Chapter 27

It was around eight in the evening, and Adrienne found herself standing in a convenience store. She gazed sadly at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes still swollen from tears. In her hands, she held a pair of chopsticks and a cup of noodles, contemplating her next move.

Just then, Cathy arrived, still wearing her jacket but clearly disturbed by something. Concern etched on her face, she approached Adrienne and inquired about her puffy eyes.

"What happened, my friend? You were so happy earlier. Why do your eyes look swollen now?" Cathy asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Adrienne couldn't hold back her tears any longer. Cathy instinctively patted her, trying to offer comfort and reassurance.

"Stop crying, girl. People might think you're being mistreated!" Cathy urged, hoping to ease Adrienne's distress.

"I'm sorry, Cathy. If I could handle this on my own, I wouldn't bother you," Adrienne managed to say between sobs.