“No problem,” The photographer waved his hand, then turned around and left.
Stanley took the negative from Natalie and held it under the sun. “I saw a photography outlet on my
way in. I’ll go and get this developed. Just wait for me here.”
Before Natalie could decline, he walked away.
Letting out a weak smile, she banished the thought of calling him back and stayed put.
After a long while, Stanley had yet to return. Instead, Annie and her gang showed up.
“Where’s Dr. Quinn?” Annie asked after she couldn’t find him in sight.
Since there was no need to hide, Natalie told her his whereabouts.
Annie nodded lightly before looking Natalie all over and assessing her. “You really are Dr. Quinn’s
girlfriend?”
Guilt flashed in her eyes as she fought the urge to tell her the truth.
She made a promise, and she was going to fulfill it. So she faintly smiled and said, “Yes. No doubt
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtabout that.”
Annie’s fingernails dug deeper into her palm as she replied, “Why haven’t I heard of you before? How
long have you known each other?”
Even though she was praying for Stanley’s speedy return, she put on a strong front and answered,
“Almost five years now.”
“Five years?” That shocked Annie.
That’s a whole four years earlier than me!
At this moment, Annie felt discouraged.
But she quickly recovered from her shock after one of her friends nudged her. Raising her chin ever so
slightly, she stared at Natalie in contempt. “The fact that you’re Dr. Quinn’s girlfriend and the fact that
you have known each other longer than I have don’t bother me. I like Dr. Quinn.”
“I know that,” Natalie nodded with a smile.
Dumbfounded by her reaction, Annie knitted her brows. She didn’t even show a hint of jealousy. Does
she really love Dr. Quinn?
With a solemn expression, Annie declared, “Since you’re aware, I won’t beat around the bush. I’m
putting it out there that I will be pursuing Dr. Quinn.”
Natalie raised an eyebrow, baffled. “But he already has a girlfriend...”
“You’re not good enough for him!” interrupted Annie.
Natalie pursed her lips at that.
Crossing her arms, Annie added, “I did a background check on you. You’re just a small fashion
designer. Without a privileged background, you won’t be of any help to Dr. Quinn.”
“Help?” Natalie tidied her hair as she asked.
Nodding in response, Annie continued, “That’s right. Dr. Quinn is great at what he does. He’s destined
for success. He’s going to become a revered doctor.”
“Well, that I know. We only have one life. Skilled doctors are bound to thrive.” Natalie uttered.
Narrowing her eyes, Annie said, “Since you know that, then you should be aware that all the people
he’s going to meet are from the upper echelons of society. His wife ought to be someone from that
circle too. Only then can she assist him in integrating into the elite society. You’re just a mere fashion
designer. Do you think you are capable of doing that?”
Natalie’s brows arched after hearing her demeaning words.
She may not be Stanley’s real girlfriend, but those words irked her.
Her expression was sour when she retorted, “I can’t do anything now but who’s to say I won’t be able to
do anything in the future? Can’t I learn?”
“You...” Annie was choked with fury. “Learn? Where are you going to learn that from? Do you think
learning will grant you access to the upper class?”
“You won’t have to worry about that, Ms. Hill. Whether or not the upperclassmen accept me doesn’t
change the fact that I am Stanley’s girlfriend. As long as he doesn’t mind, I’m sure it’s fine.” Natalie
gave her a small smirk before turning to find somewhere else to wait.
Angered by Natalie’s blatant disrespect, Annie stomped her feet and yelled, “Stop right there!”