When I entered, the lively atmosphere suddenly fell silent, and the room was eerily quiet.
Norman sat in the center, and beside him was a young girl who looked at me with a slightly challenging gaze.
A few close friends, who usually had a good time with me, looked at me with worried expressions.
The room was packed with people, but there wasn't a seat for me.
I straightforwardly asked Norman, "What's going on here?"
Norman, however, turned the question back on me. "Why didn't you show up for the cruise dinner that day?"
I replied, "I was feeling unwell; I sent you a message about it."
Seemingly unhappy with my answer, Norman shot me a glare and then said, "Let me introduce you to someone."
He turned to the young girl beside him and said, "This is Bella, a girl I've recently taken a special liking to."
"You can see that Bella is young and beautiful, and she's also sensible and easygoing. I don't want her to be mistreated; you understand what I mean?"
"Young and beautiful, sensible and easygoing."
Every word felt like a stab to my heart.
I nodded and replied, "I get it. You all carry on; I'll step out."
My reaction stunned everyone in the room.