Chapter 576 Falling in Love with James
Patricia had been noticeably out of sorts lately, just going through the motions, often caught staring into space, lost in thought.
Even while working, she'd zone out, staring at the documents without really seeing them. And in her downtime, she'd just gaze blankly ahead, her mind seemingly miles away.
Alan couldn't help but notice these moments of detachment, feeling a wave of sympathy for her but unsure how to help, so he kept to his work, offering silent support.
Though Jade wasn't living with them anymore, she kept in touch, calling Patricia daily and dropping by when she could. Over the phone, she'd picked up on Patricia's distracted moments, noticing how she'd trail off mid-conversation.
Seeing Patricia in person, Jade was taken aback by her friend's condition. "Patricia, what's going on with you? You've lost so much weight so quickly."
Following Martin's death, Patricia had become incredibly thin, and it had taken a lot of effort to get back to a healthier weight. Now, it seemed like she was slipping back.
"What's happened?" Jade wondered, concerned that outsiders might think they were mourning Martin all over again.
Patricia, seemingly oblivious to her own state, touched her face, puzzled. "Is something wrong?"
Jade, taken aback by Patricia's lack of awareness, quickly pulled out a mirror from her bag and handed it to her, a mix of worry and disbelief in her voice. "Look at yourself. You've lost all that weight you worked so hard to gain back. What's going on?"
Trying to lighten the mood, Jade cracked a joke, but it barely made a dent in Patricia's demeanor.
Patricia gave her reflection a vacant look, then just responded with a flat "Oh."
Jade's worry intensified as she pressed on, "Patricia, you've got to open up about what's bothering you. This isn't like you."
Patricia had always been resilient, bouncing back from even the toughest setbacks, like her divorce from Martin. But now, she seemed uncharacteristically downcast.
Brushing aside the mirror, Patricia suddenly suggested, "Jade, let's go grab a drink."
Jade was thrown off by the suggestion. "You want to drink? Now?"
"Yeah, I just feel like it. Let's hit up a bar. We should invite Eva too," Patricia proposed, trying to muster some enthusiasm.
Jade's concern deepened. "Rosalind's in Country Y, remember?"
Patricia gave a nod, her expression unreadable, showing no sign of shock or realization at Jade's concern.
Jade gripped her hand tightly, her worry evident. "Patricia, talk to me. Something's not right. Whatever it is, maybe I can help."
Trying to force a cheerful front, Patricia attempted a smile, but it was clear even that small gesture was a struggle for her.
"I just feel like having a drink. Will you come with me?"
Jade couldn't bear the thought of Patricia going alone and quickly agreed, "Of course, I'll come with you. There's this new bar that's opened up, lots of buzz about it. Who knows, maybe you'll find a fresh start there, and I'll find Mr. Right."
Patricia latched onto the word "accompany" without really listening to the rest. She took Jade's hand, eager to leave. "Let's go!"
They ended up at PU Bar, a trendy spot in the heart of Ivara City, known for coming alive at night. Despite its single-level layout, the place was sprawling, featuring a bar, general seating, and a VIP section, with a large dance floor at its center. Tonight, the floor was packed with people dancing around a performer on a pole, the air filled with the pulsing beat of music.
Initially, Jade suggested heading to the quieter VIP area, but Patricia feared the silence would leave her too much alone with her thoughts. Instead, she pulled Jade to the bustling general area, hoping the noise and chaos would serve as a distraction.
But the lively atmosphere seemed to barely register with Patricia. It was as if she was encased in a bubble, isolated from her surroundings, mindlessly downing her drinks.
Jade was alarmed by Patricia's reckless drinking and snatched away her glass. "What are you doing? This isn't like you. Why are you trying to drown yourself in alcohol?"
Patricia, who normally had a low tolerance for alcohol, had built up a bit of resilience from her social obligations with the Langley Group. "We came here to drink, right? That's what we're doing," she said, reclaiming her glass with determination.
Jade watched her, stunned, unable to comprehend Patricia's sudden destructiveness. "This isn't about having fun; you're punishing yourself. What's making you seek refuge in alcohol? Thank goodness I know all about your past with Martin, or I'd think you'd fallen for someone else!"
Though Jade's comment was offhand, it made Patricia pause, her glass halfway to her lips. After a moment's hesitation, she downed the rest of her drink in one swift motion.
Jade was struck by a sudden realization in that moment.
The two had been inseparable since childhood, so in tune with each other that a mere glance or gesture was enough to convey volumes.
That's why, even without Patricia saying a word, her brief hesitation while drinking was a dead giveaway to Jade that something was off.
"You've fallen in love again, haven't you?"
The thought seemed implausible. Martin had only recently passed away, and the idea of Patricia moving on so quickly just didn't add up. Throughout the years, even when she and Martin were estranged, Patricia had remained single, her loyalty unwavering.
Now, with Martin gone, the notion of her falling for someone else seemed even more far-fetched.
But Patricia's mind was in turmoil, a tangled mess she couldn't seem to unravel. Was it really love she was feeling for James?
That seemed impossible.
Yet, Patricia's silence led Jade to believe her suspicions were correct. She looked at Patricia, shock and curiosity mixing in her expression. "Who is he? Have I met him?"
Annoyed and confused, Patricia downed another glass of wine in frustration.
Seeing Patricia reach for yet another drink, Jade intervened, her voice firm. "Enough with the drinking! If you have feelings for this guy, you should go for it. Martin's gone, and he'd want you to find happiness."
"Jade, you just don't get it," Patricia finally said.
Jade countered, "Maybe others don't, but I do. I understand you might feel like you're betraying Martin, but you can't control who you fall for. I know you, Patricia. You don't fall in love easily. But when you do, it's for real. I can't stand to see you like this."
Patricia's heart ached with a mixture of grief and defiance. Pulling her hand away from Jade, she lifted her glass with determination and downed it, as if trying to drown her sorrows with each gulp.
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