Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 165 Each Has Her Pain

I was stunned. Why was Lauren crying?

I handed her some tissues. “What’s the matter? Was it something I said?”

Lauren quickly waved off my concern. It saddened me to see her carefully applied makeup start to run. She had always appeared graceful and friendly, much like a flight attendant. What could cause someone who cared about her looks to cry in front of me?

She took the tissue paper and blotted her face. Her red fingernails were eye–catching, but that didn’t stop

me from noticing ho

shoulders were shaking as she sobbed.

I promised to be a genuine friend to Lauren. Before this, I had resentment toward her and doubted her friendship. Instead of saying anything, I let her vent her frustrations

When she pulled herself together, she dried off her remaining tears. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

“Hey, we all have our pain. Some solve them privately, while others must do so publicly–for instance, me. Everyone knows about my goddamn divorce,” I said. “They labeled me an abused wife dumped by a cheater. But life goes on, and if you don’t mind, I’ll be like your sister.”

looked up at me, dumbstruck.

and deal with problems together,” I said. Her red–rimmed eyes made me feel

bad for her.

She eventually said,

vulnerable side contrasted with the woman who had uncovered Matthew and Melanie’s

during the anniversary.

closer to me than

“After all these years, no one has understood or cared about me. I know what those men want better than anyone, and I

with how my life is heading.”

understood her

wrong, Chloe. I’m not enjoying my freedom and don’t lead an exciting

goal,” she admitted. “So, you must build your career. If you ever need help, Just let me know. I’ll do anything for

held her delicate hand. “You’ve already helped me so much, and

out a bitter laugh. I’m like your older sister, aren’t I?”

I returned her smile and added, “I should introduce you to

“Really?”

upset about something, but I did not pursue it. I knew she would let

was ready.