Chapter 187

Aaron skulked to a corner, defeated and dejected. Further efforts would only humiliate him. Slumping into a chair, he sullenly sipped his drink.

Soon, Phoebe approached.

"What do you want? Here to rub it in? Beat it!" Aaron snapped coldly.

Phoebe's face darkened. His sulking clearly unimpressed her.

"Oh, don't take it out on me because you're a loser!" she sneered. "Honestly, you've spent four years chasing Irene like a lovesick fool. Has she ever even glanced at you? You've embarrassed yourself and everyone! You're the heir to the Burke family! What happened to your pride? Did you leave it at the bottom of your whiskey glass?" Her disdain was palpable. Her rant only deepened Aaron's scowl.

"If I were you, I would have had Irene ages ago," she said mockingly. "It's just a woman. How can it be so hard? All you need are a few tricks. Are you really this useless?" A dangerous glint flickered in Aaron's darkening eyes.

He knew easier ways. His pride and insistence on being a gentleman had held him back. But tonight's public humiliation had broken something inside him. "What's your plan?" he asked sharply.

Irene and Dustin prepared to leave the ball, but Aaron and Phoebe intercepted them.

"Aaron, this is pointless," Irene said exasperatedly. "There's nothing between us, and there never will be."

"I know," Aaron said with unusual sincerity. "I've accepted it." He paused. "Irene, graduation is near. Once we leave, we may never cross paths again. I just want to share a drink with you—one last toast. After that, I swear, I'll never bother you again."

Phoebe added apologetically, "Irene, we've all made mistakes, and I know I've wronged you. Let's have a drink, clear the air, and leave the past behind."

Irene hesitated, glancing at Dustin. He seemed unconcerned, so she nodded. If this ended things, she didn't mind a drink.

She turned to Dustin. "Will you come with me?"

"Your call," Dustin replied easily. "I'll follow your lead."

Irene smiled. Aaron and Phoebe exchanged a glance, a flicker of malice briefly in their eyes.

The four drove to an upscale karaoke lounge. Phoebe was a regular; she spoke with the staff, who escorted them to the largest private room. "Let's make tonight unforgettable! My treat!" Aaron cheered.

"That's right," Phoebe grinned. "After tonight, we go our separate ways, so let's make it count. No one leaves sober!" She gestured for drinks.

They requested a sentimental farewell song. Irene felt increasingly uncomfortable. She shared no camaraderie with Aaron or Phoebe, and the atmosphere was painfully awkward.

Phoebe poured Irene wine, offering it with a forced smile. "Irene, this is on me. Consider it my apology for the past four years."

Irene wasn't a big drinker, but she accepted the glass politely. Phoebe poured Dustin a drink. "And for you, Dustin. Let's just say it's thanks for keeping us entertained." She raised her glass, her gaze flitting expectantly between them.

Oblivious to the tension, Irene raised her glass. Dustin examined his drink with a small smile. Aaron and Phoebe exchanged a tense glance. Dustin casually raised his glass to his lips.

Phoebe and Aaron visibly relaxed. "Cheers!" Phoebe said brightly.

They clinked glasses; Irene and Dustin downed their drinks. Phoebe's eyes lit up in satisfaction as she quickly finished hers.

Chapter 187

Aaron leaned forward, fixing his gaze on Irene. "Irene, I meant every word I ever said. These past four years, I've given you nothing but my sincerest feelings. It's unfortunate that you could never see it." He paused, sighing dramatically. "But love can't be forced. I see that now." Raising his glass, he offered a faint, bittersweet smile. "Here's to moving on! To leaving the past behind and walking separate paths."