He casually ignored Gabriella and directed his attention to Joan. Sometimes people could act like snobs. Those who felt inferior tend to suck up to the high-ranking officials or famous individuals, hoping to gain their favor and find an easy way up the ladder. Although it did not apply to everyone, the courteous server in front of them seemed to fit the description.
Gabriella might be beautiful and glamorous, especially in a dress that made her stand out more than Joan did. But the server could immediately tell that the latter was wearing a coat from Opulent Designs. Although it was available on the market for some time, he knew that not everyone could afford to buy it. On the other hand, while Gabriella’s dress was pretty, as someone who served wealthy bosses and mistresses all day, he could tell that it cost peanuts. Such dresses could easily be purchased online for around fifty and might even come with a buy two get one free deal.
Scanning the prices on the menu, Joan got shocked. Ultimately, it was not her idea to come here for coffee. If she stripped her title as Mrs. Norton, she was simply an individual from the working class and a lowly employee working in any company. Without bothering to remember the names of the coffee on the menu, she ordered the cheapest one and sent the server away.
Meanwhile, Gabriella tried to suppress the frustration she felt. She was aware that given her state, she meant nothing compared to Joan. After all, the lady sitting opposite her could buy the entire shop if she wanted to, let alone a cup of expensive coffee. Resentment grew in Gabriella’s heart, especially after she witnessed how the server had disregarded her.
In an obnoxious voice, she ordered several things off the menu while pointing at them as though she had returned to the way she used to be. Nodding, the server smiled and asked them to wait for their orders to come.
After he finally left, the two ladies fell into an awkward silence before Gabriella broke it, “You look troubled. Are you that unwilling to sit with me? Can’t you show me some respect, considering how we used to be best friends in college?”
Joan could not be bothered to explain her circumstances. “You can think however you want, but since I’ve agreed to come out with you, I am not here to despise you of sorts.”
It was heartbreaking to hear that. In the past, Gabriella was the rose among the thorns. She was wealthy, beautiful, smart, and Landon Ward’s beloved daughter. There were even people fighting to be in line to hang out with her. As such, every time the two of them went out, Joan would be the one feeling inferior.
Gabriella would never have predicted that the tables would turn, where Joan would say something like that to her. At that moment, she gave up on her plan to diss Joan. Adjusting her sitting posture, she continued with a smile, “Since you aren’t here to mock me, your troubled expression only means that you have a problem…”
She purposely kept the suspense before she moved closer to Joan and whispered, “You are having a hard time…”
Hearing those words, Joan shuddered slightly, and that reaction did not escape Gabriella’s eyes. As someone who could pick up on such cues, Gabriella could guess why Joan was unhappy immediately.
At times, the broken ones would pretend that nothing was wrong. They would conceal their true feelings and put up a brave front. “Nothing is wrong. I’m doing fine,” Joan replied.
To her dismay, Gabriella was not fooled. She scorned with disdain, “You know it best. While you may think that you can deceive others, you can never lie to yourself. Well, I have to let you know that you can’t even trick me into thinking otherwise.”
Guilty as charged, Joan wanted to rebut, but she could not find the right words to say. Who knew that she would be so nervous? Moreover, it was in front of Gabriella.
“Why? Did Larry throw you to the curb?” Gabriella was clearly enjoying the moment. She added, “Weren’t the both of you acting like lovebirds before me previously? Not much time has passed, and the both of you have already fallen out?”
