The Billionaire’s Regretful Obsession – Victoria Hale

Chapter 8 A Stolen Dinner +5 Free Coins Mary watched Sherry curl into a tight ball, tucking her head down and wrapping her arms around her knees. Whenever she felt hurt or upset, she'd find some quiet corner and hide away-like an ostrich burying its head. She had no one to talk to, no one to lean on. She just swallowed all her feelings, looking like a hurt little animal. Back then, Sherry was gentle and delicate. Her face was already stunning, even before she'd fully grown into her looks. Her eyes, especially-big, bright, and wet with emotion-could captivate anyone in an instant.

She should have lived like a princess. But all the chaos in her past had worn away her sparkle. If she'd been allowed to bloom, her beauty could have outshone any celebrity-a rare mix of innocence and mischief. Now, she was like a pearl covered in dust. Mary knew her place. She knew there were things she wasn't supposed to know. And even if she did, what could someone like her really do? "Ms. Campbell, you should eat something. No matter what happens, we've been through worse, haven't we? Compared to life-and-death situations, a lot of this is just background noise." Sherry finally looked up.

She began to eat quietly. She knew Mary was right. None of it really mattered anymore. She might as well pretend all those years of effort had been wasted on someone who wasn't worth it. The next morning, her head was pounding. And as if that wasn't enough, someone started blowing up her phone at the crack of dawn. They called over and over, no matter how many times she hit "decline." It was driving her crazy. The moment she answered, yelling burst through the speaker. "You little brat! Since when do you ignore my calls? I told you-answer as soon as I call! I had to dial ten times today!

You're nothing but a poorly raised fool!" She had always put others first. But how did they treat her in return? She tried so hard to protect their feelings-but did they ever protect hers? Enough. She was done being nice. If they wanted to play rough, she'd play rougher. If they thought they could break her-well, they could try. "Ma'am, who do you think you're talking to?" For a second, Lore Bode thought she'd dialed the wrong number. 1/4 16:34 Fri, Jan 9 M Chapter 8 A Stolen Dinner +5 Free Coins But when she confirmed it was Sherry's phone, her voice shot up an octave.

"Sherry, have you lost your mind? How dare you speak to me like that! Should I tell Gilbert? Apologize right now-maybe I'll go easy on you." Lore always acted so superior, but with Sherry, she was especially cruel. That's because Sherry was easy to push around. She was always afraid of causing trouble between herself and Gilbert, so she swallowed her pride again and again. Everyone thought they could walk all over her. "Stop dreaming. Okay? I'm divorcing Gilbert. To me, you're not even as decent as a shrew.

At least a shrew owns its nastiness-you act nasty but still pretend you're classy." Worse than a shrew? Was she talking about her? Lore's blood pressure skyrocketed. "You've really lost it! I'm calling Gilbert right now. Let him hear how 'respectful' his wife is to his mother!" What a joke. Everyone loved using Gilbert to control her. But did they really think she still cared? "Go ahead. Call him. I recorded everything you just said." Lore was so furious she slammed the phone down. Gilbert hardly came home these days. Of course, Lore knew why.

She thought Sherry had no idea about that time she tried to run off and abandon Gilbert years ago, so she put on all sorts of arrogant mother-in-law acts in front of her. She was nothing special-but when it came to making Sherry's life difficult, she had plenty of tricks. Among her rich friends, Sherry was known as the most obedient "daughter-in-law"-like a well-trained dog. Sherry had tried so hard not to cause trouble between mother and son. She swallowed every insult. She even tried to help Gilbert and his mom get along. What did she get in return? Not a single kind word.

Now, she was done with all of them. The farther away, the better! Watching Lore throw a fit felt incredibly satisfying. The tightness in her chest finally began to ease. Gilbert wouldn't let her get a divorce. He wouldn't let her work somewhere else, either. Fine. She wouldn't divorce him, then. 2/4 16:35 Fri, Jan Chapter 8 A Stolen Dinner She'd make them all miserable-until the day they begged her to sign the papers. Later, Gilbert called and asked her out to dinner. That was number one on her mental wish list. Beef short ribs. She'd already taken a seat and was about to order.

Then Gilbert got a phone call. He tossed out a quick "Wait for me" and rushed off. He left in such a hurry that he even knocked her phone to the floor, smashing the screen. She assumed he knew where she was. She thought he'd come back for her once he was done. 5 Free Cong But that day, she waited from noon until dark. Her vision grew blurry from hunger. If her phone hadn't been broken, she could've at least ordered a proper meal. She didn't have any cash on her. She had no idea what was going on-she couldn't even order a glass of water.

In the end, she had to walk out under the judgmental stares of everyone around her. Gilbert didn't come home until late that night. Since they'd gotten together-even after they married-he had never stayed out that late. She could smell beef and red wine on him. That's when she realized-he'd taken Wendy out for beef short ribs. They were in the same building, just one floor apart. He could've come up and told her. Then she wouldn't have waited all day without eating. That night was their first big fight. Today, she was going to eat those beef short ribs. The most expensive ones on the menu.

And one thing was weird. Why hadn't Lore tattled on her yet? Maybe she was scared Sherry really had proof? Truth was, Sherry hadn't recorded anything. When that call woke her up, she'd been too busy firing back. She checked her closet-not a single new outfit. Not one piece of fancy, showy "rich wife" clothing. All she could find was a simple black dress. People kept sneaking glances at her on her way to the restaurant. The moment she stepped inside, all eyes turned her way. The plain black dress hugged her curves perfectly, creating a striking contrast with her innocent face.

Then, she walked right into Gilbert and Wendy. Gilbert looked surprised. Sherry usually stayed home in casual clothes-he'd almost forgotten how 3/4 Chapter 8 A Stolen Dinner 469 +5 Free Coins beautiful she could be. Wendy had been thrilled at first. Sherry showing up now would make her look like the third wheel. Her plan was to make Sherry uncomfortable, ruin her dinner, and get Gilbert to take her side. But the first thing that set Wendy off was how the hostess greeted them. She called Sherry "beauty," but referred to Wendy as "miss." Wendy's face twitched with anger.

She forced a fake laugh and covered her mouth. "Sherry, this is a fine dining restaurant. That knockoff you're wearing might not be the best fit here." Then, turning to the staff, she added, "Don't make Sherry leave. She's probably never seen real luxury brands before. She doesn't know any better." 16:35 Fri, Jan 9 M Mark