Chapter 21
John tried to pull Rachel's attention away from the window. "Rachel, quit staring at him. Look at me, will ya?" he joked, flashing a cheeky grin. "I'm way more handsome than Robert, right? Or do you prefer his kind of charm?"
Rachel snapped out of her thoughts and rolled her eyes. "I thought you were full of yourself when we were kids, but I didn't expect you to get even worse as an adult."
"I'm just aware of my good looks!" John chuckled. "Seriously, Rachel, why don't you marry me? What's an 'Azure Heart' anyway? I'll find the most unique diamond ring in the world to propose to you!"
Rachel had known John since they were kids, and they had a solid bond. She knew he was trying to cheer her up, and despite herself, she smiled.
Rachel reached into her handbag and pulled out a ring from a small compartment. Even in the dim car light, the diamond sparkled brilliantly—it was her wedding ring with Michael. Rachel stared at it, the events of the night swirling in her mind, the image of Michael kneeling to propose to Mandy replaying painfully.
John watched through the rearview mirror and spoke seriously. "Rachel, you know some people look human but do despicable things. Next time you see him, just ignore him."
"Okay." Within seconds, Rachel forced her emotions back into check. She placed the wedding ring into the armrest box, her tone steady. "Sell this wedding ring for me too, and donate the money to impoverished areas."
With that, Rachel settled back into her seat, watching the passing cityscape with a newfound sense of serenity. Eight years passed, and she was finally free.
Meanwhile, at the hotel, the banquet continued, and the guests were lively as if nothing had happened.
Michael greeted one company president after another, and it took him a long time to find a moment to catch his breath. He was physically exhausted.
As soon as he sat down to rest, Mandy came over. "Michael, are you okay?" Mandy asked considerately, pouring him warm water and going around to massage his shoulders. It felt good, but Michael's heart was still full of irritation.
Michael held Mandy's hand and said, "You've been accompanying Mr. Brown all night, greeting people. You must be tired. Sit down."
"Okay." Mandy smiled lightly and sat down next to him.
She peeled an orange and handed it to Michael, he didn't take it, instead looking at her intently. "Mandy, tell me again how the car accident happened back then."
His eyes were deep and sharp as if he could see through people. Mandy's hand trembled as she looked into his eyes, almost dropping the orange.
"I slept too long in the hospital and forgot many things." She barely managed to steady her voice, trying hard to recall. "I don't remember exactly how the accident happened; I just vaguely remember being hit."
Mandy continued, "Miss Williams came tonight to cause trouble, Michael. You don't believe John's words and think I planned the accident myself, do you?"
Michael's silence made Mandy panic. She grasped his hand, her tone desperate. "Michael, please, believe me. I barely know Miss Williams. Why would I hurt her? I wouldn't risk my life over such a joke."
Seeing her eyes well up, Michael's doubts softened, replaced by concern. He held her hand, kissing it gently. "Since you've recovered, let's move past the accident. I don't want you haunted by shadows from the past."
"Okay." Mandy finally relaxed inside.
Then she spoke softly, observing Michael's stern face. "Michael, I know Miss Williams was married to you for six years and did a lot for you and the Smith Family. I'm very grateful to her. I want to invite Miss Williams to dinner someday and prepare a gift to thank her properly."
"There's no need." Thinking of what happened half an hour ago, Michael said discontentedly, "Rachel was the only one who could donate blood to you at the time. She used that to blackmail me into marrying her. The 'Azure Heart' she took tonight is worth a lot, too."
Mandy felt reassured by his unwavering support. She hugged his waist, content. "Michael, thank you for always waiting for me. Now that I've recovered, I'll have more time to spend with you and Mrs. Smith."
The two were very close, and Michael smelled the faint rose scent on her. It seemed unfamiliar to him, and he frowned. He remembered Rachel also used perfume, but he never felt uncomfortable with her scent.
"Mandy, be careful." Charlotte and Ethan also came over. Charlotte smiled but chided gently, "There are guests around. It's not good for them to see."
Mandy blushed and quickly let go of Michael, sitting back down.
Ethan, less concerned, chuckled. "Michael and Mandy are in love. If it weren't for Rachel…"
Realizing his error, Ethan quickly recovered. "I heard you had dinner with the CEO of Blue Sky Ventures last week. Considering acquiring it?"
"Mr. Taylor and I just had dinner and chatted casually," Michael said. "Mr. Taylor is very proud. Even if his company is failing, he doesn't want it to be acquired."
Ethan nodded, "I've heard he's been looking for investors everywhere these days but hasn't succeeded."
The two talked about business, with Ethan doing most of the talking. Michael listened humbly, occasionally agreeing.
Noticing a servant carrying juice through the crowd to another table, Michael remembered something and called the servant over, "I'd like a pitcher of freshly squeezed mango juice."
"Okay, please wait a moment," the servant said.
Mandy's face stiffened when she saw Michael ordering mango juice, but she remained silent.
Soon, the freshly squeezed mango juice was brought over. Michael poured a glass and handed it to Mandy, a faint smile on his lips. "I remember you wrote in your letters that you loved eating mangoes. Once, you ate thirty small mangoes at your grandma's house in one go. Weren't you afraid of getting sick?"
Mandy took the glass, her hand tightening around it. "Yes, small mangoes," she murmured, her face paling even more.
Michael noticed her hesitation. "What's wrong? Don't you like mango juice?"
Ethan intervened, concern evident. "Michael, Mandy can't—" Mandy was severely allergic to mangoes, not even a little bit.
Mandy interrupted swiftly, "I love eating mangoes, and I love drinking mango juice. My mom used to make mango juice for me at home." She gave her father a look that silenced him.
With a determined breath, Mandy downed the glass of juice in one gulp.
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