Isabella's question hung in the air, making the atmosphere tense. Wendy Lawson felt deeply uncomfortable. Just as Owen Brown was about to say something unkind, Raymond Mason broke the tension with a lighthearted laugh. He turned to Isabella Smith and said,"Wendy Lawson is my friend, so of course Owen knows her! Don't worry, little sister, Owen is as loyal as they come!"
With that last remark, he shot a teasing glance at Owen Brown. Owen's expression darkened as he took Isabella by the arm, leading her away to a different table. Once they were gone, Raymond leaned closer to Wendy."What a coincidence running into you here, Wendy. Next time, I promise to pick a place where Owen isn't around, so you won't have to feel uneasy."
Wendy nodded as she placed her order softly,"There's no need to avoid him. We broke up; I'm not going to hide from him forever. Besides, I didn't do anything wrong."
Raymond's brow furrowed slightly at her words.
"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom. Just start eating when the food arrives,"he said before leaving.
Wendy didn't suspect anything. While Raymond was away, she pulled out her phone to contact some parents about lesson schedules. Ten minutes passed, and she wondered why Raymond hadn't returned when suddenly, a woman's shriek pierced through the restaurant.
Chaos erupted as Wendy realized that Raymond and Owen had gotten into a fight. Blood was smeared across the walls and floor, and Owen's grim expression was locked onto Raymond.
An hour later, they found themselves at the police station, both men charged with fighting over jealousy. Isabella dialed a number, her voice tremulous with feigned tears."Brother…Owen got into a fight. We're at the police station. Hurry! Um…Owen's hurt pretty badly."
Wendy's mind buzzed with confusion."What? Is John Smith coming?"
Isabella hung up, her focus solely on Owen as she fussed over his wounds."You've got a cut on your lip!…Raymond Mason, you hit him way too hard!"
Raymond sported a fresh bruise on his cheek. He winced in pain, looking innocent as he protested,"He hit me first! It was just a joke about his wife controlling him!"
Isabella beamed sweetly, turning to her fiancé."Owen, Raymond is one of us! Why did you have to fight him and give Miss Lawson a reason to laugh at you?"
Owen lit a cigarette, staring daggers at Raymond. That punk had the audacity to taunt him just moments before.
"What a fool,"Owen thought, recalling how Raymond had challenged him."You broke up with Wendy, I'm interested in her now; is that okay?"
"What's yours will always be yours!"
"You can't keep looking at what's on the table while eating from the bowl."
Owen chuckled coldly. He underestimated Raymond Mason.
Wendy was oblivious to the unspoken rivalry between the two men, but she feared John Smith's impending arrival. She was not in a position to offend him!
Wendy considered slipping away, but Raymond wouldn't let her."Wendy, you need to take me to the hospital after this. Look at my face; how am I going to face anyone tomorrow?"
Wendy was at her wit's end when a familiar sound of footsteps caught her attention. She instinctively looked up.
It was John Smith, impeccably dressed in a classic English suit, exuding an aura like that of a magazine cover model. He entered without acknowledging anyone, heading straight for the officer on duty."I'm here to bail out Raymond Mason and Owen Brown."
The officer, recognizing John's status, responded with respect, handing him a cigarette."Lawyer Smith, I'm sorry you had to come for such a trivial matter. These two fighting over jealousy is really not a good look."
Jealousy? John glanced toward the ruckus. His gaze fell on Wendy. Today, she was dressed modestly in a champagne-colored silk blouse paired with a fitted mermaid skirt, every inch of her polished look exuding innocence and charm.
Isabella chimed in to defend Owen."Brother, Owen only fought because Raymond Mason made fun of us. This isn't about jealousy at all."
John's eyes drifted away from Wendy and landed on Owen."Is that so?"he asked, his tone unbothered.
"Of course! Owen loves me, he wouldn't fight over another woman. Besides, Raymond and Miss Lawson are practically friends!"Isabella rambled on, but John ignored her, proceeding with the paperwork.
Owen was the first to leave, quickly getting into his car. Isabella hurried to follow.
Raymond cleared his throat and said,"Thanks, John. I'll treat you to dinner sometime."He reached for Wendy, intending to leave.
John's steady gaze caught them. Exhaling a puff of smoke, he said coolly,"Raymond, you go ahead. I need to speak with Ms. Lawson."