Chapter 11 Odd Behavior

• Intrigued by Calvin’s odd behavior, Zac walked out of the room to investigate the reason for his return. To his surprise, he saw a familiar woman in her signature floral dress. She only needed to put on a pair of shades for disguise as the staff at Club Dazzle had guaranteed to keep her identity hidden.
• The woman was Cindy Smith, Calvin’s first love and the only girlfriend he had ever had. She had once worn the same signature floral dress and recorded a video of her singing along the streets. Within a day, the video went viral and had since amassed more than a million views. She was given the chance to become a singer, on the condition of breaking up with her then-boyfriend, Calvin. In the end, she chose to sacrifice love and went on to become the Queen of Ballad she was today.
• Hannah recognized the woman at first glance. She greeted, “Hi, Ms. Cindy.”
• Cindy took off her sunglasses and flashed Hannah a smile. “You are all grown up now, Hannah.” She went on to sit beside Calvin and instructed, “Hunter, can we get a Chateau Lafite?”
• “Thanks for taking care of Calvin all these years,” Cindy said after receiving the bottle of wine and pouring herself a glass of wine. Her words were intended to make clear her close relationship with Calvin.
• Cindy raised her glass at Riley and asked sarcastically, “Are you, Riley? Could you peel me a grape please?” She was dropping subtle hints to warn the woman to mind her actions.
• After spending many years in the entertainment circle, Cindy grew to become a confident and charming lady. Riley and the other hostesses were intimidated by her beauty and aura that they naturally kept a distance from her. They were concerned about appearing inferior in comparison to the exotic beauty.
• Even though Riley could sense Cindy’s displeasure, she did not dare to argue and obediently peeled the grape. As she watched Cindy devour the grape, she asked cautiously, “Can we take a picture with you?”
• “Sure!” Cindy replied gleefully. When the photo was being taken, Cindy wrapped her arm around Calvin’s arm and leaned her head on the man’s shoulder. It was as though they were still the loving couple from before.
• Although Calvin had a cold expression, he didn't push Cindy aside. The woman’s face revealed slight displeasure when he cleared his throat and warned, “Don't you dare distribute the picture.”
• Hannah scoffed inwardly, did Calvin ask me along so that he can show off their relationship? What is he trying to do? He has repeatedly warned me that our marriage is a sham and that I should not be concerned. Yet, he has been going around telling people that we are legally married. Moreover, he has also bought clothes for me and promised to bring me home. I haven’t had a home ever since my mom abandoned me when I was a child. After doing all of these things, how does he expect me to distance myself from him?
• Just then, Calvin’s words interrupted Hannah’s thoughts, “Come here, Hannah!”
• The woman stood rooted on the spot and wondered, does Cindy know that Calvin and I are married?
• Calvin was annoyed at Hannah’s lack of response and wanted to approach her. However, he was unable to break free from Cindy’s tight grip. He bellowed once more, “Hannah, get over here!” Cindy looked at Calvin innocently and remarked, “You seldom lose your temper in the past.”
• Cindy was known to be a sensible and cool-headed woman. In the past, she was able to casually break the news of their breakup and remain nonchalant about the matter. Now, she could walk into the room and display her affection for Calvin as if their breakup never happened. Cindy was confident that the man was still in love with her.
• The sudden reunion caught Calvin by surprise. However, he soon came to his senses and reminded himself that he was married to Hannah. Even though he did not approve of the marriage, he was a moral man who would not fail in his responsibilities as a husband.
• Calvin had developed a reputation for being swift and decisive in the business world. However, his confidence and dominance were gone when he was with Cindy. She could make him feel helpless, as though he was back to his younger ignorant self. Her influence on him was so strong that he was affected whenever he saw her on television.
• Calvin had closed the chapter of his life involving Cindy after the breakup. He was no longer the wilful adolescent, but rather a mature and level-headed adult. He swore to himself never to get together with Cindy again after the hurtful episode.
• Zac picked up the grapes and ate merrily as he asked, “Why are you calling for her?” Ignoring Hunter’s warning glare, he motioned Riley and the other hostess out of the room. Zac was trying to worsen the situation as he could not wait for the heated exchange to occur.
• No one noticed the young lady standing behind Riley had a fearful expression when she passed Hannah amid the chaos. In response, Riley secretly held her hand to offer some comfort. Soon, the hostess left the room and Riley gave one last longingly look at Hannah before closing the door.
• Hunter glared at Zac, warning him to be careful what he said. However, the latter paid no heed as he was intrigued to know Calvin’s true feelings. He was prepared to deal with the consequences of Calvin’s wrath.
• Zac picked up the microphone and asked merrily, “Calvin, I would like to understand how you are feeling now that your first love is sitting in front of you.”
• Calvin furrowed his brows and said sternly, “Zac Paddock.” It was now clear that Zac was responsible for Cindy’s sudden appearance at Club Dazzle.
• Zac responded innocently, “Yeah?”
• Calvin snapped, “Get lost!”
• “No way!” Zac replied with conviction as he hugged the microphone and huddled himself in a corner of the sofa. He did not want to miss out on a great opportunity to watch the awkward situation unfold.
• Hannah had slowly made her way before Calvin, while Cindy and Hunter were still at a loss for words. She remembered following Calvin around and doing her best to get into his good books when he was dating Cindy. The latter had treated her with kindness and saw her as a little girl. Little did she know that one day, the roles were reversed and she was now Calvin’s wife.
• Meanwhile, Cindy wondered to herself, Hannah has grown into a beautiful young lady. I wonder what to make of the leaked photos from the basement a few days ago? Am I really able to win back Calvin’s heart?
• Calvin pointed to the empty seat and instructed Hannah, “Sit here,”
• Zac’s eyes lit up in surprise as he exclaimed, “Calvin, are you trying to get the best of both worlds? You want to date them both?”
• Alarmed by his friend’s comments, Hunter spat out his wine and looked at Zac with pitiful eyes. He was worried for Zac’s safety after his brazen act.
• Cindy had met Tracy before coming to Club Dazzle. Her smile froze when she recalled what the woman had said. She wondered to herself, did Calvin and Hannah really do the unspeakable in the basement that night?
• Cindy lit a cigarette and dragged Calvin out of the room, afraid to think any further. “Let's have a conversation outside.”
• The man did not show any inclination to stand up. Instead, he pulled the cigarette out of Cindy’s mouth and asked, “When did you pick up the habit of smoking?”