Chapter 264
Katya and the other lady stopped talking.
I felt the atmosphere was awkward, so I got up and left first.
I went to the balcony to get some air and clear my head, but I couldn't stop thinking about what I had just heard.
There was no doubt that Katya and her husband weren't happy with Lily.
They just couldn't say it directly because of Ryan.
If Lily and Ryan wanted to get married, they probably had a long way to go.
And I found myself stuck in a new dilemma.
Technically, I should tell Lily about this.
She's my best friend, and this concerns her, so I should tell her.
But I really didn't know how to bring it up.
Just say it straight?
That would hurt Lily's pride too much.
Although Lily doesn't say it, I know she's a proud person deep down.
If I told her directly that Ryan's parents look down on her and think she's reaching above her station, it would be too cruel for Lily.
I couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh.
"Sue? It really is you!"
Elizabeth's voice suddenly rang out as she hurried over,
"I thought that looked like you from behind, but I had to get closer to be sure."
She looked around, sounding puzzled,
"Why are you alone? Lots of people are chatting inside. Why aren't you joining them?"
I shook my head gently without answering, and asked back, "Aren't you doing the same thing?"
Just as Katya and her friend had discussed.
Not just Lily, but I wasn't part of this circle either. These rich young ladies and wealthy wives might give me some courtesy for the Cooper family's sake, but that didn't mean they actually respected me.
In their minds, there was a class difference between us.
But I had no desire to socialize with them anyway.
Thanks to Jason's status and position, as his wife, even without trying to please anyone, no one would give me trouble.
Elizabeth pouted, her tone lazy, "I don't like these kinds of events. They all talk in such weird ways. My mom warned me beforehand not to say the wrong thing. I'm too lazy to think about what I can or can't say, so I just don't say anything at all. Finding a quiet spot is better."
She blinked and looked at me curiously, "You still haven't answered my question. What about you? Why aren't you chatting? And why are you all alone? Where's your husband? Isn't he keeping you company?"
Elizabeth's string of questions was getting on my nerves.
I shook my head, "It was too stuffy inside, so I came out for some air."
"Well, great minds think alike!"
Elizabeth came up beside me, propping her chin with one hand and tilting her head to look at me curiously.
Her staring made me uncomfortable, so I had to ask, "Why are you staring at me like that? Do I have something on my face?"
"No, I just suddenly realized you're a good person."
Elizabeth said with a smile.
I paused, "Thanks?"
That was so random, being suddenly called a good person.
"When you were around Brian before, I always saw you as a potential rival, but later you helped me figure out how to pursue Brian without holding a grudge. Sue, you're really nice. No wonder you could win Jason over."
Elizabeth explained seriously, "My mom says I should be friends with people who are genuinely good to me. I think you're more sincere than a lot of people. I want to be your friend. Starting today, we're good friends."
She seemed to have decided on our relationship all by herself.
Shouldn't she at least consider whether I agreed?
Obviously, Elizabeth didn't think there was anything wrong with what she said.
She leaned closer to me, her manner much more familiar, "If you keep going like this, it's not really going to work, is it?"
I looked at her in surprise, "What do you mean?"
Elizabeth, "Never socializing, that's not good, right?"
I asked, "Aren't you doing the same?"
Elizabeth said matter-of-factly, "Because I don't need to, and I'm not married yet. I don't need to worry about these things. But I see my mom socialize at every party she goes to, talking to lots of people, though everyone's smiles look so fake. When I'm with my mom, I can't listen for more than a few sentences before I start getting sleepy."
I twitched my lips, "Have you heard this saying?"
"What?"
"Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire."
Elizabeth's eyes widened, and she stood there processing for a moment.
We both fell silent for a moment.
Elizabeth wanted to say something more to me, but Brian came looking for her.
"Elizabeth."
Brian just called her name once, and Elizabeth's eyes immediately lit up as she ran toward Brian.
"Brian, are you done over there? Should we go shopping later? I just saw a new restaurant online that's supposed to be really good! Want to try it tonight?"
Brian nodded, "I'm done. Sure, if you want to go, we'll go. Sounds good, let's eat there tonight."
I couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
These two had actually gotten together.
I didn't expect Brian would actually answer each of Elizabeth's questions so patiently.
Brian nodded at me in greeting.
He took Elizabeth's hand to leave, and only then did Elizabeth realize she had forgotten about me, her "good friend."
She waved at me, "Sue, we're leaving now. Let's get together next time!"
I waved goodbye, thinking to myself, let's not meet next time.
I really didn't know how to deal with someone as naturally friendly as Elizabeth.
People who are too enthusiastic—I don't know how to handle them.
And also...
My gaze swept across the bustling party.
I didn't want to go back in.
Actually, Katya was right. People like us from ordinary families don't have much in common with them.
The only reason I could be here was because of my status as Mrs. He.
Not because of who I am myself.
So if I went over there, what would we even talk about?
The shopping and spas they loved... I wasn't really interested in any of that.
It made me feel out of place here.
I would rather blow wind on the balcony and feel comfortable.
Before long, Jason came to the balcony looking for me.
"Honey, why are you outside? Your hands are cold."
Jason cupped my hands in his, his warmth gradually spreading through me.
I shook my head gently, a faint smile on my lips.
"I just felt it was boring sitting inside, and it was a bit stuffy, so I came out."
Jason looked at me seriously, "Are you unhappy?"
"No."
I shook my head gently.
Looking at Jason, I buried my thoughts even deeper.
This kind of socializing was normal and necessary for Jason.
It was just that I wasn't quite used to it.
Jason narrowed his eyes, staring at me intently.
In the end, he didn't say anything and took my hand to leave.
I asked, "Are you done over there?"
Jason answered, "Yes, let's go home."
I thought the matter would be dropped and Jason wouldn't bring it up again.
But that night, when he had me pinned beneath him, he whispered in my ear over and over.
"Honey, you're hiding something from me."
"Honey, tell me, tell me, and I won't tire you out."