I received a call from Norman, who said he had something really important to discuss with me.
I didn't want to meet him, so I made up an excuse that I was feeling unwell.
However, Norman's tone was quite forceful.
"Come when I say to come, and don't make me lose my temper!" he threatened.
I decided to give him another chance, so I went to the restaurant he had chosen.
As soon as I walked in, I was taken aback by what I saw.
In the private room, there was a circle of people, and almost all my friends were there.
When I entered, the lively atmosphere suddenly fell silent, and the room was eerily quiet.
Norman sat in the center, and beside him was a young girl who looked at me with a slightly challenging gaze.
A few close friends, who usually had a good time with me, looked at me with worried expressions.
The room was packed with people, but there wasn't a seat for me.
I straightforwardly asked Norman, "What's going on here?"
Norman, however, turned the question back on me. "Why didn't you show up for the cruise dinner that day?"
I replied, "I was feeling unwell; I sent you a message about it."
Seemingly unhappy with my answer, Norman shot me a glare and then said, "Let me introduce you to someone."
He turned to the young girl beside him and said, "This is Bella, a girl I've recently taken a special liking to."
"You can see that Bella is young and beautiful, and she's also sensible and easygoing. I don't want her to be mistreated; you understand what I mean?"
"Young and beautiful, sensible and easygoing."
Every word felt like a stab to my heart.
I nodded and replied, "I get it. You all carry on; I'll step out."
