"Catherine, you seem quite troubled. The situation with your parents must be weighing you down."
"Ah, Jack, I just feel exhausted and unmotivated. My family's situation is overwhelming me, and I don't know what to do anymore."
"I understand. Sometimes, we feel like we're lost in a haze, but believe me, it's just a temporary phase. You have the capability and talent to overcome any difficulties."
"Thank you for your words of encouragement, Jack. But I don't know what I should do to get past this state."
"Start with small things. Maybe find a new hobby or take a course to explore something new. Sometimes, changing our lives is as simple as making a small alteration in our daily routine."
Catherine's emotions floated like a cloud in the vast expanse of space. She didn't know whether to blame or be angry at her parents for entangling her in this mess. And then, there was her marriage with Thomas – what should she do about that?
"Thank you for the advice. I do feel a bit better now. Your encouragement helps."
"I'm glad to hear that. I'm here to support you. Remember, every hardship is an opportunity for growth. Trust in yourself and always remember that I'm here to help."
Maybe she should give her family and Jack a chance. Catherine would leave behind the negativity of the past and begin a new chapter in her life. And for herself, a chance to embrace the new.
"Jack, our university class has a reunion this weekend. Would you like to join?"
Jack's words seemed to awaken Catherine. It had been a while since she connected with any of her university friends. But she knew she had to face her past to let it go.
"I miss the college days and the unforgettable memories with friends. A meet-up would make me feel rejuvenated and excited."
"That's great. I'll reach out to our old classmates and arrange the meetup. Let's remember that life is worth living when we have good friends by our side."
"Absolutely, Jack. Thanks for this wonderful idea and your support. I can't wait to reconnect with everyone and create new memories."
A gathering could help her set aside the past, to reunite with friends she hadn't seen in a while.
"..."
Upon waking up, Catherine realized she rarely slept so soundly. She lifted the blanket and hurried to the makeup mirror. Her skin was fair as snow, obviously adorned with makeup, yet not a flaw could be seen on her face. Her eyes, like peach blossoms, were teary, and a faint, pale light seemed to emanate from all around her. Serene and adorable.
Her delicate nose was charming, her small cherry-like lips a marvel, and her superior lip shape was exquisite. Long, soft, straight black hair cascaded down. Today, she had a reunion with her university class.
The café where Catherine attended the class reunion was a charming, small space, filled with light and an expansive atmosphere. Tables and chairs were neatly arranged for comfort, creating a friendly and relaxed ambiance.
The café's white walls were clean, adorned with warm decorative lights and a few potted plants that provided accents. The space exuded a cozy and friendly feel, an ideal place for reconnecting and chatting with old friends.
Catherine, at the class reunion, wore a bright pastel dress that highlighted her beauty. Her long, glossy hair was elegantly tied up into a soft bun. With a radiant smile and sparkling eyes, Catherine looked radiant and charming.
Catherine's beautiful appearance exuded confidence and elegance. She had a refined fashion sense and knew how to put together outfits that made her captivating. With freshness and radiance, Catherine made the meetup exciting and left a positive impression on her old classmates.
"Catherine, you made it! I didn't think you'd come. You're practically a celebrity now. Your appearance is so stunning that I almost didn't recognize you."
In the realm of nostalgia and shared memories, a reunion was set to unfold. The past, with its intricate tapestry of relationships, secrets, and emotions, was about to be unveiled again. An assortment of faces, once familiar but now bearing the marks of time, gathered in a cozy corner of a quaint cafe. It was as if the passage of years had carved stories onto their features, etching tales of both joy and sorrow.
Among the attendees was Catherine, a woman of grace and resilience. Her countenance bore the weight of experiences, a mosaic of trials and triumphs. She greeted her former companions with an aura of warmth, concealing the complexities of her heart beneath an affable smile.
Another classmate chipped in, mockingly, "Why didn't you attend our previous meetups? Did you not like us?"
"No, actually, I had work commitments that prevented me from attending. I'm sorry for missing out."
Behind her, Tiffany arrived wearing a red dress that showcased her figure.
"Guess who's here? The famous actress Catherine, right? What wind blew you here? I'm so thrilled to see you again." Tiffany gently placed her hand on Catherine's shoulder.
Everyone was aware of the strained relationship between Tiffany and Catherine, especially after the incident involving Jack. However, nobody expected the atmosphere to be this tense.
"Catherine, you've been gone a while. I brought some pastries for everyone on my way here, which is why I'm late." Jack spoke up, suddenly sensing the odd atmosphere.
Tiffany's gaze burned through Jack. The intimacy between Jack and Catherine grated on her nerves.
"Since everyone's here, let's sit down together and not make this awkward by avoiding eye contact."Only three empty seats remained, so to avoid any discomfort between Catherine and Tiffany, Jack quickly took the seat between them.
"Catherine, I heard you recently got married to a fashion industry entrepreneur. You look incredibly happy. If the chance arises, we'd love to meet your husband."
"Yes, indeed. I'm also curious about how happy you and Thomas are together." Tiffany's tone dripped with sarcasm.
Catherine's eyes held a mixture of surprise and amusement, carefully cloaking the emotions that stirred within her. She understood Tiffany's subtle intent to tease, to probe at the layers that shielded her life from prying eyes. However, Catherine was no stranger to the art of guarding her emotions, a skill perfected over time.
"Sure, we can do that. Let's plan a meetup not too far off. I'll bring him along to meet all of you."
"Seeing you happy makes me really glad, Catherine. Back when I met Jack, you looked quite downcast. We couldn't reach out to you, and now seeing you so joyful is enough."
Everyone knew Tiffany's intention was to undermine Catherine, but Catherine remained indifferent.
"Thank you for your concern. I'm quite content with my current life."
"As for your parents, Catherine, your family used to be so happy. It must be tough for you now. Isn't it?"
Tiffany's inquiry had inadvertently breached a barrier within Catherine, opening a door to emotions that she had strived to keep hidden. In a room filled with laughter and camaraderie, Catherine was reminded that even amidst the veneer of social interactions, the past still had a voice that echoed through the corridors of her heart.
Catherine's ultimate boundary was mentioning her family. It was a pain she had tried to forget, and she came to this class reunion to overcome it, yet it still lingered in her heart with no escape.
"Alright, Tiffany, you don't need to say anymore."
Afterward, Jack pulled Catherine away from the café, leaving everyone astonished.
"Catherine, I'm truly sorry for the uncomfortable situation you had to go through. I never expected Tiffany to act like that."
"Thank you, Jack. I'm feeling quite hurt and embarrassed by what happened. I don't know how to handle this situation."
"First, remember that this isn't your fault. Tiffany shouldn't have behaved that way, and she needs to take responsibility for her actions."
Catherine remained silent, despite Jack's attempt to comfort her. She knew Jack was doing everything now, out of remorse for his past actions.