Chapter 37:
Rebekah gritted her teeth, seething with a desire to retaliate against Elyse. She prided herself on her genteel demeanor around Freddy, but today, her facade crumbled, irreparably tarnishing her image.
"Rebekah, promise this won't happen again," Freddy interjected.
"Sure, I promise," she muttered, refraining from further defense. Secretly, she resented Elyse for ruining her impression in Freddy's eyes.
Elyse caught Rebekah's venomous glare, prompting her to remain vigilant. Just then, Freddy changed the subject.
"By the way, did you receive Lizzie Robinson's wedding invitation? She's marrying a wealthy businessman and wants to host a pre-wedding dinner for us, her old classmates."
Elyse was taken aback. She fished out her phone. "I changed my number and missed it."
Rebekah burst into laughter, understanding why Elyse had changed her number. Although she remained unaware of how Elyse had erased the online chatter and cleared her name overnight, the damage to her reputation was done. Everyone knew about her failed relationship.
"No worries, I'll add you to the group chat. You can join me at the dinner tonight," Freddy offered.
"Can I tag along too? I'd like to attend," Rebekah asked, leaning in.
"What's your plan for our high school reunion?" Freddy inquired, puzzled by her intentions. "You hardly know anyone there. I'll have to look out for you once we're there."
Rebuffed so directly, Rebekah couldn't maintain her composure. "I have other matters to attend to," she retorted before hurrying away.
Elyse raised an eyebrow. "That was quite the blatant refusal, wasn't it? If I hadn't been so direct, she might have mistaken it for encouragement," Freddy sighed helplessly. He'd repeatedly told Rebekah he wasn't interested, but she persistently pursued him, causing him considerable distress.
"I'm off to Ms. Hopkins' office now. I'll give you my response later," Elyse informed him.
Freddy was perplexed. "Why not give your answer now? Do you need permission from someone?"
After a moment's thought, Elyse removed the necklace she was wearing and showed him the wedding ring beneath. "I'm married. I need to inform my husband about my dinner plans. If I don't tell Jayden, he might get upset again."
Freddy grew anxious. "Did you marry on a whim? If you have no feelings for him, there's no need to treat him like a real husband."
Elyse nodded. "Yes, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. But we have a good relationship and might grow into a genuine couple."
"Really? You're quite fortunate," Freddy remarked, though a hint of sadness flickered in his eyes, carefully concealed from Elyse.
Even Elyse couldn't believe the turn of events with Jayden. She tucked away the necklace and said, "I consider myself incredibly fortunate. Therefore, I want to value our relationship."
Freddy struggled to find the right words, feeling out of place. He held back his thoughts.
Unaware of Freddy's inner turmoil, Elyse messaged Jayden, asking if she could skip dinner at home. Jayden's response was unexpected: "Are you my servant? Do you need my approval?"
Feeling embarrassed, Elyse recalled how Theo used to control her social life. She didn't bother explaining and simply turned to Freddy, saying, "Give me a call after work tonight. I'll join you."
"Sure thing," Freddy responded with a nod. "I'll be waiting."
An hour later, Wanda concluded her meeting. "Ms. Hopkins, is my punishment lifted? Can I return to practicing with everyone?" Elyse inquired eagerly.
Wanda took a sip from her mug and replied, "I've submitted the request. However, it may take a day or two for the higher-ups to officially lift your punishment. Keep an eye out for the notification at home over the next few days."
Relieved, Elyse sighed. "That's wonderful, Ms. Hopkins. I can't wait to get back. Thank you."
Wanda offered a wry smile. "It's odd. It seems every time you're competing for the tour, there's trouble. Why's that?"
"Apologies. That's not my intention," Elyse replied, feeling sheepish.
Wanda sighed gently, patting her head. "But you're talented. Sometimes, great talent faces many hurdles before triumph."
Her words lifted Elyse's spirits. "I won't give up."
With a supportive pat on her back, Wanda urged, "Well, don't linger here. I've got work to do. You head home and await further notice."
"Thank you. I'm off then." Exiting the office, she went to the staff lounge to wait for Freddy.
After his shift, Freddy arrived promptly, bag slung over his shoulder. Seeing them leave together, Rebekah lingered at the lounge door, her tone laced with curiosity. "Leaving now, are we?"
Elyse retorted, "Why aren't you heading out after your shift? Planning to camp here overnight?"
The passage is now grammatically correct and punctuated appropriately. The unnecessary characters "Mโฑบษษ ษฯศกฤ ลฃษล ฤฉล ษขฤ ลลรธฮฝษลล.รงรธษฑ" and "noveldrama" have been removed.