Helen’s POV:
I stood confidently beside George, allowing him hold my hand as I looked at Libby and Jane calmly.
Now I could bravely face them without fear.
In the past, I was steeped in the pain and suffering they had brought upon me and I could not extricate
myself.
So when I met them again, all the hurtful memories of the past came flooding back and I felt flustered.I
was afraid that the past trauma would resurface.I was also very afraid that they would once again take
away from me everything that I presently owned.
But recently, I realized that my mother and I were innocent.It was Libby and Jane who should be guilty.
Why should my mother and I have to feel ashamed when we had done nothing wrong? After I had
figured it out, I suddenly felt enlightened.I no longer had to act like a coward in front of them.
Libby and Jane also went to the club on the first floor to have breakfast, so the four of us went down
together.
George and I walked ahead of them and openly flirted with each other without any scruple.
The two women behind just didn’t exist to us.
Several times, Libby tried to butt into our conversation and gain George’s attention.
Although he still replied politely, mainly in mono syllables, his attitude toward her was cold.
Even a woman like Libby, who had a high emotional quotient, ended up with a long face.
My heart felt light and happy.
If I could, I would have given George a thumbs up.
This was my first visit to the club downstairs.I was amazed by its size.I had thought that it probably just
came with a small restaurant, but it was actually a huge luxuriously decorated multi-functional one that
not only served regular meals, but could accommodate guests with special requests and banquets.
As we walked into the club, I noticed a fully equipped gym to my right and the restaurant to my left.
Suddenly, Libby walked up to George and me and asked, "George, do you mind if we share a table
with you?"
George didn’t answer.
Instead, being the gentleman that he was, he looked at me and silently asked for my opinion.I
responded readily, "Sure! Why not?"
"Wait here while I get some food for us." George reached out and gently stroked my hair, with a faint
smile on his lips.
"Okay," I replied obediently and sat down.
Jane glared at me and then followed George to get the food.
After they left, only Libby and I were at the table.
Libby also made herself comfortable at our table and looked at me with a smile.I never imagined myself
sitting calmly at the same table as Libby one day.
When I saw them again today, although I was a little bit apprehensive, at least I managed to stay cool,
calm and collected.
"Helen, you are smarter than I thought.And much smarter than your mother."
Libby ventured to start a conversation with these words.
"My mother is not stupid.She is just far too kind-hearted for her own good."
She was too kind so they thought she was a pushover and took advantage of her kindness.
Libby’s crooked smile momentarily disappeared then mysteriously reappeared.She didn’t get the
respond she was expecting from me, so she fell silent.
The atmosphere at the table was strained for a moment.
Soon, George and Jane returned to our table with plates laden with food.It seemed that they had not
spoken to each other.
Jane’s and Libby’s plates had a few simple items of food on them.
Jane had only a slice of toast and a glass of orange juice for breakfast.
Libby had a glass of milk, a slice of toast and a plate of salad.
In contrast, the food George set out in front of me was much more abundant.He didn’t eat much
himself, so he pushed all the food towards me and said, "Eat enough.You are too thin."
"Do you think I’m a pig? How can I eat so much?" I complained in a whisper.
George smiled naughtily and added, "Come on.Give it a try.I chose your favorite dishes.If you can’t
finish them then I’ll help you."
"Okay."
Since he promised me that he would help me finish my food, I stopped worrying and happily tucked into
my meal.
After what happened last night, I was really tired.
But now when I smelled the aroma of breakfast, my stomach began to rumble and I forgot about my
tiredness.
When we finished eating and were about to leave, Libby suddenly said, "Helen, last time, Jane hit you
first.I have already reprimanded her for her unladylike behavior.It’s all her fault.Please do forgive her for
my sake.If you really need to vent your anger somehow, then you can slap her back."
What she said sounded sincere, but I knew better than anyone else that her words were meant for
George, not me.
After all, it was her usual trick to try and fool men by creating a graceful and considerate image of
herself.
Jane’s long face became longer.She was a proud woman.She must have felt really bad that her
beloved mother had berated her for her wrong doing in public.
Jane glared at me frostily without saying a word and then picked up her bag and left the restaurant.I
smiled at Libby.
When I was a child, I could not distinguish between the tricks she played.I used to mistake her sugar-
coated words for kindness.
But now I had become wiser.I would never fall for the same trick ever again! George nodded amiably at
Libby and left with his arm around my shoulder.
After leaving the restaurant, we went to the underground parking lot.
When we were in the car, I heaped praises on him, "You did a fantastic job."
An intriguing glint flashed across George’s eyes.He raised his eyebrows and smiled mischievously.
"Does that mean you were satisfied with my great performance last night?"
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.
Since when did he become so shameless? All of a sudden, George leaned forward and stared at me
with his deep-set eyes.He parted his thin lips enough for me to get a whiff of his minty breath.He said
seductively, "I can do better tonight!"
"Stop it!" I scolded him with a coy smile.
Then I pushed him away, fastened my seat belt and looked out of the window, ignoring him.I was
referring to his behavior with Libby and Jane in the restaurant just now, not his bedroom skills.
When he faced the mother-duo, he firmly took my side.
No matter how much Libby tried to influence him, he stuck to his guns.His priority was to defend me.He
was polite and formal to them whilst still being considerate of my feelings.
I was no longer the stubborn and immature girl I used to be.I had begun to understand the complex
world of adults.
George and Jane had been friends for many years, and they had started this business together.It was
impossible for him to sever all ties with Jane completely.
They still maintained a business relationship even if they stopped being friends.
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda