<b>Chapter </b><b>625 </b>


    ine had done her makeup beautifully and changed into a tight dress. She spun around in front of me, smiling as she slipped on her gloves. “Do I have that British vibe?<b>” </b>


    I nodded. “You look great.”


    ine let out <b>a </b>soft sigh. “Oh, it’s been two years. I wonder what it’ll be like.”


    I was startled for a moment. ‘Is ine nning something else tonight?‘ I wondered.


    ine gged down a cab and brought me along to a private club.


    I’d heard that folks in the United Kingdom prefer intimate gatherings and really value their privacy.


    As soon as we walked in, waves of red wine aroma hit my nose.


    ine, seeing I was a bit nervous, smiled and said, “Tonight’s all about wine tasting. You can sample bottles from all over the world. Guess what I brought?”


    I just realized ine had pulled a vintage, high–end bottle of red wine out of her oversized handbag. “It’s tradition for everyone to bring a bottle,” she exined.


    So that’s why ine had asked the driver to stop at a shop earlier–to pick up this bottle.


    I realized every group has its own way of doing things, and honestly, it was actually pretty cool.


    Inside the club’s private room, there were already a dozen or so people. As soon as ine walked in, she introduced me around. Then, I saw her make out with a tall guy–passionate and wild.


    Someone came over to chat with me about wine knowledge. I’d picked up some tips from hanging out with wealthydies in my previous life, so I could hold my own in the conversation.


    ine came back to me, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She smiled and asked, “Ms. Murphy, how’s it going? There are some pretty handsome guys here. Anyone catch your eye?”


    My reserved nature was still very much a part of me. Even though there were a bunch of young men and women around, I didn’t feel any strong urge to mingle.


    The wine tasting got underway, with everyone sharing the bottles they’d brought. After sampling, each perso would announce the wine’s origin, vor, and name.


    I was mostly just there to make up the numbers, but ine was super enthusiastic, jumping in to answer every question with a bright, happy grin.


    The wine was intoxicating, but now that I could hold my liquor better, I didn’t get drunk so easily anymore.


    Time flew by, and before I knew it, it was already past ten at night. ine sidled up next to me and said, “Ms. Murphy, I’ll take you home first.”


    “Got something <b>else </b>going on tonight?” I asked her.


    ine, a little embarrassed, pressed her forehead against my shoulder. “Yeah, I do.”


    Suddenly, I asked her, “What’s your take on love?”


    ine blinked, thenughed. “Carpe diem<b>–</b>seize the day and have fun while you can.”


    I was a bit taken aback.


    But ine just leaned back in her chair, swirling her ss of red wine. “Ms. Murphy, you know, my mom used to love my dad a lot, but he always had other women around. I’vee to think maybe it’s better not to need love at all. If someone loves me, I’ll see what it feels like. If no one does, I’ll just focus on loving myself. Life can be lived any way you want.”


    ine quickly added, “I definitely don’t want to end up a resentful housewife, spending my life looking after a bunch of people.”


    I really admired her free–spirited vibe. I nodded. “Yeah, everyone lives life their own way, and we all have different stories. But if there’s one thing that matters, it’s making sure we’re happy.”


    “Totally, Ms. Murphy! You just get me,” ine said, hugging my arm. “I want us to be friends forever.”


    I could tell she was drunk, so I suggested we call it a night and head home.


    ine wobbled to her feet, and I steadied her as we walked out. As we left, she nced back and shot her ex a little ‘call me‘ gesture.


    <b>A</b>