Chapter 247: Narcissistic Thoughts

The atmosphere was bizarre yet amusing. Even the pool party guests had stopped their frolicking, eyes glued to the unfolding drama. Clifford, the host, knew everyone present, and they all knew about his one and only previous heartbreak.

Moments before, they'd witnessed a tense standoff between two women and a man—a "sugar daddy" seemingly vying for a replacement. The sudden shift had stunned everyone. Then, above the fray, the sugar daddy's true love emerged.

The crowd could handle that sequence, but not when the real "apple of his eye" was revealed to be behind the replacement's arrival. They were speechless.

Zendaya, hired to impersonate Elaine, recognized the real Elaine instantly. Her heart pounded—from the recent near-miss, or the sight of Elaine, she couldn't say. Overwhelmed, she could only stare. Elaine looked even more stunning in person. Is she always this beautiful? she wondered.

While others commented on their resemblance, Zendaya felt Elaine's true beauty lay in her confidence and self-assuredness—an allure that inspired admiration, not jealousy. Elaine was like a beautiful older sister.

No wonder Clifford was so smitten he sought a replacement. But he's not worthy of her, Zendaya thought.

Elaine, meanwhile, stared at the slim, almost weightless Zendaya in her arms. Damn! Why does she look so much like me?

She remembered hearing about a replacement upon arrival. Seeing Clifford bothering someone, she’d pieced it together. Though slightly unnerved, she’d dismissed it as Clifford's preference or Millie's jealousy. She couldn't believe anyone would resort to finding a replacement.

Smiling, Elaine helped Zendaya up. Zendaya nervously thanked her. The longer Elaine looked at Zendaya, the more captivated she became.

Just as Elaine was about to speak, Millie exclaimed, "Elaine? Why are you here?"

Elaine turned, sweeping her gaze across the crowd. "Surprise! Guess who's back in the country?"

Millie's eyes darted anxiously to Clifford. All eyes were now on Clifford and Elaine. He stared blankly, seemingly speechless.

Isabella sipped her drink, relishing the drama. He's frozen! Years since he last saw her? That's the right reaction when your first love returns. Unlike last time…

Alexander, hearing her thoughts, wondered, Who didn't react correctly?

Isabella mused, Look at that guilty expression! Rebound on the left, new girl on the right? Too embarrassed to face her?

Alexander saw Clifford nervously glance at Zendaya and Millie. He'd put on a show of love, even throwing this party for Zendaya, only to change his mind so fast. Tsk, tsk, Isabella smirked. Alexander was speechless.

When Elaine noticed the lack of attention, she declared, "What's the meaning of this? No welcome home?"

The guests immediately rallied, showering her with greetings. Elaine, though abroad for years, remained connected to many, particularly Deborah, excluding Clifford and Alexander. Elaine and Deborah, opposites—a designer and a jeweler—were close friends.

"I thought you'd only return for my engagement party?" Deborah laughed.

"Couldn't resist," Elaine smirked mischievously at Alexander and Isabella. The gossip she'd heard abroad had spurred her early return.

Clifford jolted, his eyes shimmering as he looked at Elaine. He smirked sarcastically. "Couldn't resist? Weren't you quite carefree when you left?" I knew it! She cares and came back to get me.

Alexander frowned, sensing a disconnect. Isabella squeezed his arm hard. Her face was red. His thought process is so narcissistic! This coincidental nonsense! Hahahaha!

Others found it odd, especially since Elaine was looking at Alexander and Isabella.

Elaine finally looked at her ex. He's still resentful about the breakup, she thought, noting his sarcasm.

She shrugged. "It's good to be back, and I wanted to join the fun." I couldn't stay away from all this gossip.

The others were even more puzzled. They assumed she meant the recent gossip.

Clifford chuckled smugly. Her declaration of war? Jealousy makes her realize my worth. But I'm not someone she can summon and dismiss.

"Must've been hard finding this place," Clifford mocked nonchalantly.

Stop! You're making yourself pathetic! Isabella thought, tightening her grip on Alexander's arm. Alexander stared wearily at Clifford.

As long-time friends, Alexander asked, "Why so late?" The question was directed at Elaine, surprising everyone.

"Delayed," Elaine smiled.

Roland realized, "You mean Elaine?"

Alexander nodded.

Clifford was startled. "Why are you all together?"

"I ran into her shopping. She mentioned the party and decided to join," Isabella explained.

Clifford's expression shifted. I thought she'd investigate me. But she came anyway. She wanted to see me immediately.