Love Against All Odds by Shirley Hugh

Chapter 15 

Claire saw a man in a white shirt from a distance, and his back seemed familiar, causing her a moment of shock. Claire hesitated before snapping back to reality and ran toward the man hurriedly. 

Seeing that the man was about to disappear around the commer, Claire couldn’t hold back and shouted. Her voice trembled slightly. 

Jeffrey, 

The man turned slowly upon hearing a voice, and Claire stared intently at his face. Unfortunately, it wasn’t Jeffrey. 

Except for those eyes that bore some resemblance to Jeffrey’s, everything else was vastly different. The eyes were now filled with confusion and looked different from Jeffrey’s. 

In Jeffrey’s eyes, there had always been clarity, as if nothing in this world could touch his heart. He was always so cold and distant as if he wasn’t from the same world as the others. 

“I’m sorry. I mistook you for someone else. Claire lowered her head, feeling somewhat disappointed yet with a hint of relief. 

Luckily, it wasn’t him. If it were, how awkward would their encounter be? Claire no longer knew how she should face Jeffrey since they separated a long time ago, and what she should say if they met. 

The man kindly smiled at Claire and waved his hand graciously. “It’s okay,” he said before leaving. 

Claire watched the man walk away with a lost expression. In an instant, countless memories flooded into her mind. She suddenly remembered that this was the third year since Jeffrey left Zaltward, and during these three years, he had not returned once. 

He seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth without a trace. 

The word Jeffrey echoed in Claire’s mind, and his once sunny face became clear, 

A wave of memories flooded Claire’s mind, causing a tsunami of emotions. Claire couldn’t help but think of all that happened between them. That was so familiar, yet it seemed so far away 

Claire was 20 then, a sophomore in college. As she had just passed her academic proficiency test with flying colors, her dorm mates suggested celebrating, and even though Claire wasn’t fond of such occasions, she didn’t decline. She didn’t want to embarrass them and spoil the mood for everyone. 

They chose a bar as the venue, and just as they were preparing to go, Byron called to tell Claire to come home. 

Claire shrugged helplessly, telling her friends to go ahead without her. She agreed to meet them by eight, and they let her go home reluctantly. 

While on the way, Claire received another call from Byron. “I’m on my way back. Don’t rush me, Claire responded with annoyance, and she was a bit impatient. 

“When you return, get Thalia her favorite cake from that bakery, okay?” Byron called just for that. 

Claire hesitated, and the corners of her mouth curled up into a mocking smile. 

Then she thought sarcastically, “Oh, you only have one daughter, huh? Then why do you need me to come back?” She restrained herself from saying what was on her mind and gave a vague agreement before hanging up. 

In the end, she complied. She went to the bakery and bought the cake. Then, she stood on the roadside and was about to hail a cab home. 

A couple by the road caught Claire’s attention, and her eyes couldn’t help but glance at them curiously. 

The couple was only two or three steps away from her, and Claire could hear the conversation between them. 

They were having a heated argument; it seemed like the guy wanted to break up, but the girl was desperately trying to keep him. They stayed on the side of the road for a long time. 

Claire sighed inwardly and thought, ‘Indeed, love could make people humble! 

Before she could finish her thoughts, a hand pulled her into a strong embrace. 

A refreshing scent filled Claire’s nose as she instinctively looked up. It was a boy. More specifically, a good–looking boy. 

Even though he was good–looking, Claire couldn’t ignore the wandering hand on her waist, 

But before she could say anything, the boy’s pink l*ps parted, and what he said just cut like a knife.. 

“See? This is my girlfriend.” 

The girl in front of him was crying uncontrollably by then. She tugged at the boy’s clothes and looked very pitiful Jeffrey, please don’t be impulsive. Can you not be angry with me?” Her voice was a little choked, 

“I’m not being impulsive. Jeffrey pushed the girl’s hand away. “I mean it. Don’t touch me. I have a cleanliness obsession.” 

Claire looked at Jeffrey with disdain. How cold–blooded to call a girl d*rty so bluntly, she thought. 

“Also, my girlfriend doesn’t like other girls touching me. Jeffrey’s gaze seemed particularly icy. 

Only then did Claire remember something important. She said hurriedly to the girl as an explanation. “Listen to me, miss. I don’t know this person; I’m not his girlfriend. You have to believe me! 

However, the girl wiped away her tears, stomped her foot, and glared at Claire with annoyance. “Don’t celebrate yet. Sooner or later, you’ll end up like me!” 

Claire kicked Jeffrey in frustration as she watched the girl depart angrily. Hey, idiot, are you out of your mind?” 

Jeffrey winced in pain. “Hey, what’s wrong with you, you heartless woman? Why kick me?* 

“If you want to break up, tell her directly. Don’t drag me into this mess. You’re something. Clure laughed in anger and kicked his shin hard again. 

Jeffrey learned his lesson quickly. He dodged agilely, a mocking smile on his face. Claire was irritated and gritted her teeth 

in hatred. 

“Being my woman is a prestigious thing! Truly, you’re in good fortune but seem unaware of it,” said Jeffrey. 

After hearing this, Claire managed a fake smile, slamming the cake she held onto Jeffrey’s charming face. With a parting remark, she said, “I truly appreciate you taking a liking to me.” 

Jeffrey, furious and flustered, yelled at Claire while she calmly smiled. Then, she made a rude gesture before hopping into a 

taxi. 

In her mind, she cursed, ‘How dare he say such things! Who would want to be his woman?” 

The cake was gone, and going home was out of the question, Claire wasn’t stupid; going home now meant having to endure a round of scolding, and she wasn’t in the mood for that misfortune. 

She instructed the driver to go to the bar. 

As night approached, the bar seemed to have become a carnival for everyone. The air was filled with the mixed scents of smoke and alcohol. Music blared at its loudest, almost deafening 

Men and women gyrated wildly on the dance floor. Curvaceous, exquisitely made–up women used flirtatious language to tease men who couldn’t control themselves. Ambiguity permeated all around. 

Most women were nestled in the arms of men, engaging in intimate conversations. Men drank and flirted with women, creating a decadent atmosphère, 

Claire covered her nose and frowned, avoiding the drunken couples as she searched for Julia and the others. Brave men approached her, inviting her to drink, but she politely declined, mentioning she was looking for friends. 

The drinks on the counter changed one by one, and Claire wandered, not knowing where to find her friends, 

“Hey, gorgeous. Over here. 

Julia whistled at Claire, her laughter particularly enticing. Two handsome blond guys sat beside her, seemingly captivated by Julia’s charm. 

Claire walked over and sat next to Julia, glancing around before asking in confusion, “Where’s Jessie and the others