Riley Shade was tall and appeared to be in his mid-20s. His looks were attractive, and he dressed elegantly. Despite being a guy, he took a lot of work into his skincare and appeared like the youthful heir to a wealthy family.
The long-haired woman next to him was around his age. Her face was covered in superb cosmetics and dressed in luxury designer labels such as Prada, Louis Vitton, Hermes, and more. She appeared attractive at first glance, but her face was too plastic. She had undergone cosmetic surgery on her eyelids and jaw.
Riley's eyes lingered briefly on Charlotte's arm before he grinned and grabbed the woman beside him by the shoulder. He said, "This is my wife, Natalie Mason."
Natalie cuddled up to Riley and sized Charlotte up. "Well? Introducing Charlotte..."
After sensing her hazy jealousy, Riley quickly touched Natalie's waist to console her. "She's Charlotte Reed, my schoolmate from college."
When Riley introduced her in this manner, Charlotte couldn't help but bite hard on her bottom lip.
"Ah, so it is Charlotte Reed! Riley had mentioned that a college classmate had been wooing him for years, but he had never agreed. I did not expect it to be you." Natalie smiled as she said these words, pretending to unveil a massive diamond ring on her ring finger.
Charlotte's smile hardened.
She liked Riley Shade in college but felt humiliated when his wife stated it to her face, especially in such a condescending tone.
It was made worse by the fact that Riley appeared arrogant as well.
Charlotte was about to say her goodbyes when Riley said, "It's a coincidence today. Natalie and I had booked a separate room here for supper. You two should also come. After all, it's been a while since we've seen one other.
After gazing at Riley, Natalie responded, "Yes, the Aristocrat is the city's most well-known and established restaurant. It's noon, and finding a private room won't be easy. Let us eat together. Riley and I will get bored if it's just us."
Charlotte was about to decline because she had already reserved a private room months ago, but Ethan nodded abruptly. "Sure then."
Charlotte panicked right away. But since Ethan had already spoken and agreed, she couldn't contradict him in front of them. So she could only pinch Ethan's arm discreetly.
However, Ethan maintained a calm demeanor and seemed unconcerned.
A waiter quickly led them to a room on the second level.
Riley handed the menu to Natalie as they had taken their seats. "Natalie, see if there's anything you want. "You can place your order first."
Natalie grabbed the menu with a smile, but she reminded Riley, "Our friends are still here. How can I place my first order? She looked at Charlotte and Ethan but didn't move, not meaning to deliver them the menu.
"We are former classmates. What's the point of being so formal with one another? "They won't mind, right?" Riley gripped Natalie's waist and kissed her forehead gently. He directed his final inquiry at Charlotte and Ethan.
"During our courtship, Charlotte used to bring me my meals for several months. She never skipped my breakfast or lunch. Unfortunately, I did not reciprocate your feelings; I shared the food with our classmates. "Charlotte, don't you hold it against me?" Riley chuckled.
Charlotte gripped her fingers hard under the table, nearly digging her nails into her flesh.
She had previously spent a significant amount of time and effort, with the utmost sincerity, providing food for him. She would get up early every day to cook for him, rain or shine. However, she ended up being a laughingstock.
Charlotte stayed mute. Controlling her emotions was already incredibly difficult.
When Natalie saw Charlotte's glum countenance, she laughed provocatively and coquettishly. "But I must thank Miss Reed for being so nice to my husband." I must also be grateful that Riley did not succumb to your pursuit. Otherwise, we would not have met, and now we have such a happy life."
Riley took Natalie in his arms gently. "It's my honor to be able to marry you."
Charlotte clinched her jaw and murmured, "I wish you conjugal bliss."
Natalie appeared to notice that there were outsiders around, so she sat up straight shyly. "Fortunately, you've also discovered your better half, Miss Reed. Are you married yet? How can I address the man next to you?"
Charlotte attempted to calm herself down before saying, "Not yet." His name is Ethan Knight.
"Well, hey, Mr. Knight. We're roughly the same age, so don't mind if I address you as Ethan, right?" Riley chuckled.
Ethan gave Riley a mirthless grin.
It had been long since someone spoke to him in such a condescending tone. Besides, he was a few years older than Riley, but Riley spoke arrogantly to him.
Riley, unconcerned at Ethan's reaction, continued to question in an arrogant tone, "Ethan, where do you work now?"
Ethan smiled. "I was a soldier for a few years but now a freelancer."
Riley and Natalie's eyes widened in disgust as they heard this.
Charlotte, on the other hand, gave Ethan a stern look. Why do you have to be so honest?
"Freelancer? "You mean unemployed?" Natalie giggled and covered her mouth.
"'Ethan, it is not correct. How can you be a man and lounge around? You don't want to be sponging off your wife, right?"
"Ah, I do." Ethan nodded genuinely as if he thought that was a terrific idea.
Riley was immediately at a loss for words.
At first, he thought Ethan was attractive and educated, but he didn't expect him to be an unskilled wastrel.
Charlotte must have regretted not winning my heart and marrying an attractive and capable man like me. Riley was getting ahead of himself while thinking about it, and he had a strong sense of superiority.