A sharp, abrupt "pa!" sliced through the air as Georgia's fork careened unexpectedly, plunging into her plate with a metallic clatter. The result was a chaotic spray of sauce that splattered in all directions, casting a sudden discord in the midst of their lunch.
In the blink of an eye, Georgia snatched a napkin from the table, her hands moving with urgency to contain the sauce's unwelcome artistry. Her brow furrowed, her movements a testament to her determination to rectify the situation swiftly.
Xiao Han, her dining companion, swiveled in his seat, concern etching his features. "Georgia, what happened?"
Georgia attempted to put on a reassuring smile, though it wavered slightly under her agitation. "I'm fine, just a clumsy slip. I'll head to the bathroom to clean up."
She rose from her chair with haste, avoiding Xiao Han's probing gaze. As she departed, a tumultuous sea of emotions surged within her, casting her into an unsettling whirlwind of thoughts and feelings.
Inside, an uninvited sense of discomfort festered. Her connection to Jack might lack emotional depth, but the undeniable fact remained—she was his wife. Witnessing him partake in a meal with another woman stirred an uncomfortable cocktail of emotions within her.
Alone before the bathroom mirror, Georgia worked the faucet, her hands moving automatically as her thoughts swirled. She couldn't help but reflect on the situation she found herself in.
"Meeting her everywhere, what rotten luck."
The voice that broke the silence dripped with sarcasm. Startled, Georgia turned her head to find Cheng Lu emerging from one of the bathroom stalls. The narrow corridors of fate had led them to cross paths once again, as if their earlier encounter in the entertainment hall hadn't been enough.
Cheng Lu strolled up to Georgia with an air of indifference, nonchalantly activating the tap. As she began washing her hands with deliberate leisure, her voice bore a frosty edge as she remarked, "If you aspire to be a home-wrecker, don't bother peering into the mirror to gauge your worthiness. Do you even qualify?"
Georgia's brows knitted in response to the harsh words. She reached out to shut off the tap, her voice resolute as she retorted, "It's not your place to lecture me."
She had no intention of subjecting herself to further belittlement. The fragile state of her emotions didn't allow her to endure Cheng Lu's scorn any longer.
Cheng Lu's attempts to belittle her were met with unyielding defiance. Her words seemed to strike a nerve, leaving Cheng Lu's face contorted with a potent mix of anger and frustration. She clenched her teeth and locked eyes with Georgia, searching for a retort that proved elusive.
Unable to find the words to counter, Cheng Lu resorted to an impulsive action. She scooped water from the faucet with her cupped hands and flung it directly at Georgia's face.
Georgia was caught completely off guard by the sudden attack. The unexpected chill of the water sent a shiver down her spine, and for a moment, she stood frozen. She hadn't anticipated Cheng Lu would resort to using her own hands.
"Cheng Lu, you've crossed a line..." Georgia began, but before she could finish her sentence, Cheng Lu scooped another handful of water, directing it at her once more. "How can I cross a line? You deserve to be soaked!"
The second splash of water left Georgia drenched once again, and in her stunned disbelief, she took a deep breath. She pushed Cheng Lu's hand away firmly, her determination unwavering, and made a swift exit from the bathroom.
She couldn't bear the thought of anyone, especially Jack, seeing her in such a bedraggled state.
As Georgia hurriedly departed, her hair and clothes still damp, she soon found herself encountering a towering figure just outside the bathroom.
Jack's sharp gaze instantly honed in on Georgia's saturated appearance. Concern furrowed his brows, and he called out, "Georgia."
Caught off guard by his sudden appearance, Georgia's body stiffened, and she hesitated for a moment. Then, without meeting his gaze, she turned away and hastened her steps.
She didn't want Jack to witness her in such disarray. Her heart was in turmoil, and facing him now felt unbearable.
Jack watched as she retreated, his concern deepening, and he murmured her name once more, "Georgia."
Left with unanswered questions, he reached for his phone, intending to call her. However, as he raised his gaze, he found himself face to face with Cheng Lu and An.
Both greeted him with polite smiles. "Mr. Jack, how are you?"
Jack returned their greetings with a nod but offered no further conversation. His thoughts were preoccupied with the perplexing encounter with Georgia.