Josefina arrived at the venue only to realize that this wasn’t a genuine art exhibition but rather a soiree for the well-to-do.
“Oliver, why don’t you head in on your own? Hanging with you feels like being a monkey at the zoo, constantly on display for people’s amusement.” Without a moment’s hesitation, Josefina let go of Oliver’s arm and stepped aside.
Oliver was stunned. Had Josie just ditched him?
As Oliver was about to call out Josefina’s name, a graceful figure approached him. “Oliver, long time no see.” Shay came over with a smile sparkling in her eyes, which held only Oliver.
Oliver furrowed his brow and, just as Shay was about to grasp his arm, he sidestepped, leaving her clutching at air. Her hand caught nothing, and as she looked at her empty palm, her eyes were brimming with disappointment. She lifted her gaze, her watery eyes filled with sadness and vulnerability.
Shay said with a cheery undertone, “Oliver, fancy seeing you here. I’m so happy to bump into you.”
Without even glancing at Shay, Oliver moved forward to engage Grandpa Robert in conversation. This was Josie’s very own grandfather, so he felt the need to make the first move.
Shay’s eyes were tinged with sadness. She hadn’t expected Oliver to remain so cold. But then, she consoled herself that Oliver was like this with everyone, and that his behavior towards her was no different, which was, in a way, comforting.
Shay cheered herself up and walked with her friends into the exhibition hall.
The exhibition was inside. This was just the foyer where people mingled, a place for small talk. The exhibition itself called for a more subdued atmosphere, where loud chatter would be out of place.
When Ruby and Xavier emerged, Josefina had already stepped away from Oliver’s side, and they saw Oliver looking disdainfully at Shay before approaching Grandpa Robert.
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