Chapter 43 Because of Being Cheap.
Yvette didn't believe that Albert had forgotten her.
She couldn't convince herself that their once precious memory was just a trivial experience for Albert.
She wanted to confront Albert and get some clarity. But Albert was too popular at school; wherever he went, a crowd surrounded him.
Eventually, she got her chance when he was alone. After finishing basketball, he washed his face by the pool.
The sound of water masked Yvette's footsteps. She cautiously approached him, clutching tightly the necklace he had given her.
As he finished washing his face and turned off the tap, the water ceased. He slowly straightened up, instantly emphasizing their height difference.
Water droplets fell from his face, dampening the collar of his T-shirt. The collar clung to his fit body, outlining his lean muscles. He ran a hand through his hair, his Adam's apple moving up and down. Although he was a high school student, he was already quite captivating.
When he looked down at her, she couldn't help but hold her breath. Nervously, she greeted him, "Hello." His eyes glanced at her arrogantly, and he impatiently asked, "What do you want?"
Summoning her courage, she said, "Albert, don't you remember me? We've met before."
He looked indifferent, "I hear the same thing from at least three or four girls every day."
Standing a bit taller, he gazed into the distance and said, "Just leave."
As he walked past her, his arm brushed casually against her shoulder. The force was not gentle, and she let out a stifled groan of pain, but he didn't even glance back.
Albert not only forgot who she was but also mistook her for one of the many infatuated girls at school.
Clutching the necklace he had given her, she didn't get a chance to say the many things she had prepared.
Feeling disappointed and resentful of his callousness, she couldn't help but continue secretly observing him.
At that time, braided bracelets were in fashion among girls, and Yvette and Sylvia braided one together.
Yvette sneakily placed the neatly packaged bracelet in Albert's drawer.
When she saw him wearing the bracelet she had made, she was overjoyed. However, the next day, he appeared with Violet.
It was that day when Yvette discovered that the necklace she had always worn around her neck was missing.
She searched everywhere at home and school but couldn't find it.
Was it a coincidence or destiny?
Their final connection was severed.
Perhaps he had long forgotten about the "country girl" from that summer. It was simply a pastime in his boring life.
He preferred girls like Violet.
She couldn't understand. If that was the case, why did Albert tell her not to forget him? Why did he insist he would come back for her? Was he playing with her feelings?
She resented herself. Even if Albert was like that, she couldn't bring herself to dislike him.
She poured her affection for him into a diary, keeping it hidden deep within her, making it her secret.
Over the years, in her pursuit of being close to Albert, she altered her life trajectory multiple times, doing many surprising things.
She was no longer the obedient girl in everyone's eyes.
Despite the hurt Albert caused her, she refused to leave.
It was because she had seen how he loved Violet that she felt so desperate.
He would never love her. Yvette had invested so much time and effort, only to accept this harsh reality after being hurt.
After getting off the subway, Yvette didn't go home but headed to Sylvia's house.
The city bustled, neon lights flickering. The evening breeze carried a hint of early summer warmth. Nearby, the songs from the late-night spots echoed intermittently.
Yvette's face appeared on Sylvia's doorbell, startling Sylvia. She quickly opened the door for her.
"At this hour, why did you come?" Sylvia asked. "Did you come alone? Are you staying over? Does Albert know? Does your mom know?"
"I'm an adult now. Why should Albert know or my mom know?" Yvette replied.
"You are pregnant now, not just anyone. You have to let your guardian know," Sylvia said.
"Guardian? Stop joking," Yvette chuckled, lightening her previously gloomy mood.
Yvette followed Sylvia into the house.
Sylvia's house is 140 square meters, with three bedrooms and two living rooms, making it very spacious. The interior design is very modern, contrasting with the old style of Yvette's home.
Living alone year-round, Sylvia's parents are both engaged in business in the county under Luken. In the past, she often had Yvette come to keep her company.
Sylvia poured a glass of orange juice for Yvette and sat on the single-seat sofa to her left.
"So, what happened today? Why did you suddenly come here?" she asked.
Yvette picked up the glass and held it in both hands. Her gaze lowered, focusing on the bright orange liquid. "I do have something to discuss with you," she thought for a moment and calmly said, "I need to borrow some money from you."
Sylvia was surprised by the request, raising an eyebrow slightly. "How much do you need?"
"100,000 dollars," Yvette stated, causing Sylvia to fall silent. She looked up, furrowing her brow. "Why do you need so much money? I don't have that much."
"How much do you have?" Yvette asked.
Sylvia replied hesitantly, "A little over 40,000 dollars, quite a long way off."
Upon hearing this figure, Yvette appeared visibly disappointed. If only she hadn't listened to Lassie and bought a car for the house. Wayne has always used the car, and Yvette rarely uses it. However, she spent nearly half of her savings on it.
"I only have a few thousand dollars left. Where else could I borrow money from?"
"Why do you need to borrow this much money?" Sylvia inquired.
Yvette tightened her grip on the cup and said softly, "I need to repay Albert. He gave my mom 100,000 dollars, and she won't return it."
"Why do you need to repay Albert? He gave you that 100,000 dollars voluntarily," Sylvia asked.
The spacious living room of Sylvia's home was brightly lit. The fish-belly gray marble floor reflected the artistic chandelier, creating a serene and quiet atmosphere. Yvette explained, "I want a divorce. I don't want to owe him so much money."
As Sylvia listened to her, her expression became increasingly serious. "Are you serious? Is it because of the incident during dinner? Honestly, I was quite upset too, but not to this extent."
"No," Yvette shook her head. "It's not about that."
It was about many things that had accumulated over a long time.
"Then why?" Sylvia asked.
Yvette fell silent for a moment and then calmly answered, "Because I don't want to degrade myself anymore."
