Apocalypse Fighter

Chapter 21 Richard’s Invitation

“Expensive? How much? Henry, why are you so mean? We haven’t seen each other for years. What’s all this talk about the price tag? We can go dutch, okay?” Janet was not pleased. 

Janet knew Henry was rich now. Henry ran his company quite well and had managed to earn a lot of money in recent years. Even if this party cost a few thousands, it should not be a big deal. s 

“Go Dutch? You can say it again after you see this.” Henry said, showing Janet the bill. 

Janet was shocked. “What… Did you order food or just buy the whole restaurant? How did this happen?” She looked at Henry, petrified. “Are you sure this is right? I can’t afford this! It’s madness! Fix this, Henry!”

It was nearly ten thousand dollars! Ten thousand dollars for a single meal? It was ludicrous. 

“How could it be? What costs this much money? There must be something wrong. Where is the manager? Can anyone go to find him? We must recheck our tab.”

Everyone in the room started to discuss the bill. No one could accept it. 

“There is no need to find a manager. The bill is right. Can’t you see the Bluefin tuna, caviar, sea urchin, and the wine? We can try them today because of Mary. Her husband especially ordered that for her.” Henry looked at the other men in the room and uttered coldly. He was planning to humiliate Richard.

“Henry is right. I ordered them. But you don’t have to worry about the bill. Henry and I decided to pay the bill together. Just enjoy yourselves!” Richard said as he hugged Mary gently. He added, “You have married me for years. But I seldom give you an opportunity to try such things. Now, you gave me the best gift on earth, our son. I want you to have the best things. Mary, thank you for what you have done for me. I love you.”

“Richard…” Mary looked at him with tears in her eyes. For the first time in a while, she felt truly cherished by Richard. She felt like the luckiest woman on earth.

Everyone in the room except Henry started to clap. They were shocked by Richard’s consideration. They were also touched by the love between this couple. Lily was so moved that she cried on Janet’s shoulder.

Many people praised Richard and commented on Mary’s good fortune in finding a man as principled and noble as Richard. 

Henry started to wonder if he had been wrong this entire time. 

Am I wrong? I love Mary. But she already has a man who makes her happy. What should I do? Should I give up? No! I can’t give up! I can’t live without Mary. I can’t squander this opportunity to show her that I’m the man for her, not Richard. 

Henry clenched his fists and walked to Richard. He uttered firmly, “Richard, maybe I shouldn’t say this. But I must say it. Many classmates knew I loved Mary. But she chose you. Okay, I respect her choice. But we all know that you moved here because you lost your job.” Henry blurted.

“Well, if you and I are going to pay this bill tonight… you will need to pay about five thousand dollars. Have you considered your future? Do you have money to provide Mary with a life free from worries about money? Do you really think love can solve everything? If you really think so, you are so naïve!”

“Henry! You…” Janet couldn’t help uttering to stop Henry. But once she opened her mouth, she didn’t know what she should say.

It was a fact that everyone knew that Henry loved Mary. But Henry never harassed Mary. He did nothing wrong.

As for Richard? He spent money to give his wife better things. Though a touching gesture, such a waste of money was irresponsible in terms of their future. They had a child to take care of. Even if Richard had millions of dollars, he shouldn’t waste money like this.

What was Richard thinking? Was he truly an irresponsible man?

Everyone was quiet. They all looked at Richard and waited for his explanation.

Richard sipped tea and smiled. “In a few days, Mary and I will have a party for Steven. If you are not busy, you are all welcome. Don’t worry about me and my finances. I’d like for everyone to simply have a good time.”

“A party for little Steven? I will be there. Lily, what about you?” Janet shouted.

Slowly, people around the room began chattering again. It was not as quiet before. Although Richard’s rash spending was strange, everyone was too curious to know more about his life with Mary. The party would be a rare opportunity to peek into the lives of the rich and famous. 

In the back of their heads, everyone hoped that if Richard was indeed a millionaire, perhaps he could spare something for the rest of them too…