Chapter 106
Chapter 106
Chapter 106 The Cold Shoulder
Henry could tell she was really mad..
He inched closer and whispered into her car, “Is it worth making a fuss over someone insignificant?”
It was late. Crystal did not want to argue with him any longer.
Her attitude softened and she gently held onto his waist. “I believe you.” Then she closed her eyes to rest, her breathing gradually becoming steady.
Henry’s drowsiness dissipated.
Bathed in the moonlight, he gazed at her delicate face and softly gritted his teeth.
Crystal had drifted off to sleep.
After the argument, it seemed she did not want to communicate with him or resolve the issues.
That caused Henry to become irritable.
Since she had chosen to keep her distance from him, he saw no need to coax her either. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
When he woke up the next morning, he found himself alone in bed.
Crystal was not there anymore.
Outside the room, the faint sound of someone carrying out household chores could be heard.
Henry lay there, recalling the events of the previous night. He felt his relationship with Crystal had taken an unexpected turn.
There should not have been any arents between them.
Once Henry realized that, he stopped dwelling on it. He got up, freshened up, and changed into his formal attire–a light gray shirt, black trousers, and a trench coat.
As he wore his wristwatch, he walked out. Crystal was setting the table.
The morning light bathed her in a soft glow, giving her an exceptionally gentle appearance. However, Henry had witnessed Crystal’s temper the previous night. The gentlest animals can bite too.
Henry sat down, sipping his coffee and reading the morning paper.
Crystal had made him a chicken sandwich for breakfast.
Henry took a bite of the sandwich and relished the flavor, finding it even more delicious than
those sold in cafes. He cast an intent gaze upon it.
Crystal was seated beside him. When she noticed his gaze was fixed on the sandwich, she asked softly, “Does it taste awful?”
Henry looked at her for a moment before giving her a smile. “It’s good!”
Crystal remained silent, calmly sipping her milk.
Henry noticed she was distracted again.
Without saying a word, he grabbed his trench coat and headed out. At the entrance, Crystal had already fetched his shoes, serving him with such meticulous care.
What she did might have pleased other men, but not Henry. The more gentle and amiable she was, the more distant she seemed to him. It feels like she’s just serving her sugar daddy.
Henry could not tell if that was good or bad, but he was not particularly happy about it.
He gazed at her and said flatly, “I’m going to Hulcaster for work. You want to come with me?”
Crystal was surprised to hear that.
She gave it a serious thought and replied, “Sophia has two classes to attend this week, so I don’t think I can reschedule them.”
Henry did not insist and walked out through the open door.
Crystal watched as the door closed and could not help but wonder if he was giving her the cold shoulder.
Their conflict was not severe enough to escalate into major disputes, and they had not been involved in heated arguments. However, after witnessing Henry on a date with that attractive client, Crystal found it challenging to treat him the same as before.
She just could not bring herself to engage in intimate activities with him. I’m a human, not a robot.
After Henry left, Crystal meticulously cleaned the entire apartment, leaving no trace of dirt behind.
At noon, she received a phone call from the pawnshop.
She quickly answered the phone. “Hello, are there any updates?”
The manager on the other end expressed regret. “I’m sorry, Miss Winters! A middleman bought your necklace, and he didn’t provide his contact information. Despite our efforts, we couldn’t locate him in person.”
Crystal was a little disappointed.
After a brief pause, she responded in a gentle tone, “Please inform me if you receive any updates. I’m willing to pay double to retrieve the necklace.”
The manager offered her some words of comfort.
Crystal stood still and held her phone which was getting warm. I was only a few days away from redeeming my mom’s precious belongings. Does that mean I’m not destined to forge a bond with my parents?
After last night’s incident, Crystal decided it was time to find a job.
She realized she could include Heury in her life but not make him the center of her universe. She understood that if they were to break up, she would be deeply trapped in sorrow if he was her everything.
She had an impressive resume, so finding a job would not be a problem for her.
However, she wanted to explore other options before making a decision.
At noon, Anna called, inviting her back home for a meal.
As she returned home, Crystal discovered that it was her twenty–fourth birthday. Anna had prepared a three–tiered cake and a table filled with dishes.
John placed a birthday hat on her head and said with a cheerful smile, “I’m so glad I can be here to celebrate your birthday! From the time you were a child until now, I’ve never missed a single one of your birthdays.”
Anna gently nudged him, reminding him to watch his words.
Crystal’s eyes
welled up with tears.
She got up and embraced John and Anna.
Although they were not her biological parents, they showered her with all their love. At least Dad is safe now.
With that realization, Crystal’s grievance from the previous night diminished.
During the meal, John asked about her work.
Crystal hesitated before answering, “I quit my job at the music center and am planning to find another one.”
John did not question her decision, but Anna, on the other hand, seemed deep in thought.
After the meal, she called Crystal into the bedroom and closed the door. Getting straight to the point, she asked, “Did you have a fight with Henry?”
Crystal did not try to hide.
She vaguely replied, “I need to have a job, after all.”
She did not explicitly state it, but Anna understood what she was going through. How can Crystal not feel hurt when she’s with Henry without defining their relationship? Furthermore, Henry has yet to visit us. It’s clear that he’s toying with her feelings.
Anna discreetly wiped away her tears.
She retrieved a passbook from the safety deposit box. Inside the passbook was a sum of five million, which represented half of John’s savings.
Crystal refused to accept it.
Anna pulled her hand and placed the passbook in it.
“We didn’t have a choice back then! I’m sorry, Crystal. Now that you’re with him…” Anna said, her voice choked with emotion. “Even though the Miller family has an abundance of wealth, it’s not respectable for a girl to depend on others for financial support. Occasionally, buy him some clothes and shoes. Don’t be too frugal, lest others look down on you.”
Crystal was overwhelmed with sadness.
Anna continued, “I don’t think you should look for a job anymore. Rent a place and set up your own music studio. With your talent, I believe you’ll excel! A girl should develop her own career, after all.”
Crystal lowered her head, looking at the passbook.
After a while, she gently embraced Anna and said, “Thank you, Madam Anna.”
Anna wiped her tears and continued, “Don’t tell your father about the situation with Henry! He’s not in the best of health. It would be too much for him to handle.”
Crystal nodded. “All right.”
She left the room, sensing that Anna had been crying alone in the bedroom for a long time.
Crystal returned to the condominium around six in the evening.
At that time, Henry had already returned, and Jamie was also there, diligently assisting him in packing his belongings.
She displayed great efficiency in her actions.
Henry stood by the floor–to–ceiling window, engaged in a phone conversation with a serious tone. It appeared there was an issue concerning a case in Hulcaster.
Upon concluding the call, he looked at Crystal. “I have to depart for a business trip earlier, likely for about a week.”
Crystal had intended to discuss the matter of the music studio with him, but it was evidently inappropriate to bring it up at that moment. She asked gently, “What time is your flight?”
Henry gazed into her eyes. “Two hours later.”
Crystal looked up and stared at him. He must be incredibly busy, too occupied to even give me the cold shoulder.
Just as Crystal was at a loss for words, Henry grabbed his luggage and informed Jamie, “Crystal will drive me to the airport.”
Crystal was stunned for a moment. What?
Henry lightly tapped her head. “What’s wrong with you? If you have changed your mind, I’ll ask Jamie to book another ticket.”