I wanted to follow Lauren, but As gently pulledback and shook his head softly.


    I knew As didn''t wantto go after her. It would only make the situation more embarrassing for her.


    Later, my eyes kept ncing in Lauren''s direction. Every tI looked, I saw her chatting andughing, though I knew that behind that smile, her heart must be in pain.


    For six months, she had been alone and faced everything by herself.


    And now that she had returned, she had to endure these malicious insults. She must be hiding a world of pain behind her smile. Human nature truly was one of the ugliest things in this world.


    Why couldn''t we give those who had taken the wrong path a way back home? When the ceremony concluded, Oliver was drunk beyond recognition, and As arranged for someone to take him home.


    A smiling Lauren left as well.


    I couldn''t stop worrying about Lauren, even after seeing off the guests and returning home. I told As about my worries and turned to go to Lauren''s house.


    I quickly unlocked the door with my key.


    As I expected, she hadn''t turned on the lights. The room was pitch ck, but I knew she was inside.


    I reached for the light switch, and soon the room was brightly lit.


    All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    As my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw Lauren sitting on the sofa, drinking.


    Her cheeks were stained with tears.


    When I turned on the light, she covered her face and muttered, "Why are you here? Today was your big day!" After saying that, she sniffed and remained silent.


    I walked over to her, took the bottle from her hands, and said, "Are you going to drink yourself into a stupor again like you did in the past?" She put down her hands, looked atwith her pale face, and smiled bitterly. "I won''t. Do you really think I''m that dumb?" "Aren''t you?" I retorted, feeling heartache mixed with a hint of anger for her.


    "In the past six months, I''ve rebuilt my life. I just needed a small sip to stabilize my emotions." After saying that, she awkwardly wiped her face and continued, "Go home. Don''t keep As waiting. You have a good man, so I don''t have to worry about you any more. I hope you''ll both be happy. As really does love you."  "Don''t distract yourself and don''t try to shoulder everything by yourself. Try to be more open-minded, and don''t torture yourself all the tf you really do confront these people, you''ll only end up hurting yourself." I put the bottle firmly on the coffee table and sat down beside her.  At first, neither of us spoke. We just sat in silence.


    I didn''t know how long the silencested, but she was the first to break it.


    "I understand. Don''t worry about me." She looked atand smiled, patting my leg, but her smile was heartbreaking.


    "As for Oliver... He still seems to have feelings for you. If you can''t let go, I can..." I tentatively started, trying to persuade her to turn back.


    After all, Oliver had been searching for her since she left Foswood. Anyone could tell that Oliver had changed.


    I always felt they should have had a chance to talk and figure things out. Why couldn''t they? "Chloe..." She interrupted me. "Don''t y peacemaker. He doesn''t deserve it." It seemed that she knew what I was thinking.


    I fell silent. To be honest, I understood what Lauren meant. She was right-Oliver didn''t deserve it, especially after what he had said in front of her.


    "When he said those words and took the bracelet back to put on histe wife''s wrist, he gavea clear answer. I was just a decorative piece in everyone''s eyes," Lauren said, her voice choking with emotion.