Chapter 183: Chapter 183

Chapter 183 Give Me A Chance After her discharge, Crystal traveled to Sumanthova.

She spent a week there with Emelia before eventually returned home after being urged by Emelia.

“Don’t just hang around with me. I’m perfectly fine here. Go find yourself a man in the bustling city of Barnwood. Even the doctors there are attractive,” Emelia teased, winking at Crystal.

Crystal smiled in response. “All right then, I’ll take my leave.”

Emelia arranged for a cab to take her to the airport.

Before Crystal took off, Emelia grasped her hand and said, “You’ve grown up so much. Things are different now.”

Crystal had just arrived in Barnwood when she received a call from Madison..

Madison asked for souvenirs and extended an invitation to Charles’ birthday party Crystal put her bags down and settled on the couch in her modest apartment, letting out a chuckle. “I’ve picked up a few souvenirs for you, but I think I’ll pass on the birthday party.”

In hushed tones, Madison replied, “He’s not invited to Charles’ party.”

Crystal understood exactly whom Madison was referring to. After considering it for a moment, she agreed to show up.

On Friday evening, Crystal went home to change into a party dress before hailing a cab to the clubhouse.

The private room was buzzing with activity when she arrived.

The majority of the attendees were Charles’ friends, with a handful of Madison’s classmates who shared connections with Crystal there too.

Crystal approached Madison and handed her the gift she had prepared beforehand, a lavish couple’s watch made in Sumanthova.

Madison’s eyes widened in astonishment as she exclaimed, “This is too extravagant. You’re incredibly generous, Crystal.”

She then called Charles over to show him the gift.

Charles was genuinely impressed by Crystal’s accomplishments, knowing that she had turned down Henry despite already having one foot in a prestigious family.

Charles had witnessed Henry’s desperate pleas for Crystal to reconcile with him. If he were in her position, Charles believed he might have given in to Henry’s advances. However, to his surprise, Crystal had firmly rejected Henry. This act of strength and independence earned his deep respect for her.

Charles affectionately embraced Madison by her waist, playfully asserting, “I didn’t deceive you, did I? I’m already sicked of him as well.”

Crystal smiled in agreement. “It’s even better if you don’t bring him up. Charles,”

Charles continued, “I’ve invited quite a few handsome guys tonight. You have my permission to bring any of them home if you so desire.”

Madison pinched his waist. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Charles promptly apologized for his comment before guiding Crystal over to Ritchie.

Crystal never anticipated encountering Ritchie again under such circumstances.

However, she deemed it petty to avoid him, considering they were all adults now. With that in mind, she greeted him, saying, “It’s been a while, Ritchie.”

Everyone within their circle of friends in Barnwood was aware of their past romantic involvement.

A myriad of emotions flickered across Ritchie’s face as he gazed at Crystal. He could never forget the ten days they had spent together and the special moment they shared while watching fireworks.

While Crystal had returned to being single, Ritchie was on the verge of getting married.

After a brief catch-up, Ritchie spoke in a hoarse voice, “I’ll be getting married next month!”

Crystal offered him her most sincere blessings, saying, “Congratulations, Ritchie!”

A bitter smile graced Ritchie’s lips.

He had no genuine feelings for his future spouse. The person he truly cared for stood right in front of him. Nevertheless, he understood that he no longer had a chance with Crystal.

“Thank you,” he replied with a smile.

Their conversation gradually dwindled into silence. Crystal observed from the sidelines as Charles openly expressed his love for Madison, witnessing the joyful singing and dancing of the party guests and seeing Madison nestled in Charles’ embrace.

She felt a twinge of jealousy as she observed how Madison’s brave attitude toward love.

In contrast, she was hesitant to believe in love so readily once more as the wounds of her past relationship still haunt her.

Zachary suddenly made a disruptive entrance halfway through the party, clearly intoxicated as he approached Charles with a beer bottle in hand..

“Charles, I don’t envy you one bit!” he slurred. “You have Madison, but I have Clementine. She’s carrying my child now! I’m so ecstatic, I feel like I can fly. Life is so comfortable for me now. There’s no one to bother me about drinking or flirting with other women anymore. All I need is money to keep Clementine quiet. I’m still the boss at home. Even though she’s pregnant, Clementine will still have to cater to my needs!”

Madison’s complexion turned pale upon hearing Zachary’s words.

Zachary focked eyes with Madison and brazenly declared, “Clementine will give birth in a couple of months. We should sign the divorce papers soon so she can take your place.”

Madison responded coldly, “Don’t worry. I can’t wait to leave you.”

Zachary pointed his finger at her. “Fine, let’s get it done when we have the chance. Anyone who backs out is a coward!”

After saying that, Zachary left the scene.

Madison hid in the restroom and cried. Crystal contemplated offering comfort but hesitated at the door.

Through the crack, she witnessed Charles embracing Madison, whispering gently. “Stop crying now. Today is my birthday. It’s meant to be a joyful occasion.”

Crystal turned around and left at that.

She went to retrieve her handbag, intending to leave the party early.

“I’ll give you a ride home!” Ritchie immediately offered, standing up from his seat.

Crystal shook her head. “No need! I’ll just hail a cab. Ritchie, you should cherish your soon-to-be wife wholeheartedly now that you’re getting married soon. Stay faithful and avoid getting involved with other women, or else your wife will be unhappy.”

Her nose reddened as she spoke, a clear sign that her words were coming straight from her heart.

Ritchie quickly retracted his hand, realizing he had overstepped his boundaries. “I will. Take care.” He smiled.

Crystal responded with a soft hum. “Let Madison know that I’ve left.”

She had planned to take a walk to lift her spirits. However, as she stepped out of the clubhouse, she spotted a familiar off-road vehicle parked at the entrance. The owner of the car leaped out the moment he saw her.

It was none other than Seth!

Clad in dark blue jeans and a black leather jacket, his long and slender legs heightened his overall allure.

Crystal smiled warmly. “What brings you here, Seth?”

Seth approached her with confident strides, his gaze fixed on her. “I just got back from a business trip. L heard you would be here tonight. How was the party? Shall I give you a ride home?”

Crystal locked eyes with his youthful and handsome face. She knew exactly what Seth was attempting.

He had feelings for her and wanted to pursue her.

Taking a moment to consider her response, she finally spoke up. “Seth, I’m not looking to enter into a relationship at the moment.

Please don’t waste your time...”

Her words trailed off as Seth gently placed his slender finger on her lips.

With a serious expression, he said, “Courting someone can be a romantic endeavor. I understand that you may not want a relationship now, Crystal, and there’s no guarantee you’ll fall for me in the future. But I’d like to give it a try. How will we ever know if we don’t give it a chance?”

Crystal looked up at him, finding Seth remarkably mature and charismatic at that moment.

Seth’s voice turned hoarse as he continued, “I have feelings for you! I want to be by your side! I’m not like Ritchie. Everyone in my family adores you. There’s nothing standing in our way. All you have to do is enjoy this process. Give me a chance, Crystal”

The wind gently rustled Crystal’s dress, adding a touch of romance to the air as she stood beside Seth.

He placed a firm hand on her shoulder and leaned in slowly, intending to kiss her.

However, Crystal instinctively moved to the side at the last moment, causing Seth to unintentionally peck her nose instead. The passersby might have mistaken them for a couple kissing.

Crystal couldn’t deny that Seth’s suggestion touched her. Starting a new relationship could potentially help heal her wounds.

However, she didn’t want to take Seth’s feelings for granted, as he was an incredibly important friend to her.

She mustered a response, saying. “Seth, can you please give me some time to collect my thoughts and calm myself down?”

Seth looked at her intently. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke up. “So, I suppose this isn’t a rejection, right?”

The wind whispered softly as Crystal gave her reply.

Unbeknownst to them, a gold Bentley Continental was parked nearby.

Henry silently observed the interaction from his car.

He noticed the tender exchange between Crystal and Seth and how Seth graciously assisted Crystal into his car.

As Crystal settled into the passenger seat, Henry couldn’t help but wonder if she had accepted Seth’s advances.

Are they together now?

Henry spent the night in the car parked outside Crystal’s apartment as he contemplated the situation.