Chapter 43 Eugene had Viola now, and it seemed everything had changed. Melanie froze upon hearing Eugene's name but quickly hid her flustered emotions. She wasn't sure she was telling Stephen or comforting herself, but she said, "I don't own him. We're adults who just benefited from each other." "Mel." Stephen frowned. "Instead of worrying about me, why don't you find me a new boyfriend?" said Melanie monotonously. It was a difficult request as Melanie had been with Eugene for so long. Those people from decent families would not want a girlfriend like her. It was no different from dating a divorced woman. Sighing, Stephen decided to end this topic. He asked Melanie, "Has your leg recovered?" "Almost." "Can you attend a banquet with me this weekend?" Stephen seemed to be in a dilemma. "It's my aunt's birthday, and she wants me to bring along a female partner. Melanie knew Stephen's aunt, who was a famous dancer in Jepton. That night, she got dressed and waited for Stephen to pick her up. However, at 6:00 pm, Stephen called her and told her he would not be able to pick her up. She might have to take a taxi to the venue herself. Melanie did not mind and went downstairs to hail a taxi. However, it was a weekend night, and the traffic was heavy. When Melanie arrived, the banquet had already started. Melanie tried calling Stephen, but she could not reach him. She texted him, telling him that she would be waiting for him outside. "Eugene, I heard your company organized a team-building event at a spa resort." Melanie was scrolling through her phone when she heard Simon's voice from afar. Melanie froze for a moment before lifting her head. As expected, she saw Simon and Eugene. When Simon saw her at the door, he lifted his eyebrow. "Hey, are you working as a bellboy here?" Melanie greeted him. He walked over helplessly while pointing at the few kids in the corner. They were asking me to play with them. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, Mel . " Melanie did not notice Eugene's gaze. She went to greet Eugene's aunt with him. Simon whistled. "Melanie sure is something. Even Stephen has fallen for her." Just as he commented, Joshua approached them with a glass of wine. The Hewitt family was not renowned enough in Jepton, so Joshua had always been considered an outcast among Simon's friends. After he greeted Simon and Eugene, he stood there with his wine glass, looking as if he had something he wanted to say. Simon was annoyed to see him like this and asked casually, "Do you have something you want to say?" "Y-Yes." Joshua seemed nervous. He glanced at Melanie and then back at Eugene. After a while, he stuttered as he asked, "E-Eugene, are you already done with Melanie?" Eugene looked at him coldly. "Mm." Joshua looked excited upon hearing that. "Do you think I stand a chance, then?" Chapter 44 Title: A Fated Encounter In "A Fated Encounter" by CrushReels, a captivating modern romance unfolds. Emma Brown finds herself entangled in a complex web of family obligations when her father, Henry, pressures her to marry Tommy Anderson in place of her sister Bella to salvage their struggling business. As Emma navigates this unexpected turn of events, she discovers that Tommy is not the man rumors portray him to be. Their relationship evolves beyond mere obligation, revealing layers of depth and emotion amidst the backdrop of societal expectations and personal desires. This novel delves into themes of duty, love, and self-discovery as Emma grapples with conflicting emotions and the realization that fate may have a different plan in store for her. With nuanced character development and a unique twist on the conventional romance narrative, "A Fated Encounter" stands out as a compelling tale of love and sacrifice. Experience this engrossing story online at CrushReels and immerse yourself in a world where destiny intertwines with the complexities of the heart.