Hold My Tear, I’m Getting My Wife Back!

In the evening, Joy slipped into a sleek black off-the-shoulder gown, reluctantly linking arms with Austin to be his date for the night.

Austin, not one to fuss over his appearance, usually sported a laid-back look with his shirt casually unbuttoned at the top. But tonight, he was all buttoned up and donned a tie, oozing a charm that was hard to ignore.

Upon their arrival at the cocktail party, Joy's gaze wandered, taking in the scene. She noticed that, although there were many stunning dates present, quite a few men were stag, without a female companion in sight.

Baffled, she leaned in and whispered, "Isn't it mandatory to bring a date? How come these guys didn't bring one?"

Austin whispered back, "I never said it was mandatory."

A wave of irritation washed over Joy as she glared at him. "If it's not mandatory, then why did you make me come with you?"

"Just because it's not a must, doesn't mean I can't bring a date," Austin retorted with a mock seriousness. "I'd feel less of myself seeing others with dates and me without one."

Joy was at a loss for words, managing only to mutter, "That's vain."

was that?" Austin

forced smile, Joy

party was, as the name suggested,

could strike up a conversation with anyone

needed to say a word; she had the

hand. She turned to Austin, who seemed to

grabbing some snacks, her spot

drink in hand, teased Austin, "Got a

hinting at a strength that suggested she could take on

nonchalantly replied while

Didn't

portion of beef tartare and

lady nearby, intrigued by Joy's enthusiasm, asked if the food was good. Unable to speak, Joy gave a thumbs-up along with a convincing nod,

to Joy, the lady was the wife of a high-profile executive. Yet, there she was, engaging in lively banter about which dishes were hits and which were misses, having tasted her