Chapter 16 Narrow Encounter
For some reason, seeing Tyler like this made me feel oddly pleased, so I continued to act carefree.
"Nothing much, I'll handle it myself."
Tyler's face fell, his features hardening slightly. "Handle what yourself?"
Just then, Ivy came over. "Sophia, let's go, we're running out of time."
A barely noticeable smugness spread across my face as I said, "Okay, watch Jasper for us. We're leaving."
With that, I pulled Ivy away, not giving Tyler a chance to ask more questions.
On the way, Ivy couldn't help laughing. "Sophia, did you see how fast Tyler's expression changed? I almost burst out laughing."
Just as I thought. I smiled helplessly. "Why provoke him?"
"I just wanted to see what state Tyler was in. Don't worry, Sophia, I think Tyler definitely has feelings for you."
Hearing this, I just smiled helplessly. I didn't think Tyler had feelings for me. What he felt for me was only responsibility and guilt.
After what happened back then, he shut himself off for a while, pushing everyone away. But the more he did that, the more I couldn't let him sink deeper into his obsession. Later, I succeeded, but there were too many things between us that couldn't be crossed, including the past.
-
At the party venue, on stage, the band played passionately with flowing melodies. Everyone's laughter and chatter mixed together, while on the giant screen in the center of the venue, a dazzling starry scene slowly unfolded, drawing everyone into a dreamy starlit world.
"Wow, so beautiful! I told you this trip would be worth it." Ivy was very happy, her eyes sparkling.
My eyes also quietly lit up. The gloomy emotions I'd been feeling got some release, as if my mood had suddenly been pushed to a tipping point—that kind of silent satisfaction.
Looks like coming here was the right choice after all.
But Ivy hadn't lied about one thing—tonight really was a women's party. Even the servers were all women.
After walking around, Ivy pulled me over to greet her friend, the person hosting tonight's party.
According to Ivy, she was her high school classmate, and they'd stayed close all these years.
I wasn't much for socializing. Maybe all these years as a housewife had made me a bit socially anxious. After saying hello, I didn't say much more. It was mostly Ivy and her friend Kaida chatting.
"There's a special guest appearing tonight," Kaida said mysteriously.
Ivy got interested. "Who? Did you invite some celebrity?"
Kaida kept being mysterious. "Sort of a celebrity, I guess. A pretty famous figure in our Harmony City."
This made Ivy even more eager. She urged, "Don't keep me in suspense. Just tell me."
Casually, Kaida glanced toward the entrance, her face lighting up. "Look, here she comes now."
I followed her gaze, and when I saw Ava walking in slowly, my pupils contracted slightly. The emotions I'd just managed to adjust darkened again.
How could it be such a coincidence, running into her here too? I wasn't afraid of her, I just hated seeing her.
"Ava!" Kaida waved at Ava.
Ava walked toward us. The moment our eyes met, Ava's eyes were also full of shock.
Similarly, Ivy's eyes were full of surprise. She couldn't help but look at me, as if checking my reaction.
When Ava approached us, she kept staring at me. I heard her say, "Sophia, what are you doing here?"
I didn't want to deal with Ava at all, so I didn't answer her question.
This made Ava a bit awkward. Her expression showed slight displeasure, but she still chatted warmly with Kaida for a bit.
Kaida, not knowing the situation, asked curiously, "You two know each other?"
Ava bit her lip delicately, her big watery eyes blinking. "Of course we know each other. She's the mother of Tyler's child."
At those words, Kaida gave me a meaningful look.
I understood Ava's intention with this roundabout introduction, so I struck back without hesitation. "I'm Tyler's wife."
Fortunately, Ivy was on my side. She glanced at Ava disdainfully, then deliberately said, "Sister Sophia is Tyler's wife. Some low-class people fantasize about stealing other people's husbands."
I clearly noticed Ava's face turn very ugly, her brows knitting tightly together.
Although I was grateful for Ivy's help, she was being a bit too obvious, so I signaled with my eyes for her to stop.
Ivy understood and just stuck her tongue out at me.
Who knew Ava would start her performance. She bit her delicate lip, her watery eyes slightly reddening, her aggrieved expression both innocent and seductive.
"Sophia, is your friend misunderstanding something? Tyler and I are just ordinary friends. Please don't misunderstand."
The same kind of talk again. It made my stomach turn.
I remained gracious and composed. "I've never misunderstood anything. You're the one who keeps explaining."
Instantly, Ava's pitiful expression froze somewhat, her eyes becoming sharp and penetrating.
Kaida seemed to be on Ava's side. She looked at me strangely. "So you're Sophia. When Ivy introduced you earlier, your name sounded familiar, but I couldn't remember."
I clearly sensed that Kaida had some hostility toward me.
"You know me?" My expression remained composed.
Kaida's expression was a bit odd, her tone somewhat sarcastic. "Ava and I are close. She's mentioned you before. I also know Tyler. Last time my family held a party, Ava brought Tyler along."
Hearing this, I had no reaction. This was already within my expectations.
"That's nice."
My reaction left Ava unsatisfied. She put on a delicate act. "Kaida, don't talk nonsense. Sophia will be unhappy. Last time I had a fever, and Tyler was worried about me being alone, so he insisted on coming with me."
I knew Ava said this on purpose, but I deliberately showed no reaction, maintaining my formal smile.
The best way to handle this kind of thing is to remain calm and unshaken, making the other person feel frustrated and powerless. Then I win.
Sure enough, seeing I was unmoved, Ava's face looked unpleasant. When she saw me looking at her, she instantly became fragile again.
I heard her say, "Sophia, when I was leaving, Tyler heard I was coming here too and told me to look after you. After all, you've been staying home all these years, and he's always worried you won't adapt. Tyler really does care about you."