Chapter 14: Superb Acting Skills

“Oh my God, three hundred thousand dollars? I’d have to work for ten years to afford a watch like Lincoln’s!”

“Comparisons are odious. We can’t even compare!”

“Lincoln has both looks and wealth! He’s truly perfect!”

“When are you going to break up with him, Mich? I want to book him in advance! I’d even settle for being his girlfriend for a day!”

They showered Lincoln and Michelle with praise and teasing, sending the couple into fits of laughter. Ah, the feeling of being envied was truly great!

“I remember you used to date Hilda, Lincoln,” a long-haired girl in a dress said abruptly. “Why did you two break up?”

The girl was Yvonne White, a former dorm mate of Hilda’s, and she knew something of their history. Her question silenced the room, creating an awkward atmosphere. After all, Michelle and Hilda had been roommates, making Michelle's role in the breakup rather unsavory.

Lincoln adopted a sorrowful expression, feigning hesitancy. “It’s a long story, and one I’m reluctant to discuss,” he murmured. “I gave Hilda my heart, but she wasn’t satisfied. Besides her extravagant spending, she frequented bars and eventually became an exotic dancer. I couldn’t handle it anymore…”

His moving tale elicited sympathetic glances. It seemed he’d kept up with Hilda’s life, even knowing about her career change.

“I never thought she’d be like that! She seemed so sweet and docile,” someone exclaimed. “But she became an exotic dancer?”

“You can’t judge a book by its cover. She seemed innocent, but she’s… promiscuous!”

“I feel so sorry for Lincoln. He was so good to her, and she didn’t appreciate him!”

“I heard she’s attending the reunion today. I can’t believe she had the nerve!”

“Don’t grieve over her, Lincoln. You and Mich are a much better match!”

The group condemned Hilda while consoling Lincoln. Tears glistening in his eyes, he nodded slightly. “I’m fortunate to have met Mich. She’s a balm to my wounded heart!”

Lincoln’s acting was superb. In an instant, he’d swayed everyone to his side, heaping blame on Hilda, who was entirely unaware of the public condemnation brewing before her arrival.

“I knew Hilda for three years, and I never knew she was like this,” Yvonne said, curling her lip. “No wonder she’s dating an ex-convict now.”

Her words stunned the group. They stared at her incredulously.

“Who told you that, Yvonne? Are you sure?” Michelle asked urgently.

“Yolanda. We talked last night. She said Hilda has an ex-convict boyfriend. I was surprised, but considering she’s an exotic dancer, I guess she’s lucky to land him!”

A smile spread across Michelle’s face. She hatched a plan to humiliate Hilda if she brought her boyfriend. Lincoln also smirked upon learning of Hilda’s new boyfriend.

Just then, Yolanda and Hilda entered, Jared trailing behind them.

“Hello, everyone! Long time no see!” Yolanda greeted.