Game Over No Second Chances

The next afternoon, Sarah arrived at Sky Terrace, dressed in a flowing dress,

oversized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, looking every bit like a foreignnoveldrama

tourist on vacation.

As the clock struck tea time, her two best friends strolled in, both dressed to the

nines in chic, designer-style dresses. They took a seat at the next table,

separated from Sarah only by a row of potted flowers and a thin glass divider.

Their voices carried easily across.

Sarah had purposely ordered the most expensive dessert on the menu. She'd

been ready to enjoy the sweet moment and maybe flaunt a little.

But then, a snort of laughter came from behind the flowers.

"Sarah really thinks she's Mrs. Larson now? I heard the only reason that

engagement even happened is because she's pregnant. The Larson family

couldn't stand her before that."

"Well, what did they expect? Everyone knows what she and Cole got up to on that

island. Half the men there probably saw everything.

"Cole's a known playboy, and she's just as slutty. Honestly, they're a perfect match

-trashy, but perfect. Not exactly marriage material, though."

A round of snickering followed.

Sarah's fingers tightened around her wine glass. Just yesterday, these two were

showering her with congratulations online. Was this what they really thought of

her?

"Not that Cole's any prize either. Sarah definitely married down."

"Didn't her sister marry Hugh Larson? Just a few days ago, Mr. Larson was doing

business with a foreign firm. The guy tried to play games with the Larson Group,

and Mr. Larson had him locked up before he even left the country. Everyone in the

Larson family showed up to Sarah's engagement party-except him."

"Oh, he's ruthless. There's no doubt about that. But last night, he was seen

shopping for pet supplies with Serena. He came straight from a formal event and

was still in his seven-figure custom suit as he carried a cat bed like it was a

treasure. He even let the cat sit on his jacket."

Sarah's grip on her spoon tightened until her knuckles turned white.

Hugh didn't bother to show up for her engagement party, but he had time to

pamper that bitch, Serena, and her cat?

And Calvin... Wasn't he supposed to have her back?

Then came another jab. "Honestly, there's no comparison. The Larson family

takes Serena to all their big events now.

"Everyone respects her. And didn't

Amber Group just land a huge

government contract? With a rookie,

no less. The woman's unstoppable."

"Let's face it. She and Mr. Larson are a power couple. They're cold, strategic, and

perfectly matched."

Then came another burst of laughter.

Sarah couldn't listen anymore. She

was about to get up when a waiter

approached and asked, "Would you

stil like your cake, ma'am?"

"No." She was ready to walk away. But then she remembered what those two had

said, and something in her snapped.

She smiled coolly and said, "Actually, yes. Bring it over... to their table."

Since she had already paid for it, someone might as well enjoy it.

After swallowing her rage, she sat back down. Then, the conversation at the next

table picked up again.

"Did you hear? Sarah's mom is pregnant too."

"Wait. Seriously? So, both mother and daughter are expecting? What are their

kids supposed to be? Uncle and nephew? Or brothers?"

"God, you're awful!"

"What? Sarah's thrown worse shade

at us before. And let's be honest.

Those kids will probably be the

same age. Calling them 'uncle and

nephew' sounds too polite. 'Brothers'

sounds more accurate."

They both burst into giggles again.

Just then, the waiter arrived at their table and set down the plated cake with a

flourish.

"Please enjoy," he said politely.

"When did we order something this fancy?"