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The bar was high-end, expensive, just as she had expected. Celia came from a wealthy family, so it wasn’t surprising that she chose fancy places for meetups. It was her first time there, but Celia had always raved about the place.
As Ivy stepped inside in a sleek black dress, her eyes scanned the room until she spotted Celia near the bar. She was dressed in a fitted purple skirt and matching top, her hair styled in a trendy half-bun. The bold, iridescent makeup on her face shimmeredunder the dim lights, a blend of pinks and blues that highlighted her features.
Ivy took a deep breath and walked toward her.
Celia grabbed Ivy’s hand and pulled her toward the couches on the side, a semi-private area right next to the bar. At once, she slammed a glass of liquor in front of Ivy and barked, “Spill everything!”
Ivy let out a small laugh, shaking her head at her friend’s impatience. But the moment she picked up the glass, the weight of the past few days settled over her. With a deep breath, she took a sip, letting the burn steady her nerves, before launching into everything that had happened.
By the time she was done, Celia was rubbing her forehead, staring at Ivy in disbelief. “I don’t get it. This relationship—both of you doomed it from the very beginning! And not just dating—you actually married him?! What the hell, Ivy?”
Ivy took a sip of her drink, shrugging nonchalantly. “I didn’t want him to have any excuses.” She paused, her throat tightening. “I don’t… I don’t want him to come back again. I want him to leave me alone completely. I want to move on. Ihadmoved on, but then he came back. And I’m not trusting it. He’ll walk away eventually—be it in a month, two, or a year. It doesn’t matter.”
Celia sighed, pity flickering in her eyes before she quickly masked it. “Whatever.” Then, slamming her hand on the table, she announced loudly, “What’s done is done. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, right?”
Just as she spoke, a man who had been eyeing them from across the bar finally made his move. He was neatly dressed, young, and undeniably handsome, his shirt slightly unbuttonedto reveal a glimpse of his chest. He walked over confidently and took a seat beside Ivy, turning toward her with a smirk.
“Hi. I was looking at you for quite some time, but since you never looked back, I figured I’d come right here so you can get a proper look.”
Ivy blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his boldness. Celia, on the other hand, grinned in amusement, leaning back on the couch to watch the show.
Ivy offered a polite smile, shifting away slightly, but the man only moved closer. His fingers reached up, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear as he murmured, “I thought you looked pretty from a distance, but up close, you’re absolutely breathtaking.”
Before his hand could even brush against her skin, Ivy caught his wrist and pushed it away firmly. “No thanks. I’m not interested.”
Celia, however, seemed to be enjoying the interaction far too much. With a teasing smile, she leaned forward and asked the man, “Are you single? Or are you cheating right now?”
He chuckled, flashing a playful wink. “Proudly single. In fact, this might be the last time I ever try to win over a girl because the most beautiful one has already rejected me. After this, I won’t have any strength or courage left to propose to anyone else ever again.”
Celia giggled, sneaking a glance at Ivy, who shot her a glare, silently pleading for her to stop encouraging this. But Celia was too entertained. It wasn’t every day Ivy got hit on—especially since she rarely came to bars. And with this guy looking like a harmless flirt, it was rather amusing to watch.
But while the flirtation continued, Larry happened to be walking past the bar with some of his friends. He noticed the exchange and his brows furrowed instantly. ‘Didn’t Ivy and Christian get married just today?’
The displeasure on his face deepened as he pulled out his phone, snapping a picture of the moment the man tucked Ivy’s hair behind her ear. Without hesitation, he sent it to Christian with a text:
‘Is this how you’re spending your wedding night, brother? Ivy is at Blue Orchid Bar right now.’
***
Christian’s phone vibrated with the incoming message. He had gone to Ivy’s office earlier, but when he didn’t find her there, he returned home. Now, as he sat in silence on the couch, staring at the clock, waiting for Ivy, he glanced at the screen and read the message.
His entire body tensed.
He shot up from his seat, hands clenching into tight fists. A dark, agitated look clouded his eyes. Without a second thought, he stormed out of the house, his long strides full of rage as he marched to his car.
His fingers clenched around the steering wheel, his breath ragged, his brows furrowed. The image of thatbastardtouching Ivy wouldn’t leave his mind. The jealousy burned through every inch of his body, consuming him like an unstoppable fire.
That man had been so close to her, leaning in—was he about to kiss her?
His foot pressed harder on the gas pedal, increasing his speed.
When he reached the Blue Orchid Bar, he didn’t even pause. Tossing his car keys to the valet without a glance, he stormed inside, his sharp gaze sweeping across the bar, searching.
And then he saw them.
Across the bar, Ivy leaned back on the couch while the man inched closer, his voice dripping with suggestion. “You can use me, you know. I don’t mind being the guy you have a one-night stand with and then walk away. It’s okay. I’m ready to suffer through that pain, as long as it’syouwho does it.”
The bastard had the audacity togrin.