on a shoot the whole time. Is As getting tired of


    her?”


    Lauren quickly nudged her and shot her a meaningful look.


    I calmly responded, “It’s none of my concern. I’ve already decided to step back.”


    Ivanna looked at Lauren and whispered, “Did you hear that? We both need to pay close attention. Let’s


    see how strong Wonder Woman’s heart is.”


    The two of them burst intoughter while I silently cursed. My heartache was something only I knew,


    and


    it was pretty painful.


    I often thought about him standing alone in the crowd, wondering if he missed the feeling of home


    during these festive seasons. The livelier it was here, the more my heart ached, and his image


    forcefully entered


    my mind


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    I questioned if he was the person I imagined, which caused me pain. However, my strong–willed side


    reminded me that he didn’t celebrate the New Year, providing some relief.


    Ryan had donned an apron in the past few days and bustled about. I felt guilty and often reached out to


    help him.


    This delighted the four elders, who would huddle together to talk in hushed tones. Even without


    listening.


    I knew what they were discussing I didn’t mind as long as it brought them joy.


    Besides, I had to y the role of a good host.


    Everyone afe, drank, and merrily drove around town. The city was filled withughter and joy. These


    few


    o a lifetime ofughter.


    Online trends about As and Harmony disappeared. Ivanna and Lauren would sometimes gossip, with


    Ivanna boldly dering, “I told you it was over! Let’s see how she unts herself after the holiday.”


    I didn’t engage in their conversation. It wasn’t my ce.


    As’s in–person response to Harmony’s call was less passionate than the rumors imed. His


    questions.


    reyed in my head.


    Is being with me truly making you that unhappy? Do you not understand everything I’ve done? I told


    you, no matter what happens, just trust me. Can’t you do that? What happened to your intelligence?”


    Every word, every sentence, I analyzed and savored. I also sensed that he had something more to say.


    But so what? Deep down, I knew that I wasn’t worthy of him. Being with him brought too many


    reservations, uncertainties, and fears.


    Ava asionally asked where As was. “Is he still on a business trip? Why hasn’t he taken a day


    off?”


    Her questions were endless, and I had no answers.


    One evening, I spotted a car parked in the bushes from my balcony. It made my heart race, and I


    rushed


    downstairs, driven by an irresistible urge.