Chapter 174
Nola's bluntness caught Ava off guard and made her flush with anger and embarrassment. But before she could say anything more, Elliot stepped in to smooth things over.
I quietly sipped my water, not wanting to get too involved.
After all, Nola was just standing up for me. When she heard that Ava wanted to marry Levi, she had a strong reaction. She said that as long as she was around, no one would destroy my family.
Most of the time, she's the one protecting me. I feel proud and lucky from the bottom of my heart to have a friend like her.
Once all the dishes were served, everyone split into small groups and chatted. Most people were having pleasant conversations with those next to them. Everyone knows you only have one or two really close friends.
"Nola, stop drinking. It's a special time for you."
Nola turned her glass upside down. "See? Not a drop left. Don't worry."
Ava raised her glass and downed it in one gulp, looking quite bold.
"Elliot, let's play that game from last time."
"What game?"
Someone nearby chimed in, probably thinking Ava came from a good family and wanting to get on her good side.
Ava looked excited. "It's called... what was it... oh right, Truth or Dare."
Nola almost gagged. This kind of old game really wasn't appropriate to play right at the start.
"You all know it, right? We had so much fun last time."
Ava had no idea that people our age didn't play this game anymore.
Elliot observed everyone's reactions and gave a friendly smile.
"The food at this restaurant is pretty good. Let's fill our stomachs first and play games later."
"What's the fun in just eating? Plus, playing games will liven up the atmosphere."
Ava liked to have fun. She didn't like this stiff atmosphere. Actually, everyone preferred a relaxed atmosphere too, not this awkward scene.
This gathering today - we hadn't seen each other in so long, it should have felt fresh. But Elliot and I weren't that close to begin with, and I hadn't been in touch with these classmates for ages.
"If everyone's not interested, forget it. Chatting is nice too."
Nola jumped in again to ease the awkward atmosphere. She seemed to be the only one who could be straightforward with Ava.
Ava suddenly turned to me, staring straight at me.
"Blair, how about we play one round? Let's play rock-paper-scissors, and whoever loses has to answer a truth question. How about it?"
Everyone's attention was focused on us. I knew Ava was coming after me.
"Sure."
I knew I had no way out. If I refused, I'd look petty.
After all, Nola had already blocked one attack for me.
Ava hid her fist behind her back. After she gave the signal, she threw the scissors, and I threw the rock.
Nola excitedly said, "Yes!"
Before I could think of what to ask her, Ava suddenly asked me a question.
"Are you actually married or not?"
This question hit a sore spot. Everyone had just been discussing it, and now the topic was back here again.
Plus, I was supposed to be the one asking questions, but she broke the rules and took over.
"Are you seriously cheating that obviously?"
Nola pointed at the glass. "Shouldn't you drink a penalty? You didn't wait for her to ask a question and asked one yourself instead. That's not how it works."
Ava laughed. "Haha, you guys are taking this too seriously. Didn't you just say you didn't want to play? I was just messing with you."
"Fine, fine, you win."
Nola didn't want to deal with her anymore. Some rich heiress, with no sense of fair play at all.
Everyone fell into awkward silence again. Elliot glanced at me. I lowered my head and didn't look at him.
"Time flies - we're all working now. The holidays are coming up soon, and we can finally rest for a few days. Anyone who wants to travel together can stay in touch."
"Annual leave is just a few days. Better to just stay home."
"Travel is peak season anyway. Better to take time off later and avoid the crowds."
Everyone chimed in with their thoughts, and things seemed less stuffy.
Nola took out her phone and typed a few words: "This is so boring. I wish I hadn't come."
She pushed her phone over for me to see, pretending we were looking at something else.
Ava probably didn't recognize many words. She tried to peek, but I closed it.
"I'm going to the restroom."
It was getting hot in here. I felt like I couldn't breathe. With Ava acting like this, I was getting nervous, too. If she suddenly mentioned that Levi and I were married, I really wouldn't be able to handle it.
Before I reached the restroom, Elliot called out to me.
"Can we talk?"
I turned around and waited for him to come over.
He walked over quickly, looking apologetic.
"I'm really sorry. It was totally unexpected. She asked me where I was, I sent her the location and told her I was at a gathering, and she actually showed up here..."
If it weren't for me, Ava probably wouldn't have bothered coming here. This time, I'm sure it wasn't a coincidence.
"My assistant realized his mistake, and I gave him a talking-to. I'm really sorry for causing you all this trouble."
"I heard she's pursuing Mr. Morgan. This messy situation is exhausting for me, too."
I smiled. "Mr. Sullivan, this doesn't really have anything to do with you, does it?"
Elliot hedged. "Well, at the root of it, I caused this mess. If I hadn't let it slip, he wouldn't have known about it."
"You didn't say it directly, so you're not at fault. You don't need to apologize to me. What's done is done, there's no taking it back."
I didn't want to keep repeating my position. I'd already made it clear on the phone.
"I..."
"Everyone's waiting for you. Let's leave it at that."
I turned and walked straight toward the restroom.
I stood at the sink, looking at myself in the mirror. I'd been in good spirits, but after what just happened, I looked completely deflated.
Ava's presence here meant I had to be careful every moment.
What was Elliot trying to do?
Why expose my relationship with Levi, and then expose my whereabouts today?
When I came out, John was sitting on a chair outside the private room, looking at me.
He pointed downstairs, signaling me to look.
I leaned over and saw Levi sitting in a VIP room downstairs.
"Why did you guys come?"
I said quietly, afraid they'd hear.
John stood up and walked a few steps toward me. "I already sent my wife a message. She'll explain a bit and come out."
As soon as he finished speaking, Nola pushed open the door, with Elliot following right behind.
"Everyone, continue, don't let me ruin the mood."
"Bye, Nola."
"Bye bye."
Nola made faces at me.
"Blair, I have a prenatal checkup scheduled. You have to come with me. John's unreliable. I already told everyone, we'll see each other again next time."
I looked at Elliot. He didn't say anything, just smiled.
Ava didn't come out. This was definitely the best time to slip away.
"Okay."
I waved at Elliot. He still just smiled without saying anything.