Chapter 183


    Chapter 183 Give Me A Chance


    After her discharge, Crystal traveled to Sumanthova.


    She spent a week there with Emelia before eventually returned home after being urged by Emelia.


    “Don’t just hang around with me. I’m perfectly fine here. Go find yourself a man in the bustling city of


    Barnwood. Even the doctors there are attractive,” Emelia teased, winking at Crystal.


    Crystal smiled in response. “All right then, I’ll take my leave.”


    Emelia arranged for a cab to take her to the airport.


    Before Crystal took off, Emelia grasped her hand and said, “You’ve grown up so much. Things are


    different now.”


    Crystal had just arrived in Barnwood when she received a call from Madison..


    Madison asked for souvenirs and extended an invitation to Charles’ birthday party


    Crystal put her bags down and settled on the couch in her modest apartment, letting out a chuckle.


    “I’ve picked up a few souvenirs for you, but I think I’ll pass on the birthday party.”


    In hushed tones, Madison replied, “He’s not invited to Charles’ party.”


    Crystal understood exactly whom Madison was referring to. After considering it for a moment, she


    agreed to show up.


    On Friday evening, Crystal went home to change into a party dress before hailing a cab to the


    clubhouse.


    The private room was buzzing with activity when she arrived.


    The majority of the attendees were Charles’ friends, with a handful of Madison’s ssmates who


    shared connections with Crystal there too.


    Crystal approached Madison and handed her the gift she had prepared beforehand, avish couple’s


    watch made in Sumanthova.


    Madison’s eyes widened in astonishment as she eximed, “This is too extravagant. You’re incredibly


    generous, Crystal.”


    She then called Charles over to show him the gift.


    Charles was genuinely impressed by Crystal’s aplishments, knowing that she had turned down


    Henry despite already having one foot in a prestigious family.


    Charles had witnessed Henry’s desperate pleas for Crystal to reconcile with him. If he were in her


    position, Charles believed he might have given in to Henry’s advances. However, to his surprise,


    Crystal had firmly rejected Henry. This act of strength and independence earned his deep respect for


    her.


    Charles affectionately embraced Madison by her waist, yfully asserting, “I didn’t deceive you, did I?


    I’m already sicked of him as well.”


    Crystal smiled in agreement. “It’s even better if you don’t bring him up. Charles,”


    Charles continued, “I’ve invited quite a few handsome guys tonight. You have my permission to bring


    any


    of them home if you so desire.”


    Madison pinched his waist. “What nonsense are you talking about?”


    Charles promptly apologized for hisment before guiding Crystal over to Ritchie.


    Crystal never anticipated encountering Ritchie again under such circumstances.


    However, she deemed it petty to avoid him, considering they were all adults now. With that in mind, she


    greeted him, saying, “It’s been a while, Ritchie.”


    Everyone within their circle of friends in Barnwood was aware of their past romantic involvement.


    A myriad of emotions flickered across Ritchie’s face as he gazed at Crystal. He could never forget the


    ten days they had spent together and the special moment they shared while watching fireworks.


    While Crystal had returned to being single, Ritchie was on the verge of getting married.


    After a brief catch-up, Ritchie spoke in a hoarse voice, “I’ll be getting married next month!”


    Crystal offered him her most sincere blessings, saying, “Congrattions, Ritchie!”


    A bitter smile graced Ritchie’s lips.


    He had no genuine feelings for his future spouse. The person he truly cared for stood right in front of


    him. Nevertheless, he understood that he no longer had a chance with Crystal.


    “Thank you,” he replied with a smile.


    Their conversation gradually dwindled into silence. Crystal observed from the sidelines as Charles


    openly expressed his love for Madison, witnessing the joyful singing and dancing of the party guests


    and seeing Madison nestled in Charles’ embrace.


    She felt a twinge of jealousy as she observed how Madison’s brave attitude toward love.


    In contrast, she was hesitant to believe in love so readily once more as the wounds of her past


    rtionship still haunt her.


    Zachary suddenly made a disruptive entrance halfway through the party, clearly intoxicated as he


    approached Charles with a beer bottle in hand..


    “Charles, I don’t envy you one bit!” he slurred. “You have Madison, but I have Clementine. She’s


    carrying my


    child now! I’m so ecstatic, I feel like I can fly. Life is sofortable for me now. There’s no one to


    bother me about drinking or flirting with other women anymore. All I need is money to keep Clementine


    quiet. I’m still the boss at home. Even though she’s pregnant, Clementine will still have to cater to my


    needs!”


    Madison’splexion turned pale upon hearing Zachary’s words.


    Zachary focked eyes with Madison and brazenly dered, “Clementine will give birth in a couple of


    months. We should sign the divorce papers soon so she can take your ce.”


    Madison responded coldly, “Don’t worry. I can’t wait to leave you.”


    Zachary pointed his finger at her. “Fine, let’s get it done when we have the chance. Anyone who backs


    out


    is a coward!”


    After saying that, Zachary left the scene.


    Madison hid in the restroom and cried. Crystal contemted offeringfort but hesitated at the door.


    Through the crack, she witnessed Charles embracing Madison, whispering gently. “Stop crying now.


    Today is my birthday. It’s meant to be a joyful asion.”


    Crystal turned around and left at that.


    She went to retrieve her handbag, intending to leave the party early.


    “I’ll give you a ride home!” Ritchie immediately offered, standing up from his seat.


    Crystal shook her head. “No need! I’ll just hail a cab. Ritchie, you should cherish your soon-to-be wife


    wholeheartedly now that you’re getting married soon. Stay faithful and avoid getting involved with other


    women, or else your wife will be unhappy.”


    Her nose reddened as she spoke, a clear sign that her words wereing straight from her heart.


    Ritchie quickly retracted his hand, realizing he had overstepped his boundaries. “I will. Take care.” He


    smiled.


    Crystal responded with a soft hum. “Let Madison know that I’ve left.”


    She had nned to take a walk to lift her spirits. However, as she stepped out of the clubhouse, she


    spotted a familiar off-road vehicle parked at the entrance. The owner of the car leaped out the moment


    he


    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    saw her.


    It was none other than Seth!


    d in dark blue jeans and a ck leather jacket, his long and slender legs heightened his overall


    allure.


    Crystal smiled warmly. “What brings you here, Seth?”


    Seth approached her with confident strides, his gaze fixed on her. “I just got back from a business trip.


    L heard you would be here tonight. How was the party? Shall I give you a ride home?”


    Crystal locked eyes with his youthful and handsome face. She knew exactly what Seth was attempting.


    He had feelings for her and wanted to pursue her.


    Taking a moment to consider her response, she finally spoke up. “Seth, I’m not looking to enter into a


    rtionship at the moment. Please don’t waste your time…”


    Her words trailed off as Seth gently ced his slender finger on her lips.


    With a serious expression, he said, “Courting someone can be a romantic endeavor. I understand that


    you may not want a rtionship now, Crystal, and there’s no guarantee you’ll fall for me in the future.


    But I’d like to give it a try. How will we ever know if we don’t give it a chance?”


    Crystal looked up at him, finding Seth remarkably mature and charismatic at that moment.


    Seth’s voice turned hoarse as he continued, “I have feelings for you! I want to be by your side! I’m not


    like Ritchie. Everyone in my family adores you. There’s nothing standing in our way. All you have to do


    is enjoy this process. Give me a chance, Crystal”


    The wind gently rustled Crystal’s dress, adding a touch of romance to the air as she stood beside Seth.


    He ced a firm hand on her shoulder and leaned in slowly, intending to kiss her.


    However, Crystal instinctively moved to the side at thest moment, causing Seth to unintentionally


    peck her nose instead. The passersby might have mistaken them for a couple kissing.


    Crystal couldn’t deny that Seth’s suggestion touched her. Starting a new rtionship could potentially


    help


    heal her wounds.


    However, she didn’t want to take Seth’s feelings for granted, as he was an incredibly important friend to


    her.


    She mustered a response, saying. “Seth, can you please give me some time to collect my thoughts and


    calm myself down?”


    Seth looked at her intently. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke up. “So, I suppose this isn’t a


    rejection, right?”


    The wind whispered softly as Crystal gave her reply.


    Unbeknownst to them, a gold Bentley Continental was parked nearby.


    Henry silently observed the interaction from his car.


    He noticed the tender exchange between Crystal and Seth and how Seth graciously assisted Crystal


    into


    his car.


    As Crystal settled into the passenger seat, Henry couldn’t help but wonder if she had epted Seth’s


    advances.


    Are they together now?


    Henry spent the night in the car parked outside Crystal’s apartment as he contemted the situation.