The Bet That Lasted a Lifetime

David was leaning close to Emily’s ear, whispering something that finally drew a faint smile to her lips.

But then, they spotted me — and the girl sitting beside me.

Emily’s steps faltered.

Her smile froze, then slowly sank away.

Her eyes, sharp and cold as a blade, swept over me before landing on Nelly with open contempt.

A quick flash of satisfaction passed through David’s eyes before he slipped on a mask of just-right surprise and concern.

“Well, look who it is—Roger!” His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried easily across the room.

“So fast? Already got yourself an e-girl to wreck you?”

He deliberately emphasized the word “wreck,” drawing a few muffled laughs from the people behind him.

His gaze swept over the girl sitting across from me like he was appraising merchandise, the corner of his lips curling into a mocking smirk.

“Come on, Roger—seriously? Even if you’re mad at Miss Simpson, you don’t have to stoop this low.”

He gave a soft, derisive laugh. “Compared to Miss Simpson, this kind of girl is like heaven and earth apart.”

He sighed, shaking his head in exaggerated dismay. “Have your fun if you must, but don’t take it seriously. Be careful—you might catch something filthy and ruin your life for good.”

His words were venomous and cruel.

Beside me, Nelly stiffened violently, her head drooping even lower.

Her fingers tightened around her glass until her knuckles turned white.

“You’re right,” I said quietly.

A woman who always went out of her way to flatter Emily immediately chimed in, her gaze sweeping over Nelly from head to toe with open disdain.

“With that outfit and vibe, she doesn’t look like a decent woman at all. Roger, since when did your taste get this bad?”

Another man snorted. “Exactly. She’s not even worthy compared to Miss Simpson.”

“Roger, are you trying to slap Miss Simpson in the face on purpose?”

“Probably just lashing out,” someone added with a sneer. “He can’t get the best, so he settles for the worst.”

“So cheap…”

They kept talking, one after another — their voices weren’t loud, but every word carried a sting.

Standing among them, David wore a faint smile, pretending to mediate. “Alright, alright, let’s not go too far. Maybe Roger just got confused for a moment.”

Emily’s face stayed cold the entire time. Her chin lifted slightly, as if watching a farce that had nothing to do with her.

Only the tightly pressed lips and the fury flickering in her eyes betrayed what she truly felt.

She probably thought that being with a girl like this was the greatest insult to her.

I ignored their buzzing, fly-like voices, lifted my glass of cola, took a slow sip, then looked straight at David.

“Are you done talking?”

David’s smile didn’t falter. “Roger, don’t get the wrong idea—we’re only doing this for your own good…”

“For my good?” I cut him off, turning my gaze toward the proud woman standing beside him. “Emily, keep your dog on a leash. It’s barking too loudly—I find it annoying.”

Emily’s expression changed instantly.

David’s smile froze for a brief second, but he quickly covered it up with a sigh.

“Roger, how could you say that to Miss Simpson…”

I ignored him and looked toward Nelly, who still had her head lowered.

Her shoulders trembled slightly. I couldn’t tell if it was fear or anger.

Emily shot me a cold glance, the corner of her lips curving into a mocking smirk.

“Let’s not disturb this lovely pair of mutts,” she said icily. “We’re going to drink.”

She turned around and David immediately followed, his hand hovering just behind her waist in a mock display of care.

The group clustered around them as they made their way to a large reserved booth not far away.

Even through the pulse of the music, I could feel David’s gaze cutting across the crowd every now and then—each glance laced with that thin, cold sneer he didn’t bother to hide.

I couldn’t be bothered to respond.

“Nelly,” I said casually, leaning back against the seat, “Call your friends over.”