Chapter 544
“He felt that the difference in our family backgrounds was too large, creating a great deal
of pressure for him. He also mentioned that his friends accused him of being a ‘kept man‘.
He did not like the imbalance in our relationship, so he suggested we break up,” Riley
spoke openly about the situation.
Both Gaby and Cynthia were a bit perplexed. They thought love was about being together
if you liked each other, right?
“Your boyfriend was quite foolish. When encountering friends like that, he should have
retorted with something like, ‘Yout wish you had the chance to be a kept man‘,” Alex
remarked casually, clearly unbothered by the issue.
“It’s not necessarily that simple. Some men have a strong sense of self–esteem. If their
girlfriend’s family is wealthier, they might feel inferior,” Linus said.
At Linus’s words, Cynthia faltered for a moment, her mind wandering to Captain, whom
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMitchell had mentioned.
“So, would you guys feel the same?” she asked, seizing the opportunity.
“Yes. If the disparity isn’t too wide, I’d strive to close the gap. But if the gap is too large,
I’d reject it from the start,” Linus admitted candidly.
“Why? Isn’t it enough for two people to like each other for a relationship to work?” Gaby
asked innocently, her soft, docile face full of confusion.
“The youthful notion of love may be that liking each other is enough, but as adults, we
can’t be so reckless. Why should I hold her back when she clearly has better options?
Moreover, if the family backgrounds are too disparate, her parents would also worry,”
Linus explained earnestly.
“You’re fortunate that your family is well–off. Otherwise, the women who like you would
have a hard time,” Jimmy gossiped, jumping into the conversation.
Cynthia pursed her lips, unsure of how to continue the conversation. Fortunately, the topic
did not linger for long. They talked about this and that until, finally, Matthew strolled in, an
air of relaxed elegance about him. As the gathering was organized because of him, as
soon as he arrived, everyone resumed their merrymaking.
After three rounds of drinks, empty bottles had already started piling up on the table. Riley
and the others held their liquor well. No matter how much they had drunk, they seemed
entirely unaffected. Cynthia, however, was a different story. After a few glasses, she
started to feel a bit dizzy. Drawing upon her previous experience, she tried her best to
remain sober. However, when it was time to disperse, the aftereffects of the alcohol left
her in a daze. Thankfully, she was not in a semi–drunken state, but rather, she obediently
leaned on Riley’s shoulder.
“Should Captain take Cyn home?” Riley assessed the situation and suggested. They all
trusted each other implicitly. They had no problem entrusting Cynthia to Captain’s care,
but they would not have drunk so much if it were anyone else, particularly someone they
did not trust. They recalled the last party organized by Moses‘ group and how confident
Cynthia had been, knowing Mitchell was there.
Matthew looked at the dazed Cynthia and said, “Hmm.”
“Captain, did Cyn offend you in any way?” Gaby started, pretending to be clueless. The
incident they had discussed in the group chat was still fresh in her mind. Captain had
brought breakfast for Cynthia. They guessed that there was probably some chemistry
between them.
Matthew looked up, his eyes sweeping over everyone’s gossiping faces before finally
resting on Gaby. “What do you mean?” “You can’t fool us. We all know about you bringing
breakfast for Cyn. Why bring her breakfast if she didn’t do anything?” Gaby boldly spoke
up.
While Riley and Gaby knew something was up, they had to play along.
“What’s wrong with bringing breakfast? I’m her employee. Can’t I bring breakfast for my
boss?” Matthew’s tone was languid, with an air of haughty indifference.
The group fell silent. True to his reputation as an old fox, this excuse was unbeatable.