Crystal’s One Night of Love
Chapter 197

Chapter 197 I Would Like To Meet You

After Joshua departed, Crystal remained alone for a long time. By the time she rejoined the banquet, she had managed to regain her composure.

Pete approached her, striding by her side. "Has that old man come looking for you again? Did he squander all of his money and now expects you to support him until his final days?"

As she lifted a glass of champagne, she admonished the man, "It's not suitable to engage in gossip within such a formal setting."

"I was just worried about you." He snorted.

Crystal could easily discern his underlying thoughts; it was clear that he merely aimed to provoke conflict with Henry. She hadn't deluded herself into thinking that a playboy like Pete would be infatuated with her to such an extent.

Alas, she had accepted Edward's money and had no choice but to take care of the younger

Zelcest.

Crystal continued to accompany Pete as they socialized with the guests, displaying grace and elegance in her demeanor. Even the spirited young man behaved impeccably without any signs of unruliness. Some distance away, two wealthy men were engrossed in a casual conversation.

"David, the twenty million I spent was well worth it. In just a little over a month, Pete has undergone such a remarkable transformation!" Edward remarked with a chuckle.

David concurred, "I must say, our dear Crystal has also matured quite a bit. It seems that when a young woman comes across someone younger than herself, that maternal instinct is often sparked, wouldn't you agree?"

As his words hung in the air, David also let out a chuckle.

This caused Edward's face to stiffen as he asked with an awkward smile, "Our dear Crystal?"

A flicker of surprise passed over David's face as he responded, "Ed, aren't you aware? Crystal and Henry were on the brink of getting married, but they encountered a minor conflict and are currently working through it together."

Edward's heart began to pound.

Crystal is truly remarkable, but can that son of mine contend with Henry? After all, he's widely acknowledged in the legal field as a master of manipulation, capable of obtaining anything he desires. Edward couldn't help feeling worried for his son as that thought brewed in his mind.

Still mindful of his reputation and eager to maintain his image, he mustered a forced, cheerful laugh and raised his wine glass. "In matters of pursuing women," he remarked, "it all boils down to one's personal skills and abilities!"

It was then the topic of their discussion, Henry, arrived.

The uninvited man's presence, combined with his distinctive identity, captured the attention of everyone

around.

Henry came into Crystal's field of sight as soon as she turned around. The man was wearing a classic black

suit, contrasting with her elegant white evening gown.

In the prime of their lives, adorned with radiant countenances, they locked eyes across the bustling throng. In that fleeting moment, it was as if the entire world melted away, and all the clamor of voices fell into hushed stillness.

Henry approached Crystal with graceful strides, coming to a poised halt before her. With a gentle smile adorning his face, he uttered, "Congratulations."

Crystal found herself rendered speechless, utterly taken aback by Henry's unexpected presence.

Pete, standing beside her, couldn't conceal his growing discontent as he observed the unfolding spectacle. Hmph! Clearly, she hasn't truly let go of her past love.

Only when he gently nudged her did Crystal snap back to reality, her mind returning from its temporary wanderings.

Suddenly, a faint chuckle escaped Henry's lips.

Despite the trials they had endured and the disdain she held for him, Henry knew that Crystal couldn't deny her undeniable allure to his physical appearance. The telltale glimmer in her eyes had inadvertently unveiled the depths of her unspoken desires.

With elegance, he extended a gift, his movements marked by grace.

"Crystal," he uttered, his voice imbued with tender warmth. "Henceforth, I shall never miss a significant

occasion.

Amidst the crowd, Crystal was resolute in preserving her poise, mindful of the multitude of curious eyes now fixed upon them.

Passing the gift to Pete, she addressed Henry in a soft, composed voice, "Please, Mr. Miller, the nature of our relationship appears ill-suited for such words to be spoken between us. Nevertheless, now that you're here as a guest, I sincerely hope you enjoy this joyful occasion."

Having delivered her words, Crystal offered him a subtle nod before gracefully moving on to socializing with the other guests, accompanied by Pete.

Henry remained transfixed, his eyes locked on her as she conversed, mingled with others, and even joined the guests in swaying to the rhythm of the music. Every now and then, their gazes would fleetingly intersect, only for her to swiftly redirect her attention elsewhere and purposefully avoid his presence.

Throughout the banquet, Crystal's behavior was nothing short of impeccable.

Yet, deep within, she alone bore the weight of her fragility, concealed beneath a tapestry of countless vulnerabilities and imperfections.

Slightly intoxicated, Crystal made her way to the restroom as the evening drew to a close. Once inside, she subjected her face to a bracing cascade of cold water.

Leaning against the wall outside, Pete nonchalantly played with his phone as he waited for her. Seizing the moment, he couldn't resist making a playful dig at the woman. "Ever since that Miller guy showed up. your gaze has changed. What's so remarkable about him? If he's so amazing, why did you even break up with him?"

Crystal emerged from the restroom, her voice turning frigid as she asserted, "My personal affairs are not

your business!"

Pete let out a disdainful snort as he followed closely behind her. "I'm not saying I want to meddle, but seeing you act like this, it just makes me think you're being spineless... Tell me, have you been hurt so of twenty- deeply that you're too afraid to let yourself feel anything? Living like a nun at the young age five? Please don't tell me you plan on spending the rest of your life alone!"

The woman came to an abrupt halt, her body tensing up and frozen in place.

Dang it!

At that moment, only Pete saw through the labyrinth of her innermost feelings. Indeed, after her encounter with Henry, Crystal had become paralyzed by the fear of love. While everyone had anticipated her heart being swayed by Seth, the reality was that she had lost the courage to love altogether.

Contrary to her own perception, she wasn't as carefree as she had hoped to be..

Crystal graciously declined Pete's offer to accompany her home, opting instead to hail a taxi. As she descended to the bustling street below, her gaze was drawn to a familiar figure.

Henry leaned casually against his car, engrossed in a cigarette. His mind was seemingly occupied by his thoughts.

Beneath the neon-lit sky, he continued to dazzle, his radiance unabated. However, Crystal found herself unable to withstand his brilliance any longer.

As she hailed a taxi and waited, Henry extinguished his cigarette and approached her. A faint furrow appeared on his brow as he inquired, "Where is Pete? Why isn't he accompanying you home?" Crystal set her phone aside, keeping her gaze fixed on the mesmerizing musical fountain ahead.

With a composed tone, she articulated, "Henry, could you please just spare me? For someone like you, heartbreak might be as trivial as a mere stumble, leaving no lasting impact on your being. However, as an ordinary person, I cannot afford to go through it again! Regardless of your current intentions, no matter how genuine they may be... I simply cannot bear the consequences, do you understand? I cannot bear the weight of someone as influential as you!"

Henry's hand, which had been reaching out, was frozen in place by the sudden change in the atmosphere.

A subtle blush tinted the tip of her nose as she continued, "You treat marriage as mere frivolity, wear the engagement ring on the middle finger, and pretend to be fond of me when your love is clearly absent. If I were to truly marry you, it might take three to five years for me to realize that my husband doesn't love me. At most, he merely likes me! You may fancy my physical appearance and my companionship, but how many more youthful years do I have? You're saying you love me now, but why should I believe you?"

Taking a deep breath, Crystal concluded, "So, let's just leave it at that!"

As the taxi pulled up, she opened the door and climbed inside without a second glance.

Henry was left standing alone in the embrace of the night as his heart slowly descended into deep. melancholy.

He became acutely aware that reclaiming the woman was indeed more arduous than scaling the heavens. and a growing sense of agitation gripped him.

Meanwhile, Crystal returned to her condominium with newfound determination.

She refused to let Henry occupy her thoughts any longer, resolving to remov completely.

Throughout the subsequent week, he refrained from any form of disruption, with no calls or appearances. outside her condominium. Crystal believed they had finally turned a new chapter in their story. As Saturday night descended, it didn't take long after Crystal had returned home for the doorbell to ring. Approaching the door with curiosity, she opened it to replace Charles standing on the other side, his countenance bearing the unmistakable marks of weariness and distress.

Crystal closed the door behind her and prepared a cup of water for him. "What's wrong? Did something happen to Madison?" she asked gently.

Meanwhile, Charles took a seat on the couch.

He and Crystal didn't share a particularly close relationship. They were acquaintances at best, and it was only through their association with Madison that they grew closer and had the opportunity to share a couple of meals together.

Holding the cup in his hands, the man revealed in a soft voice, "Madison is pregnant!"

Crystal was not entirely surprised by the news.

Charles fixed his gaze upon her. He understood the difficulty of her current situation, especially considering that it had only been a few days since Crystal had managed to replace some semblance of peace. However, he had reached a point where he had no other option but to plead with her, "Zachary is refusing to grant a divorce. Furthermore, Clementine's child is not his, which puts him in a position of advantage. Due to the mandatory cooling-off period for divorce, he won't let go easily. This marriage won't come to an end anytime soon!"

Crystal was taken aback when she heard this.

The man pulled out a cigarette, seeking her consent before igniting it. After that, he took a long, intense drag. "Madison can't wait any longer. She's already over three months pregnant!" Though he didn't say much, Crystal understood the urgency of the situation.

In the unfortunate event that Madison was unable to obtain a divorce, her reputation would be utterly destroyed, and it would become an insurmountable challenge for Charles to justify the situation to his family. In fact, their relationship was already an arduous uphill battle within the Jenkins family.

Crystal strode into the kitchen, fetching another glass of water for her guest.

She understood the purpose of Charles' visit. Henry, being a top lawyer in the country, possessed the means and connections to facilitate the divorce.

Her voice was gentle as she spoke. "Don't you have some degree of acquaintance with him?"

A wry smile etched itself on Charles' visage.

Indeed, he was somewhat acquainted with Henry, but as of late, it had become increasingly challenging to meet him. The latter's secretary consistently mentioned that he was either on a business trip or attending meetings.

Charles, being perceptive, had deduced Henry's underlying message through their encounters where he was turned away. It was evident that Henry intended for Crystal to seek his help.

“Madison doesn't know I'm here. Knowing her, she'd rather terminate the pregnancy than burden you with this. I'm aware that I'm being selfish, but please, I implore you, Crystal, just this once!" Charles' voice. was hoarse as he pleaded with the woman.

She stepped back into the living room, taking in his weary figure and slightly bloodshot eyes. At that moment, Charles seemed utterly defeated, looking like he was barely holding himself together. Crystal had witnessed him in his vibrant and carefree moments as he mingled amidst a crowd of women. but this version of him was entirely new to her.

Madison has truly found the one for her.

Amidst the ensuing silence, Charles rose from his seat and knelt before her.

"Charles! Please, get up!"

Crystal supported him, yet the man remained steadfast on his knees, his voice choked with emotion. "Crystal, I am willing to do whatever it takes, as long as the child is born healthy. Even if you ask for all my wealth, I would not bat an eye. I will work diligently to provide for my wife and child, regardless of the hardships..."

Hearing this, Crystal helped Charles to his feet, her voice gentle as she said, "Why would I want your wealth? How will you provide for your child then?"

The man looked at her, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes.

Crystal forced a smile upon seeing that. "All right, I'll ask for that man's assistance."

Charles wanted to say something, but the woman sent him on his way before he could get a word out.

"Take good care of Madison, and don't tell her you've been here."

After Charles' departure, Crystal strode over to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of beer. She deftly opened. it and began savoring the alcohol.

The night breeze carried a chilly touch, while the beer remained as cold as ice.

As she awoke in the depths of the night, tears glistened on her face.

Subsequently, she found herself seated on the terrace, contemplating. By the time she came to her senses, the resplendent golden rays of the sun had gracefully ascended, casting their radiant glow upon the entirety of the earth.

With a gentle bow of her head, Crystal dialed Henry's number.

"Henry, I would like to meet you."