Charles was the host of that day's gathering. He recently found a new girlfriend, so he wanted to introduce her to everyone.
Everyone was intrigued after learning about his intention.
After all, Charles had always been a frivolous person. Now that he was hosting that gathering for his girlfriend, that could only mean that he was getting serious.
When Tristan and Sophie reached the venue, Felix and Ysabelle had just arrived too. The four entered the place together after they handed their car keys to the parking valet.
“What's the matter with Charles? Didn't he just break up?” Everyone was already used to Charles' everchanging relationship status. “Did he find a new girlfriend so soon?” Not to mention one he would introduce to us?
Tristan could only shake his head in response to Felix's question.
“I'm as clueless as you, so don't ask me.” None of them was qualified to interfere in Charles' love life.
Still, they simply obliged since he wanted to show them his new girlfriend.
Ysabelle walked beside Sophie and wrapped her arms around hers.
“Sophie, we haven't had a meal together in such a long time. I couldn't care less about meeting Charles' girlfriend. I'm only here because I want to hang out with you. You've been too busy lately.” It was almost impossible for Ysabelle to meet with Sophie because of the latter's jam-packed schedule.
“I've been swamped lately, but I'll have more free time after toughing through this period.”
“Okay. You must prioritize your health regardless of how busy you are, got it?” Otherwise, Ysabelle feared Sophie would collapse from overexertion.
“Don't worry. I'm fine.” Sophie had a great deal to do, but she had never been sick thus far.
They chatted while walking into the restaurant. The first session of their gathering was to fill their stomach. Sophie saw a familiar figure right after she stepped into the eatery.
The girl sitting beside Charles was also momentarily dazed and at a loss when she saw Sophie.
Tristan stood next to Sophie, so he sensed the changes in her mien.
“What's the matter?”
When Charles saw them, he immediately got up to welcome them. After everyone was seated, he proceeded with the introduction.
“She's my girlfriend, Greta Soros. We'll be hanging out frequently in the future, so please help me look after her.”
That was right. Charles' new girlfriend was Greta.
He became acquainted with her by chance. The moment he laid his eyes on her, Charles felt Greta was his Ms. Right.
Greta looked at Sophie, who was sitting opposite Tristan. She felt a little restless when Charles introduced her. Sophie knows how much I fancied Simon. I wonder if she will divulge this information now that I've become Charles' girlfriend. But it seems Charles likes me a lot now, so he probably won't trust anything Sophie says. Therefore, I don't think I have to be so nervous.
Greta smiled faintly, giving off a ladylike vibe.
“Hello, my name is Greta Soros. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Greta uttered gently.
Ysabelle merely glanced at her indifferently and continued talking to Sophie about what had happened recently.
Tristan and Felix were focused on their girlfriends. They looked at Greta once and didn't pay her any attention afterward.
They had a feeling Charles wouldn't marry her.
“What's with your attitude? I'm introducing my girlfriend to all of you. Can't you take this situation more seriously?” Charles was slightly unhappy. He had finally wanted to engage in a meaningful and sincere relationship.
I want to try doing this because of how seemingly happy Tristan and Felix are in their respective relationship, so why aren't they cooperating with me?
“Charles, you can date anyone or get married as you please. We don't have any comment on what you do.” Those were his choices to make, after all.
Dejection swamped Charles.
“What do you mean by that?” Why aren't they more supportive of my resolution to finally start taking my relationships seriously?
“That's enough. Have them serve the dishes. I'm hungry.” The time was getting late, and everyone was starving. Their primary purpose for being there was to have their meal instead of meeting with Charles' girlfriend.
Charles had no choice but to request the staff to serve the dishes since that was the whole point of visiting a restaurant.
Sophie and Ysabelle were at ease throughout mealtime. The four men also had their discussion topics, leaving only Greta to feel awkward and out of place.
After having their meal, Sophie wanted to go to the restroom. Greta immediately found an excuse to follow Sophie. Greta halted Sophie's way inside the restroom.
“Sophie, I—”
Sophie uttered nonchalantly, “I don't have the slightest interest in your love life, so you don't have to explain anything to me. Nevertheless, I should remind you. Charles is not someone you should mess around with, so I hope you know what you're doing.”
“What do you mean by that? I think you're just jealous of me. Why can't my relationship with Charles last? So what if I had a crush on Simon? Are you saying that you've never liked another man? Have you only harbored loving feelings for your current boyfriend and no one else?” Greta snorted.
“I didn't say anything about you, so you don't have to feel embarrassed and get angry So what if you don't like Simon anymore? How does that concern me?”
Sophie doubted if Simon would care about Greta's feelings either.
The only thing that baffled Sophie was if Charles' taste in women had always been that terrible. She couldn't believe he had chosen someone like Greta to start a serious relationship.
Greta was rendered speechless.
Sophie left after washing her hands. She was unwilling to entertain Greta further.
Anger washed over Greta as she stood in her spot. She had initially planned to get along with Sophie, but that seemed like an impossible thing to do now. Sophie has always been arrogant and full of herself. There's no way I can make friends with her. But that's all right. I believe Sophie won't be able to lay a finger on me as long as I try my best to secure Charles' affection. Charles is a distinguished man. He certainly knows what's best for him.
Tristan was waiting for Sophie outside when she exited the restroom. After finishing their meals, Charles had already arranged the second round of their gathering. Naturally, the venue was Nocturnal.
“Are you tired? If you're tired, we can go back first.” Knowing Sophie had been putting a lot of effort into handling that matter related to the gene virus, Tristan was concerned about her well-being.
“I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Since everyone is in the mood to have fun, and it has been so long since the last time I spent time with the others, let's go to Nocturnal together today.”
In fact, she had already recovered.
“Okay. Let's go, then. What do you think about Charles' girlfriend?”
Charles was finally getting serious about his relationship. Still, Tristan couldn't help but feel Greta wasn't a keeper.
“What do you think?” Sophie didn't fancy speaking ill of others behind their back. However, she genuinely disliked Greta.
“I don't think she's a keeper. Their relationship probably wouldn't last over a month.” Charles had never committed himself to any long-term relationship. Most girls who agreed to be with him harbored ulterior motives, so both parties merely sought mutual benefits. Hence, it wasn't easy to define who was in the wrong.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Changing only for her (Sophie and Tristan)
Very nice story. Thank you author...more stories please......
Will there be new chapters soon?...