After divorce ch 5

Chapter 5 Like a Fairy
Regretting it now, huh? You were so full of yourself this morning, weren’t you?
Reynold opened the text message on his phone, and his face froze.
Benedict leaned in to read aloud, “Dear VVIP customer, your card ending in 0975 was charged $120 at Rejoice Nail Salon.”
Everyone looked puzzled.
Reynold scrolled up. There were more transactions: $300 at Artistic Hair Salon.
$12,900 at Chanel.
$36,000 at Louis Vuitton.
…
It wasn’t a reconciliation request from Catherine. The texts were just transaction notifications.
The room fell silent, stunned.
It felt as though Catherine had delivered a slap across their faces without even being present, leaving them awkward and embarrassed.
Reynold slammed his phone face-down on the coffee table, his expression dark. It wasn’t about the money she’d spent; it was that she had gone on a shopping spree right after the divorce. That woman was unbelievable.
For three years, she’d been compliant, practically clinging to him—and now, it felt like she’d grown fangs overnight.
Benedict snorted. “Reynold, what’s Catherine up to? Getting her nails done, her hair done, buying clothes? Is she trying to imitate Evelyn’s style now?”
“Evelyn’s the Red Rose of Havendor. Catherine’s just a country bumpkin. No matter how hard she tries, it’s useless.”
“An ugly duckling will never become a swan.”
The group laughed, mocking Catherine.
At that moment, a commotion erupted in the bar, drawing everyone’s attention. Someone gasped, “Look over there! She’s stunning!”
It was Catherine.
After her shopping spree, Laura had taken Catherine straight to 1996 Bar for a divorce party.
Catherine hadn’t expected to run into Reynold and his friends there—but she could hear their sneering remarks.
She recognized the people in Reynold’s VIP booth. They were part of his circle, with Benedict being one of Reynold’s closest friends. Back when Reynold had an intense romance with Evelyn, they’d all adored her, especially Benedict, who got along with Evelyn famously.
In the three years since Catherine had never been able to fit into their group. To them, she was nothing but “the replacement bride,” “the ugly duckling,” “the country bumpkin who forced her way in.”
If a man doesn’t love a woman, his friends won’t respect her either.
Laura, furious, rolled up her sleeves. “I’m about to shut these guys up for good!”
Catherine grabbed her arm. “Laura, don’t. I’m divorced now. There’s no need to waste energy on them.”
Laura reluctantly swallowed her anger at Catherine’s calm demeanor. But as more and more heads turned toward Catherine, people started murmuring, “She’s like a fairy!” Laura’s mood brightened. “Cath, come on. Let’s go kick off the party.”
Laura led Catherine to another VIP booth and waved a hand dramatically. “Bring over all the male models in 1996 Bar!”
Back in Reynold’s booth, the rich kids were still ridiculing Catherine. That was until a chilling, sharp gaze landed on them.
They looked up to see Reynold lazily lifting his cold, brooding eyes, scanning them.
His expression was icy, displeased, and warning.
The laughter froze on their faces, and they immediately shut up.
Benedict glanced at Reynold. Although Reynold had always acted indifferent toward Catherine, she had dutifully taken care of him for three years. Maybe he felt a shred of obligation toward her.
The buzz around them grew louder. “She’s so beautiful! Like a fairy!”
Where was this fairy everyone was raving about?
Benedict followed their gazes and was instantly stunned. “Holy sh*t. She is a fairy.”
The other rich kids gawked, their eyes glued. “Since when did Havendor have a woman like this? Why have I never seen her before?”
Benedict tugged at Reynold’s sleeve. “Reynold, you’ve got to see this fairy.”
Reynold, accustomed to all types of women, wasn’t interested. However, Catherine’s booth was across the way.
Reluctantly, he looked up—and froze. It was Catherine.
She had ditched her thick-framed glasses, shedding her usual dull and conservative look. Her fair, delicate face radiated an ethereal charm. With naturally stunning features and a cool, refined aura, her silky black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a painting brought to life. She was nothing short of breathtaking.
Reynold stared for two full seconds before looking away.
Benedict, still buzzing, asked eagerly, “Reynold, what do you think of this fairy?”
Another rich kid chimed in. “Mr. Parker probably isn’t impressed. He likes soft, delicate beauties like Evelyn, not cold, distant fairies.”
“But look at those legs! She’s giving Evelyn a run for her money!”
Catherine wore a chic tweed mini dress, baring her legs for the first time.
Her legs were perfectly proportioned, slender but toned, exuding a quiet allure.
These were legs that left men’s imaginations running wild—on par, if not superior, to Evelyn’s.
Reynold squinted at this so-called “fairy” for another moment. For some reason, she looked vaguely familiar. Like someone he’d seen before.