Chapter 18 First Encounter

The macchiato was indeed sweet, but I didn't taste any hints of love. I felt more like a bitter black coffee, while Lauren was more like a sweet macchiato.

I would occasionally gaze at her, trying to calculate the time when she would meet Charlie the day after tomorrow.

The Peak Business Forum in New York started at 9:30 in the morning. As a part-time greeter, Lauren would wait at the entrance hall early, and Charlie would see her as soon as he entered, getting struck by Cupid's arrow.

"Lauren, would you like to do some other part-time job? I can introduce you to a tutoring job. You can start tomorrow, and the pay is good," I asked softly when Lauren was tidying up the table next to me.

Lauren gave me a grateful smile but declined. "Mrs. Harrison, thank you for your concern, but I'm starting school in a few days. After tomorrow's temporary greeting job, I have to go back to school for registration."

I was startled. It seemed like her school was starting soon.

I was a step too late. If I had spoken up a few days earlier, I might have been able to prevent Lauren from appearing in front of Charlie.

But I also felt relieved. Charlie and Lauren were destined to be together. If I stopped it this time, I wouldn't be able to stop it the second time, the third time...

"No worries, I just suddenly remembered something." I took another sip of coffee and smiled, "So, you quit your job here too?"

"Yes, because I won't have time once school starts." Lauren looked around and seemed a bit reluctant. Then she gave me a playful smile and said, "Mrs. Harrison, I will miss you."

I felt a bit awkward. If Lauren knew everything, she would probably keep her distance from me.

At that moment, another guest arrived, and Lauren went to greet them. I breathed a sigh of relief, paid the bill, and left.

I probably won't need to come to this coffee shop anymore.

The wheels of fate had begun to turn, and as an observer, I would once again witness everything that was about to happen. It wouldn't be any easier than in my previous life.

I realized from Dylan's situation that the butterfly effect was powerful. There would definitely be some changes happening next, and I would have to face them.

For the past couple of days, my in-laws were at home, and Charlie would come home every day for lunch and dinner, sharing the same bed with me.

Unlike his calm and composed demeanor, my heart was becoming more and more restless.

"What time are you going to the symposium tomorrow?" I spoke up.

"Eight o'clock," Charlie replied, lying beside me with his eyes closed, his voice calm.

"Are family members allowed to accompany you?" I really wanted to witness that legendary scene myself, considering that Charlie and Lauren's love story had become quite popular online in my previous life.

Charlie glanced at me, and in his pitch-black pupils, there was a hint of mockery. "Family member? You?"

I blinked and said, "Legally speaking, yes."

This business symposium allowed for colleagues or assistants to accompany participants. Many entrepreneurs jointly managed their businesses with their spouses. Moreover, considering my father's status, it would be permissible for me to attend.

However, Charlie didn't see it that way and sneered, "Are you overthinking it?"

I rolled over and stared fixedly at Charlie's profile. His side profile was exquisitely chiseled, especially the perfect connection between his nose and brow. How can such a handsome and wealthy man be captured by an ordinary girl like me?

It truly feels like a Cinderella and Prince Charming story.

"If you don't take me, I'll tell your father to take me instead," I spoke up, this time resorting to a threat.

My father-in-law would definitely be confused as to why Charlie didn't take me himself, and he would question Charlie's treatment of me.

Sure enough, this move was highly effective, but Charlie's gaze toward me had become venomous. "Wake up at eight tomorrow. I won't wait for you for even a minute longer."

"Okay, I'll wake up at seven-thirty and even put on some makeup," I responded to Charlie with a happy smile.

I even thought ahead and planned to learn more about the development between Charlie and Lauren. If I eventually divorce him, I can publish a book about their love story from the perspective of his ex-wife. Many people would surely be interested.

Just for this gimmick, I would definitely earn a good amount of money. It's truly a worthwhile investment.

I woke up on time the next day, applied light makeup, and changed into a more elegant outfit. Then I set off with Charlie.

Upon reaching our destination, I observed the grand and majestic hall in front of me. The doors were open with several beautiful hostesses standing on either side. Lauren was now among them, dressed in a striking hostess uniform. She stood out more than anyone else. Charlie unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car, apparently not noticing Lauren's presence.

"You go ahead, I'll touch up my makeup," I suddenly said to Charlie.

In my previous life, Lauren knew that Charlie was married, but she had never met me. She hadn't even communicated with me. In this life, let's not let her know about Charlie and my relationship first.

Charlie couldn't be bothered and walked away after getting out of the car.

Through the car window, I focused on Charlie's figure as he walked toward the entrance. Finally, he reached Lauren. Since he had his back to me, I couldn't see his expression, but I clearly noticed his footsteps pause momentarily, as if he was appraising the young and beautiful girl in front of him.

At that moment, my heart sank heavily to the bottom, causing immense pain, while everything fell into place.

In front of so many people, even if Charlie was attracted to her, he wouldn't take direct action. It was not an appropriate setting. Thus, he quickly entered the venue.

Seeing him disappear, I finally got out of the car and walked into the hall alone.

When she saw me, Lauren's face displayed surprise, but she quickly regained her composure and greeted me softly, "Mrs. Harrison."

I smiled at her without saying much and went to find my seat.

Charlie was already seated in the front row.

The person in charge of the venue was sitting next to him. They were in the middle of a conversation when I arrived and sat down next to Charlie. Just as I sat down, I overheard the person in charge saying, "Alright, I will send you her contact number later."

Afterward, the person glanced at me awkwardly and quickly got up and left.

"He's more perceptive than Ava ," I sighed.

Charlie turned his head and gave me a slightly more annoyed look than before. I could tell that his mind was filled with thoughts of Lauren, and he didn't want to listen to my rambling at all.

Even though he didn't want to listen, I insisted on speaking, "Last time Ava sat next to me for half the day and didn't recognize me. She called me a nonexistent person."

"Normal," Charlie replied casually.

"Are you saying it's normal that she lacks perception, or that it's normal to describe me as nonexistent?" I curiously asked.

Charlie remained silent and just kept looking at Lauren, who was standing not far away. His eyes had a brightness I had never seen before.

I was familiar with this look because when I first met Charlie, he had the same gaze.

Lauren's eyes were filled with me, completely ignoring Charlie. I found it quite satisfying.

I am starting to believe that Lauren truly loved Jason. Her rejection of Charlie in the previous life was also genuine. Otherwise, why couldn't she see the burning gaze of the man beside her?