Chapter 3 Expectation
Please don't reveal our relationship, Lily silently prayed. After all, if they didn't say anything, who would know that they were actually half-sisters?
Years ago, for Mia and her mother, Lily's father, Kai Johnson, had abandoned Lily and her mother without hesitation. Even when her mother died of illness and she ended up on the streets, he didn't care.
Even when she returned home to beg during Chase's severe illness, all she received were the words "serves you right" and "bastard."
The familiar voice rang in her ears, sounding so clear yet so foreign. Mia replied crisply, "I don't know her."
"In a few days, you'll be participating in the IFE brand's runway show together. It's an honor to work with you! Since you're here at our party, please take a seat." Ella gestured invitingly, but Mia shook her head in refusal.
"I think you misunderstood. I'm here for personal reasons and just happened to stop by to greet everyone. Hello, Ms. Martin." Mia extended her hand, her smile appearing friendly, but the coldness in her eyes made Lily shiver.
After a brief encounter, Lily forced herself to be polite despite her sadness. Amid the crowd's praise, she returned to the private room feeling dejected. Ella's face was grim; Lily's performance had greatly disappointed her. Usually composed and graceful, Lily had made such a basic mistake today!
Meanwhile, in another private room on the same floor, David was already seated at the head of the table. The room was filled with friends from high school and college. When Mia entered, everyone cheered and urged them to drink.
"David, long time no see!" Mia waved at him with a smile and naturally took the empty seat beside him.
The classmates couldn't help but whistle, teasing the golden couple clearly.
David's eyes were calm like a still pond, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass. He thanked them softly but pushed the glass away, "I'd rather not. She can't drink much, and it's not convenient for me."
Even his refusal was so gentlemanly that several female classmates couldn't resist taking sneaky photos with their phones. Mia, however, called out a few names, inviting them to take group photos.
"Can't believe you still remember us after all these years, Mia. You're still so beautiful."
"By the way, do you have a boyfriend now?"
"Stop gossiping. Mia's so busy flying around the world, how would she have time for a relationship?"
"I heard you two have a collaboration coming up. Will we get to see the premiere?" The girl speaking had her eyes fixed on David, her face blushing with a shy smile.
Everyone knew she was a fan of David, and there happened to be an empty seat next to her.
David nodded but didn't say much. He didn't have any impression of the woman, so his gaze quickly moved away from her, leaving her feeling a bit disappointed.
William, the class president and event organizer, tried to liven up the atmosphere by reminiscing about the past, but halfway through, David seemed uninterested.
David walked purposefully towards a high stool in the corner, feeling out of place in the lively atmosphere. Mia, on the other hand, was sociable and close with everyone, occasionally glancing at David to ease his awkwardness.
He casually unbuttoned his shirt and tossed his jacket on the bar. His tailored gray shirt outlined his firm shoulders, making him look like a cold sculpture in the noisy background.
He pressed his head with his hand, his wrist bones standing out attractively. His skin appeared almost sickly under the dim lights.
"David, you're being a bit dull." William handed him a glass of water and patted his back helplessly, "Learn from Mia, she's mingling with everyone. You're like a block of wood."
David sighed and shook his head. Anyone could see the difference in attitude between Mia and the woman, except David, who was oblivious to his good fortune.
Mia wasn't late; there were still a few people who hadn't arrived.
Every time the door opened and someone walked in, David's gaze was involuntarily drawn.
He didn't even know what he was expecting.
Perhaps he was hoping the person who walked in would be the one he had been
"Is she not coming?"
"What? David, what are you talking about?" William thought he had misheard and laughed awkwardly when David didn't respond.
Just then, a man stood up and spoke loudly, "Hey, did anyone contact that fat girl? How's she doing now? I remember her standing in front of me during the shot put competition, like a wall."