Chapter 8: Catherine's Friends

Words : 2621 Updated : May 22nd, 2025

Leila didn't ask Liam to have dinner this time, but mentioned that Catherine had a friend celebrating her birthday. She wanted Liam to accompany Catherine. "Having a meal shouldn't take too long," Liam thought as he dialed Catherine's number. "Hey, Catherine. It's Liam." "What do you want?" Catherine replied coldly. Liam didn't mind her tone and continued, "Mrs. Leila said your friend's having a birthday and asked me to go with you." "Oh, I'm at the downtown Starbucks. Just come over," Catherine said after a short pause, probably having gotten a heads-up from her mom. "Who was that on the phone, Cathy?" Sitting next to Catherine, a petite girl decked in designer clothes, asked curiously. She was Marisa Zimmerman, Catherine's rich and gorgeous bestie, and the birthday girl. Besides Marisa, a tall, cool girl sat silently. Both of them had been Catherine's best friends since they were little. "It's my mom's friend's kid. I don't know what she sees in him. My mom is always trying to set us up," Catherine grumbled, returning to her usual self, looking annoyed after hanging up. "Ooh, he had met your parents, huh?" Marisa teased, her curiosity going wild. "What does he look like? What's his family like? Is he better than Brian?" Brian Yare, Marisa's boyfriend, was tall, good-looking, and the captain of the school basketball team. His family owned the Skycrest Hotel, which was built to five-star standards and ranked among the top five in Cadell City's hotel industry, surpassing Marisa's family in assets. Many girls pursued him, and Marisa was proud to have snagged him. "You gold digger, all you care about is looks and family." A cool girl, Helena Shadbouly, rolled her eyes. "So what if I care about looks and money? These days, if you're not hot and your family's not rich, how can you even think about hitting on me?" Marisa retorted with her hands on her hips. "Alright, alright, we get it. Our dear Marisa has high standards," Catherine said, exasperated. "His name's Liam Casson, from Seapolis. No family, no connections, not that good-looking. My mom keeps saying he's a good, honest guy." "Honest? Like that's gonna pay the bills," Marisa snorted. Helen shook her head and said seriously, "Catherine, Marisa's views might be flawed, but if he's really as you described, lacking looks and background, even if you like him, being together would be painful. You've grown up in different circles." "I never said I liked him. Don't worry about it. My mom's matchmaking bothers me," Catherine replied, sounding annoyed. "If you don't like him, wait until he arrives. I'll teach him a lesson," Marisa huffed. "Let him know how hard it is to pursue our school belle with nothing to offer." Catherine rolled her eyes, too tired to speak. When Liam arrived, he spotted them immediately. In 2007, Starbucks had just entered Chiton and was highly sought after. Many young professionals and children from middle to upper-class families liked to spend afternoons there, sipping coffee, eating desserts, and enjoying leisure time. But even in Starbucks, Catherine's group drew the most attention. She was lovely, standing out among the crowd. Helena and Marisa were equally impressive, one tall and aloof, the other petite and adorable. The three of them were the center of attention in the whole café. "Cathy." Liam approached with a smile. He always found hanging out with girls awkward, but he didn't want to upset Leila. "You're here," Catherine greeted politely, though she was deliberately maintaining a distance. Helena didn't even look at Liam. She just sipped her coffee and stared out the window like she couldn't care less. "So you're Liam Casson?" Marisa eyed him disdainfully. She was rocking an outfit worth over 15,000. Liam wore ordinary clothes, which were easily found on the street, and there was a stark contrast between them. "You have no money, looks, or talent. Do you know many capable boys pursue Cathy? Where do you even get the nerve?" Marisa sneered. "Marisa!" Catherine shot her a look, blaming her for being too harsh. "Relax, I'm just here for dinner like Mrs. Leila asked. I'm not trying to pursue her," Liam said, glancing at Catherine. "Marisa didn't mean it that way, don't misunderstand," Catherine said. Liam chuckled, unfazed. Seeing Catherine only gave Marisa a look without explaining, he understood it was her tacit approval. Besides Cass, he didn't care much about the other girls. Since Catherine wasn't interested in him, why should he bother? After all, he had his pride. Marisa shot him a smug look, then picked up her fashion magazine and ignored him. Liam ordered a cappuccino and found a seat. He wasn't even paying much attention to Catherine or Marisa. He was more interested in Helena. Helena was Catherine's best friend. He and Helena had a fling in his past life. Helena wore a black cropped T-shirt. Her chest was high. Her waist was slender, and her shockingly long legs were exposed in tight denim shorts. Her fair skin glistened under the sun, and her white sneakers were stylish. Though not luxury brands, her tall frame gave the ordinary clothes a supermodel vibe. Despite her aloof exterior, she was kind-hearted. In Liam's past life, she even told him who Catherine liked, advising him to give up and find someone else. Unlike Marisa, who was cute, fashionably dressed, and had a privileged background, she never looked at Liam. "I remember Helena was an art student who got into Beckin Film Academy and later became an actress. She starred in popular dramas and was crowned one of the top four actresses," Liam mused while sipping his coffee and observing Helena. In his past life, he encountered Helena at a fashion party organized by a big entertainment company. Old classmates meeting again, one a billionaire heir, the other a popular celebrity, they naturally sparked some chemistry. Unfortunately, Liam faced the biggest upheaval of his life. The company collapsed, his mother passed away, and he was too overwhelmed to care for Helena. Later, when he returned to Cadell City, he heard that Helena had offended a big shot in the entertainment industry, and her career dimmed. Unable to bear the pressure, she fell into depression and took her life, ending her dazzling life before thirty. Back then, Liam sighed, recalling their meeting, considering themselves the best among their peers. Yet, one ended in poverty, the other in suicide. "Life is truly unpredictable." Liam couldn't help but reflect. Noticing his unusual gaze, Helena furrowed her brows and asked, "Do you know me?" Even though she looked cold and distant, her voice was soft and sweet. Hence, many boys pursued her despite her indifference. "I don't know you, but I'm known for my vast knowledge and fortune-telling skills," Liam joked. "Though it's our first meeting, I can tell you're an art student, and part of your name is Shadboult." "Oh? Really? What else can you see?" Liam's unexpected response piqued Helena's curiosity. Liam pretended to ponder. "You'll attend Beckin Film Academy, become an actress, and eventually a big star." "How did you know I wanted to attend Beckin Film Academy? And my goal is to be an actress!" Helena exclaimed, her mouth slightly open in surprise. "Pfft!" Marisa couldn't help but laugh. "Oh dear, Helena. You're popular at Ivy High School. He could easily find out about you," Marisa hugged Helena, teasing her with a playful kiss on the cheek. After kissing her, Marisa turned to Liam with disdain. "Dude, wooing girls isn't about sweet-talking. You're too fickle. Just rejected by Catherine, and you're flirting with Helena. Do you think we're fools?" Catherine frowned. She initially thought Liam was a bit of a braggart, but still honest. But now, he seemed to be just a smooth talker.

Chapter 8: Catherine's Friends

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