Chapter 97 So Absurd
Lillian noticed that Kevin wasn't very interested in chatting, so she didn't say much more. She could sense that it was because Alexander was sitting in the back, making him hesitant to speak freely.
She opened her phone and started scrolling through Instagram. Suddenly, Wendy mentioned her in the group chat and said: [Lillian, don't forget about tonight's date at seven. I'm already here. Angela is on her way. Reply when you see this.]
Lillian was momentarily stunned, then remembered that they had talked about tonight's date in the group chat this morning. She had been busy with work all morning and hadn't had a chance to respond. She had eaten something bad at lunch, felt unwell, and had been struggling through the afternoon, so she hadn't checked the group chat.
Wendy: [Lillian, reply when you see the message]
Wendy sent a voice message in the group chat: [We're meeting tonight at Shopping Boulevard.]
Lillian's Facebook played the voice message out loud. The volume was quite high in the car. The simple message finished so quickly that she didn't have time to lower the volume.
Lillian quickly typed back.
Lillian: [Okay, I'll reply in a bit.]
She turned to Alexander, who was sitting in the back, looking at his tablet. She hesitated for a moment and softly called out, "Alexander."
Alexander pretended not to hear without responding.
"Alexander, I have a date with friends tonight." Lillian said directly. "I'll try to come back early."
"Which friend?" Alexander asked without looking up.
Lillian replied, "Just my two good friends from high school."
"Mind your image in public. No drinking. I'll have Kevin pick you up before it ends." Alexander said, still swiping on his tablet.
Lillian was quite surprised that he agreed so readily and quickly replied, "Okay, I know. We don't drink when we're together."
Alexander let out a chuckle.
Kevin stopped the car at the entrance of Shopping Boulevard, and Lillian hopped out, skipping toward the store entrance.
"Is she that happy?" Alexander said helplessly through the car window.
Kevin stared straight ahead, not daring to respond. He thought to himself, 'Alexander and Lillian's relationship seemed to be getting closer.'
"Kevin, head to Blues Cafe."
In the restaurant, Angela and Wendy were already there. They saw Lillian get out of a luxury car and teased her when she arrived, "Hello, Mrs. Sinclair."
Lillian looked at them speechlessly and said after sitting down, "Don't be like that."
Wendy leaned forward and asked curiously, "Has your relationship progressed?"
"What? No!" Lillian was stunned, embarrassed, and denied it.
Wendy and Angela exchanged a glance, leaned back in unison, and laughed.
"Come on, spill the beans." Angela said first.
Lillian laughed nervously, "What are you guys doing, acting like twins? What do you want me to say?"
"You know what we mean. Stop pretending. Your eyes have given you away!" Wendy said cutely, gesturing at her eyes with two fingers.
Angela watched her leisurely and said to Wendy proudly, "How about that? I was right, wasn't I? They went to Aetherland. It was worth it!"
"Lillian, come on, tell us. I can't wait," Wendy pleaded, holding her hand.
Lillian was at a loss for words. 'Was her disguise that bad? How did they see through her so quickly?'
"Everything you imagined has already happened." Lillian said quietly, her head down, fingers playing with the tablecloth.
"Really?" Wendy and Angela raised their eyebrows and exchanged a meaningful look.
"Is it what we think?" Wendy asked, intrigued.
Angela pulled her back and said, "Don't rush her. Let Lillian tell us slowly."
The waiter brought their food. They started eating while listening intently. Lillian couldn't help but laugh at their serious expressions and recounted everything that happened in Aetherland.
"Oh my god!" Wendy exclaimed, still holding a piece of steak on her fork, "You were drugged. This sounds like a plot from an absurd TV show."
"It was really absurd." Lillian said, taking a big sip of coffee through her straw.
Angela asked seriously, "What did he say? Did he compensate you?"
"He gave me $27598." Lillian said. "I took it."
Angela said, "Of course, you should take it!"
Wendy asked, "Anything else?"
"No, just $27598," Lillian said, eating a bite of salad. "I think it's good this way, no debts between us. I was the one who asked for a divorce. My brother made love with his girlfriend. He made love with me, so we are even. But he disagreed. We signed an agreement. If I breach it, I have to pay a penalty, so I chickened out."
Angela laughed, "He's not wrong. You were just being naive."
"Did things feel different after you made love together? Are you less likely to argue now?" Wendy asked curiously.
Lillian thought for a moment and said, "His attitude toward me isn't as bad as before. It's better. But ever since we had sex, I don't feel as submissive around him. I feel like I don't want to tolerate it anymore. Anyway, I'll leave after a year, so I will do whatever I want."
Angela and Wendy laughed.
"Are you so sure you won't develop further in this year?" Angela asked sharply.
Lillian shook her head and wiggled her fingers, "Impossible. He has someone he likes."
"Who? His first love? Tell us." Wendy asked, her eyes shining.
Lillian said dismissively, "There's nothing much to say. Just someone he liked before. I don't know the details."
"Be careful and protect yourself. I don't think his brother will let it go. He might pick on you again." Angela warned.
Lillian shuddered, remembering the night she was kidnapped, saying, "Let's not talk about that. His brother has no morals!"
Wendy said, "Let's change the subject." She suddenly became serious and said, "I want to quit my job."
"Why?" Lillian and Angela asked in surprise.
Wendy's job was very enviable—stable and not tiring.
"This isn't the life I want. It's too boring every day." Wendy said, frustrated. "You know I've always loved home decor. I want to be a home decor designer."
Lillian and Angela were silent for a moment.
"Have you discussed this with your parents? Will they agree?" Lillian asked.
Angela nodded, "I support you. Your family doesn't need your salary. It's not easy to have the courage to pursue your dreams. You need to talk to your parents."
Wendy sighed, "That's the hard part."
