Chapter 9 I had spent a few years studying abroad , living a carefree and comfortable life - and I'd long since forgotten everything that happened back home . It was by sheer coincidence that I ran into him again . A friend had dragged me to a bar for a fun night out . I had been sipping my drink and laughing at random when my eyes drifted to the stage . It was Lewis . He was doing a clumsy pole dance on stage in front of the crowd . For a moment , I genuinely thought I was imagining things . But no , it was him . Since he was an old acquaintance , I couldn't help but keep an eye on him while I drank . I watched young girls throwing cash at him , coaxing him into drinking shots . I saw him groveling shamelessly , asking those wealthy girls for tips with a smile that reeked of desperation . I couldn't help but sigh . God , how could I have been so stupid to trust him ? After paying the bill , my friend and I headed out . At the entrance , Lewis was still loudly hustling for customers , calling out to passersby . Suddenly , someone splashed a drink right in his face . He didn't even flinch . Instead , he dropped his head , mumbling apologies over and over in a tiny voice - no pride left , just total , desperate subservience . When he finally looked up , our eyes met by accident . " Emily ... " he called out . I gave him a faint smile , reached into my purse , and handed him a few loose bills . His body stiffened instantly . I had already stepped into the car . Through the rearview mirror , I could still see him standing there , unmoving . I had no idea what was running through his head , what thoughts lay behind those dull , lifeless eyes . Chapter 9 8.91 % But in the end , it didn't matter . Regret is useless - no matter how much you feel it , it changes nothing.