Chapter 160
Irene was nothing like Eliana. Irene fought for everything she had, all on her own.
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Her parents weren’t just unsupportive. They actually dragged her down whenever they could. She basically had to raise herself as a kid, and after graduating from college, every cent she earned at first went to the relatives who’d taken her in.
For ages, Irene rented out a basement garage in one of those old apartment blocks, making that cold, concrete box her home for way too long.
Irene always said Eliana was stubborn, but honestly, Irene was just as stubborn herself.
Back then, they’d go shopping together, eat out together, and chat about life and dreams. But no matter what, Irene refused to move in with the Lyons family or accept any of their help.
Eliana knew Irene was scared of getting burned by kindness again, after what her relatives had put her through. She worried hat if she ever accepted the Lyons family’s help, she’d end up owing them even more down the line.
Eliana knew that no amount of reassurance could wipe away that kind of fear. It was something that built up over the years, and only Irene could find her own sense of security.
So during that time, Eliana would often visit Irene at her basement apartment, spending countless nights there with her, aughing and talking until the early hours.
They were fresh out of college, full of youth and energy, and could talk all night without getting tired.
Sometimes, in the middle of the night, they’d hear an electric bike coming back, and they’d start guessing whose it was, or who might be heading out.
Irene never really talked about it much. She thought it would sound too cheesy. But looking back, she knew Eliana was the one who helped her through those days when she was doubting herself and feeling totally insecure.
Even now, just thinking about it, Irene was still really grateful for everything Eliana did for her back then.
Maybe it was those days that made Irene stick by Eliana, even when she was making a mess of things with Logan. No matter now wild Eliana got, Irene could never walk away from her.
Irene knew all about the hidden pain Eliana kept buried.
She understood that when Nathan just up and left without a word, it hurt Eliana way more than anyone else could see. And Eliana, in turn, got why Irene was so obsessed with saving every penny.
Even now, with a high–paying job and no longer having to bankroll those leeching relatives, Irene still watched every dime.
Just like with this meal, Eliana knew Irene wasn’t kidding. She honestly felt guilty about spending money on that.
So when Eliana really brought her along, Irene couldn’t hide her excitement.
Up in the sky–high revolving restaurant, they grabbed a window seat, their eyes sparkling with excitement.
Eliana sat right across from her, and the two of them just ate, chatted, and laughed like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Everything felt perfect, peaceful, and harmonious, one of those rare, quiet moments that only best friends ever get to share.
But then, out of nowhere, Irene spotted someone familiar.
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Chapter 160
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The moment she saw who it was, her brows furrowed sharply, and her smile faded instantly.
“Irene, what’s wrong?” Eliana immediately picked up on the sudden shift in Irene’s expression.
“Oh, I’m fine. Did I do something?” Irene shrugged, playing it off.
“Eliana, let’s take a selfie! The view here is absolutely gorgeous,” Irene said, quickly changing the subject.
Eliana saw that Irene seemed fine, so she leaned in, and the two of them started snapping photos together.
Irene snapped a bunch of photos from different angles, then pretended to be picking her favorite shot. But she zeroed in on one, zoomed in, and studied the person in the picture closely.
Once she recognized who it was, she took a deep breath, zoomed in even further, grabbed a screenshot, and switched over to her chat app, sending it to someone whose profile picture was just a snowy landscape.
After sending the photo, Irene waited, thinking maybe he’d explain, dodge the question, or at least say “let’s talk tomorrow.”
But nothing.
He acted like he hadn’t even seen the message, just kept on laughing and talking at his table, like nothing happened.
For the first time, Irene’s feelings were so wrapped up in this person that she could hardly keep up the act, even in front of Eliana.
“Irene, are you really okay?” Eliana asked. Seeing Irene didn’t want to talk about it, Eliana just let it slide and didn’t press her.
But now, with Irene’s feelings written all over her face, Eliana just couldn’t pretend to notice anything. She couldn’t help but ask again.
“Eliana, L… I…” Irene looked at Eliana, her words stuck in her throat.
It was just too hard for her to say it out loud to Eliana. Irene thought, ‘I felt ashamed of what I’d done. How could I ever find the courage to tell my best friend?‘
This was the first time Eliana had ever seen Irene like this, and her heart went out to her. Without thinking, she wrapped Irene in a hug.
She said, “It’s okay, Irene. If you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to. Just tell me when you’re ready, alright?”
As she spoke, Eliana glanced around, and when she noticed Irene’s boss from her law firm sitting nearby, it clicked for her why Irene’s mood had shifted so fast.
“Irene, let’s go. Will you come with me for a walk?” Eliana suggested.
Irene was eager to get out of there, too.
The more he kept ignoring her texts and kept laughing with that classy woman at his side, the more it ate away at Irene.
She hadn’t wanted to bring it up and spoil Eliana’s good mood, but as soon as Eliana suggested leaving, Irene didn’t even think twice. She got up and headed out with Eliana.
Eliana led her straight to an empty rooftop terrace.
Up here, the wind blew through now and then, and hardly anyone ever came by. But for Irene, it felt like a haven, a place where she could finally let everything out and hide from the world.
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11:30 am
Chapter 160
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She let it all out on that terrace, pouring her heart out for what felt like forever. When she finally collapsed, her face was already streaked with tears.
She sat on the ground, looked up at Eliana, and finally blurted out, “Eliana, I… I got involved with my boss.”
She dropped her head, hesitated for a long time, then said seriously, “Come with me to buy a bottle, okay?”
Some things just couldn’t be said without a little liquid courage.
Eliana agreed without a second thought.
She’d already put two and two together when she saw Irene’s reaction just now.
She knew Irene wanted to talk, but couldn’t get the words out, so she didn’t hesitate. She took Irene downstairs, picked up some drinks from the convenience store, and made their way straight to Lakeside Park.
At this time of night, the park was almost empty. They found a secluded corner and cracked open their drinks.
After they’d gone through most of the booze, Irene finally got up the nerve to talk again.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
