Seeing Alice wiping away tears from a distance, Richard took the initiative to approach her. As if understanding what was going on, he chose not to ask too many questions first. This is actually what Richard was afraid of all this time.

"Do you want to go home, Al? I can take you now," said Richard.

Alice took a deep breath and then forced her lips to smile at Richard. "I will accompany you to Mr.Aaron's dinner, Rich."

"Are you sure, Al?" Richard seemed hesitant to take Alice when his feelings were as uncertain as they were at the moment.

"Honestly I'm OK." Again, Alice smiled faintly at Richard.

"But...