Billionaire’s Great Obsession

She then realized that she had been shocked and absent-minded.

She heaved a sigh. Why should I care? I’m merely a replacement for him anyway. Who am I to question him? Who am I to interfere? It doesn’t matter who he’s seeing.

She looked out of the window, deep in thought, and didn’t even notice the waiter cleaning the floor.

It was only when Sally sat down opposite her and knocked at the table did she get her mind out of her deep thought.

“Daydreaming?” Sally smiled at Brianna.

“Yeah. Sorry, I didn’t see you coming.” Brianna smiled apologetically.

“It’s alright. I love daydreaming now and then. I find it rather therapeutic.” Sally said.

The two chatted casually for a while, then Sally took out a little box from her bag and handed it to Brianna. “Here’s a crystal I got from an auction a few days ago. What do you think? I would like you to design something for me if you are interested.”

Brianna took the box, opened it gently, and saw a beautiful navy blue crystal sparkling in the daylight. She took it out carefully for closer examination. She had to admit that it was the rarest and purest crystal she had ever seen, though she had not yet checked nor worn any of those jewels that Scott bought her.

Brianna put it back in the box and said, “It’s beautiful. Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for it? I’m merely curious.”

Sally smiled cheerfully and said, “About 20 million.”

Brianna opened her eyes wide. “That’s a lot.”

“Is it? My husband used to buy me crystals and all sorts of beautiful and rare gems often, especially those unpolished, original ones. And I would have it designed how I liked it, but I have to say you are definitely the best designer I’ve met, and the most important thing is you understand.” Sally recalled the old times and said tearfully.

Brianna listened with an understanding smile. “He must have loved you dearly.”

Sally nodded with a smile.

To cheer Sally up, Brianna changed the subject and asked her about some interesting incidents during the auctions as she knew that Sally loved attending auctions around the world and she used to go often with her husband.

Sally spoke cheerfully while remaining elegant. Brianna listened quietly and with much interest, which delighted Sally even more.

Though Brianna grew up in a well-off family and was well-educated, her experience was rather limited. Her father’s company was just a very small business compared to Streep Crystal.

She admired Sally and looked up upon her, enjoying her stories and her presence.

Later, Sally insisted on taking Brianna to the Las Center to get her some jewelry as a thank you. Brianna rejected politely, but Sally was upset and said a bit sternly, “Brianna, it’s a present. I like your design. It’s rude not to accept a present, isn’t it?”

Brianna thought it was too expensive a present. In the end, she chose a pair of earrings with small pink crystals, which were one of the least costly on the counter.

After saying goodbye to Sally, Brianna walked around the street rather absent-mindedly. The sun had set, and the night was slowly replacing the day. She was supposed to go home, but she felt lost and homeless.

She thought about Scott and the young girl. He must care about her dearly. They are probably at home now. I’d better not go back there now. She thought.

She wanted to talk to someone, and she thought about her mother, but she didn’t want to worry about her. Jodie? She’s probably home with her uncle Sean, and he doesn’t like her out at night. I could go to see Angela, but I don’t even know where she is.

She felt even more alone. She wandered into a little café in an alley and ordered a drink. Sitting outside, watching people walking past, she sipped the Long Island iced tea quietly.

Then she heard a honk and looked to her right to see a charming young man in a casual white shirt standing by a silver sports car, waving at her with a smile.

Startled, Brianna stood up. “Chris?”

“Would you like to get me a drink?” Chris smiled at her.

“A drink? Here?” Brianna looked around the alley and looked at Chris in his expensive attire with his fancy car. He looks so out of place here. She thought.

Chris walked over to her. “Can’t I drink here?”

“Of course you can, but you…” Brianna hesitated.

“Caroline and I used to visit small places in alleys like this,” Chris said with a smile.

“I see. What would you like to drink?”Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

“Surprise me.”

“Cool.” Somehow Brianna thought he would like rum and ordered a rum-based cocktail for Chris.

“Cheers.”

“Cheers.”

Chris had a sip and looked at Brianna with an approving smile.

“Good choice.” He said.

“Thanks. So I look like Caroline?”

Chris watched Brianna for a bit and said, “Yes. Very much. Almost the same.”

“Didn’t she come to Las Vegas with you?”

“No., she’s somewhere I can’t go to yet,” Chris said without looking at Brianna.

Brianna could sense the sadness in his tone. Is she dead? The question popped up in her mind, and she recalled what he said on WhatsApp. She didn’t want to ask, feeling that he didn’t really want to talk about it.

They were both quiet for a while, each in their own thoughts.

“It’s good to see you.” Brianna raised her glass.

Chris smiled. “Cheers.”

Brianna downed her drink and ordered another one. She noticed that Chris was only sipping his drink slowly.

“I’ve promised her not to drink anymore. This is an exception.” Chris explained.

“Ah. I see.” Brianna took a look at the time, and it was getting late. “I shall go after this drink.”

A sudden thunder shook the sky. They both looked up at the sky. “It looks like it’s going to rain,” Brianna commented.

“Are you driving?” Chris asked.

Brianna shook her head.

“I can give you a lift.”

“Thanks, but I will just get a room in a hotel nearby,” Brianna said.