Noon had just struck, and so had the peak time for delivering takeaways arrived.
Ever since ordering takeaways became a popular method of getting lunch for office workers, the likelihood of people ordering meals through their mobile phones for convenience had increased. That was the main reason why Carla started being so busy and rarely had any time to take a break around this hour.
Running out of the building, Carla saw that there was such a heavy downpour of rain. After leaving home in such a hurry, she wasn't able to bring a raincoat with her. If she tried to proceed with her deliveries now, she'd definitely get soaked from head to toe.
At first, she felt troubled and was worried that the rain would prevent her from doing her job. But after pondering about it for a while, she eased herself and decided to take a break instead.
Contemplating about it, she thought it would be better to wait till the rain stopped rather than be too anxious about it. She then noticed some stores inside the mall building, so she walked towards it in order to kill some time, not knowing when the rainfall would cease.
As she entered the shopping mall, all she did was browse around idly.
Suddenly, something went through her mind, Sean's birthday was just around the bend. This could be a good opportunity to check if she could find a suitable present for him.
Passing by a children's goods store, the schoolbags displayed behind the window caught her eye, so she wanted to check and see if she could pick one for her brother. A high-pitched female voice suddenly came from behind her. "Carla, is that you? Why are you loitering about in here?" Carla turned her head around to see who was calling out to her. The woman added, "I heard that you've got yourself a fat cat boyfriend, but how come you are here now? Are you still working as a delivery girl? I couldn't recognize you in your work overalls when I saw you from a distance. Have you been dumped by your boyfriend again?"
There was a mocking laugh after the playful remark. It was Nina who was sneering and jeering at her.
She was doing some shopping in the mall with her friend. Carla wasn't really expecting to bump into her.
Nina's eyes peered over Carla from head to toe again, paying special attention to the takeaway icon on the overalls. Chuckling, she walked over close to her, "Before you go in, are you aware what the brand of that store is? Just a simple reminder, that children's store is Amani's. Do you even have enough money to pay for the goods? If not, I recommend for you not to go in just to get insulted and soil the store."
Carla did not notice the facade of the store until Nina had stated the fact. It was indeed Amani.
Then she let out a chuckle and ridiculed Nina, "I was just wondering where the foul stench of money was coming from. It turns out it was just you. Could you stay a bit further away from me? It seems that jar of water wasn't enough to wash you clean at all the other day. Do you perhaps need another one to cleanse you?"
At this time, Evan was not by Nina's side. There was no need for Carla to take into account his dignity and so, she countered back.
"What are you saying?" Nina felt offended.
Surprised that Carla had such a sharp tongue, Nina was pissed off by the sarcasm, her face turning red. After a short while, she looked at Carla and said, "That day, your boyfriend treated us to a Michelin-starred restaurant for lunch. How generous of him! Where is he now? I want to thank him if he is here."
When Nina mentioned Terence, Carla was left dumbfounded for a moment, desperately trying to find a way to respond.
"What's the matter? You really got dumped, huh? Or was he actually just casually playing around with you and wasn't interested in you at all?" Nina, whispering this to her ear, snickered.
Seeing that Carla made no attempt to respond, she thought she guessed right, and went behind her back, feeling quite amused.
"Carla, don't think so highly of yourself. Look at you, even your boyfriend has deserted you. I can't begin to fathom how you could even have the nerve to compete with me over Evan. Have you seen yourself in the mirror? Do you have any idea how unpleasing you look? Since you got dumped by a poor boy, I suggest for you to just marry an old guy. At least, that could probably bring a happy ending to your life," Nina jeered at Carla.
Hearing her nasty remarks, Carla was really pissed off. She bit her lips and tensed up, but after just a moment, pulled up a forced grin and refuted, "Nina, don't be so cocky and complacent. Have you heard of the saying, 'He who laughs last, laughs the hardest?' Let's wait and see who shall have the last laugh!"
Hearing her speak of the saying, Nina felt like she was listening to a humorous joke and burst into laughter. "Well, Carla, that makes a valid point, but even if you know it, are you capable of making that happen? Can you laugh the best and the hardest? Haha, I highly doubt that!"
She let out an extensive laugh, as if to ridicule her even further, then continued, "My father is the general manager of a big company, which ranks amongst the top three of all the companies in BH City, while my mother is a university professor. I will be engaged with Evan next month. What about you? Do you still really think that you are capable of competing with me? Is that a joke? Just look how pathetic you are. You are in no position to compete with me. You're barely even qualified to brush my shoes!"
Nina held up her chin and looked at Carla with eyes that belittled her.
"Well, in any case, maybe when I get married with Evan, I will send you some wedding candies to have a taste."
Nina was born to a well-off family. It wasn't necessary for her to worry about making a living, unlike Carla who consequentially had to.
They had rather contrasting family backgrounds. It wasn't fair, but nevertheless, it was the truth.
Nina had always been arrogant and overbearing because she was well-bred, and her family background allowed her to behave at her will. As for Carla, it was an entirely different case.
Just then, a male voice suddenly appeared from behind.
"That's good! When you and Evan eventually get married, we'll be sure to attend your ceremony!"
It was Terence. He strode over and laid one hand on Carla's shoulders, who was looking a bit pale. Adding to that, he remarked, "But, Nina, you'd better pray for a happy life after your marriage. I am hoping for the best for you."
"What... What do you mean by that?" queried Nina, looking quite mortified with Terence's words.
All she did was look at the tall man with a demanding presence standing in front of her, and her momentum weakened all of a sudden.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Love is the Sunshine