In the underground car park
Sebastian slid into the passenger seat of the Cullman, bringing a blast of cold air with him. “Mate, everything’s sorted. Kimberly accepted the bags and the car
Asher’s long fingers rested on the steering wheel as his Adam’s apple bobbed. Did she
suspect anything?”
Sebastian answered honestly: “She did ask if you’d bought the car. I coordinated with Victoria to smooth it over. Kimberly trusts Victoria completely, so she shouldn’t question it
further
Asher responded with a heavy “Mmm.”
For a while, Sebastian wasn’t sure what to say. Asher stared blankly into space, and the car was so quiet that the soft whoosh of the heating was clearly audible.
Sebastian knew Asher was thinking about Kimberly again and tactfully remained silent, not wanting to disturb his thoughts.
After a long moment. Asher spoke. “I miss her so much.”
Sebastian M
“Hang on Sebastian pulled out his phone. “Let me see what I can do.”
Sebastian called Victoria.
“Hello, Victoria. I just delivered the car to Kimberly and she seemed rather down–like a deflated balloon, really I think she’s still hurting inside. I’m worried she’ll make herself ill bouling it all up. Tomorrow’s Saturday and she’s not working why don’t you take her out tonight, try to cheer her up?
Victoria complained from the other end: “Well of course she’s not over it yet! She was completely smitten with Asher. How is it fair that she’s suffering while he’s gallivanting
around with some actress like nothing happened? You men are such cold–hearted bastards!”
目
362
Sebastian instinctively glanced sideways at Asher
He had visibly lost weight over the past few weeks
There were dark circles under his eyes, clear evidence that he hadn’t been sleeping properly for several nights
Sebastian knew exactly how deeply Asher loved Kimberly. In all their years of friendship. he’d never seen Asher so devoted to a woman. This typically composed, self controlled man was practically falling into depression over their breakup.
He was actually a hopeless romantic, yet circumstances had forced him to bear the labels of “heartless bastard” and “cheating scoundrel.” Even as an observer. Sebastian found
painful to watch
Sebastian exchanged a few more words with Victoria, who mentioned she was planning to
take Kimberly out for drinks.
Sebastian feigned casual interest: “Which bar are you heading to? I’ll come by later to pick
you up
think twice about it and easily took the bait, telling him the name of the bar
keep Kimberly company tonight. I’ll come get you later Don’t drink too
‘ll end up with another headache and upset stomach”
es, yes, I know. Stop fussing.” Victoria replied.
After hanging up, Sebastian shrugged. “All set. In twenty minutes, we head to The Connaught Bar”
Kimberly had no plans for the evening originally She’d intended to eat dinner, watch some
television, and go to bed early.
Shortly after finishing dinner, she received Victoria’s call inviting her out for drinks,
During the day, Kimberly had thrown herself into work, keeping herself busy to avoid thinking about Asher.
山
34
But when evening came, her longing grew uncontrollably, making her chest so tight she could hardly breathe.
Heartbreak was like a serious illness with no cure only alcohol could numb the pain.
Kimberly needed to release her emotions.
The white McLaren moved through the winter fog like a phantom.
The outdoor car park at The Connaught Bar was filled with luxury vehicles.
Kimberly handed her keys to the valet and walked up the steps in her lambskin heels, heading into the bar.
At eleven at night, the nightlife was just beginning. The bar was packed, lights flashing. music blaring. In the central dance floor, a crowd of revelers pressed against each other.
swaying to the music.
This was a breeding ground for ambiguity and indulgence
As Kimberly entered, the cacophony of voices and music made her frown.
She didn’t particularly enjoy such settings.
“Kimberly, over here!” Victoria waved, with Charlotte standing beside her.
Kimberly walked over, and Victoria expertly led her to the bar counter, sitting her on a high stool “Leo, three Mojitos, please.”
The bartender smiled and nodded, skillfully beginning to mix the drinks.
Victoria leaned close to Kimberly’s ear and whispered “This bartender, Leo, is 26 this year. He’s the ‘signature attraction of this bar What do you think? Rather fit, isn’t he?”
Kimberly lifted her gaze to appraise the man. He wasn’t very tall, perhaps around 5’9“, with delicate features and an attractive face. His slightly curly hairstyle gave him the appearance of a handsome Japanese actor from a film.
Kimberly
discreetly withdrew her gaze and replied: “He’s alright”
│
Victoria grinned. “Do you fancy this type? This is what I meant by a ‘cute puppy. Many girls come to the bar just for him.”
As if on cue, a young woman approached Leo, flirting openly and sliding a thick wad of notes across the counter.
Kimberly shook her head. “Too many women around him. Not suitable”
“What are you worried about? It’s just a bit of fun, not marriage. Victoria said, raising an eyebrow. “Why should men be the only ones who get to play? Asher’s already parading around with some actress are you still going to save yourself for him? Have some fun! Let loose!
Kimberly frowned. I’m… I’m not interested….
“That’s because you haven’t experienced the pleasure of it.”
The bartender placed three Mojitos in front of them.
Victoria smiled at him. “Thanks, handsome.”
The bartender met Victoria’s gaze with a seductive simile. “No need for thanks, beautiful.”
Their eyes connected, and a subtle chemistry developed between them.
Kimberly and Charlotte exchanged a bewildered glance, their wide eyes filled with shock,
Did they just hook up like that?
After finishing one drink, Kimberly felt even more miserable than before. The saying “drowning sorrows in alcohol only deepens the sorrow” certainly held true.
Under the influence of alcohol, she seemed to muss Asher even more.
Victoria tried to encourage her: “Don’t worry, if you don’t like him, I’ll introduce you to others. Remember I mentioned getting some male models? This bar has plenty of gorgeous ones. Wait here, I’ll call their manager over. Just tell me what type you fancy, and I’ll sort it.”
Kimberly had already consumed three drinks and was feeling quite tipsy. She mumbled indistinctly: “Don’t want any…”
THI
*.36%
Victoria was also rather drunk, and the bar was noisy. She didn’t hear clearly. “What? You do want some?”
Kimberly shook her head. “I don’t like that sort of thing…”
Victoria misheard again: “What? You just want to see those right pack abs?”
What was she on about?
Kimberly was drunk, her cheeks flushed and her gaze unfocused.
Ten minutes later, five members of The Dreamboys, all over 6 feet tall with chiseled abs. stood in a line before Kimberly, saying in unison: “At your service”
Kimberly, in her drunken state. giggled foolishly. “Hello there.”
She had to admit, they were quite attractive.
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit booth in the bar, Asher stared at the payment notification that
had just appeared on his phone, his expression darkening severely. “She’s using my card to hire The Dreamboys for Kimberly?”
0
