"They were just too in love," Jelena said, "They gave their all without realizing that the other was just in it for kicks." Aurelia sighed, "It's like they've overdosed on those soap operas, thinking all the tycoons are knights in shining armor. But most folks are like Mr. Chad and Fredric. You'd be lucky to find a handful of men like the ones in those s among eight billion people on the Earth. Chloe used to binge-watch them all the tand knew every historical and modern series by heart. Fredric was young, wealthy, charming, and handsome, straight out of a soap opera. So Chloe thought she was living her fairy tale and dropped her guard, giving herself to Fredric unconditionally. That's why when Sheryl stole him away, she couldn't face reality and ended up with depression." "Even without Sheryl, Chloe would've probably ended up the safter marrying Fredric. He'd soon grow restless and gallivanted around, leaving her alone and lonely. How could she bear it? As for Sheryl, she's had her comeuppance. Ever since she married Fredric, she's been neglected and hasn't had a day of happiness. She's held on without breaking down because she's mentally tougher than Chloe." Aurelia continued.
Jelena felt a nerve twitch inside her.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"The world would be unjust if hurting others meant you could still live happily ever after," Jelena mused. "Chloe's biggest mistake was falling for Fredric and thinking of Sheryl as a friend. If there's no karma for such deeds, what's the point of it all?" "The world isn't about fairness or justice," Aurelia responded. "It's survival of the fittest. Good people die young while the wicked live on. Many without a conscience enjoy wealth and luxury. What we can do is get stronger and make sure there are fewer and fewer people who can beat us. I'll have the pastor from Grace Lutheran Chapel hold another memorial for Chloe in a few days. Let's have Fredric there to apologize and make amends, then we can put this behind us." Jelena who was absent-minded kicked at the frothy waves lapping at her feet.
"This has nothing to do with Fredric chasing after me. Believe it or not, even if | tell him | got close to him out of spite, he won't give up. | must be the first woman he can't have, that's torture for a man. As you said, this is his retribution. What can | do?" Aurelia fell silent and worried that Jelena was playing with fire.
"Just be careful not to overdo it," Aurelia cautioned.
On the other end of the beach, Arnold took a sip of his cocktail, savoring the taste.
"Fredric, still no luck with Jelena?" he asked.
Fredric showed a hint of frustration. He used to be a ladies' man, getting any woman he wanted without breaking a sweat. But Jelena was impervious to his charms, no matter what he tried.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Is she playing hard to get, or is she not interested?" Fredric pondered aloud.
Arnold patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Seems like the latter." Fredric choked on his drink and covered his mouth to suppress a cough.
"Women are enigmas," Fredric muttered.
Swirling his drink, Arnold said, "Perhaps it's tto move on. There're plenty of fish in the sea. Are you worried about finding a new companion?" Fredric glanced at him, his eyes holding a profound and intriguing expression.
"Have you given up on Aurelia?" asked Fredric.
The question hit Arnold like a dart, hitting a sore spot.