Love's Dusk: The Dawn of Freedom

When Cynthia heard Matthew's blunt dismissal, her face turned red.

Just as she was about to explain, Matthew took my hand and walked away.

She was standing there alone, staring bitterly at our retreating figures.

Inside the venue, the attending celebrities, including Cynthia, performed.

Watching Cynthia sing and dance on stage, I questioned Matthew if he knew her.

Matthew, looking exasperated, insisted he had nothing to do with her.

He explained that he had only met her a few times because his company had business dealings with her.

That struck me as odd. I wondered if it was just my imagination.

I always felt like she was targeting me.

Last time, she inexplicably shared my post.

Now, she was trying to seduce my husband right in front of me, ignoring me entirely.

While scoping out handsome men, Donna nonchalantly said, "Oh, come on. You're gorgeous, married well, and have a hot husband. Any ambitious woman would be jealous of you."

I nodded, thinking Donna had a point, especially with her first sentence.

The auction soon began.

I spotted a set of emerald jewelry.

My mom's birthday was coming up, and I had been stressing over what to get her. This set was perfect.

When choosing a gift for my mother, Matthew had to be proactive.

He immediately raised his paddle to bid.

But then Cynthia, for some reason, kept raising the bid.

Eventually, Matthew, annoyed by Cynthia's persistence, frowned and bid eight million dollars.

That finally shut her down.

During the intermission, Cynthia approached Matthew, squatting, and said in a taunting tone, "Mr. Sullivan, you're so generous. I really liked that set too. Why not let me have it? You won't need it anyway, and it's all for charity."

When I heard Cynthia's snide tone, my anger flared.

Great, the second time, she treated me as if I weren't there.

I stopped Matthew with a glance and directly confronted Cynthia. "Ms. Thompson, have you seen a doctor for your condition?"

Cynthia looked puzzled, not understanding my meaning.

I raised an eyebrow and continued, "I mean, Ms. Thompson, have you seen an ophthalmologist?

"How come, Ms. Thompson, you only talk to Matthew when there are two of us here? Can you only see other people's husbands?"

When she heard my words, Cynthia's face turned gloomy.