Chapter 95

"I would never lay a finger on a woman, no matter what," Manuel declared firmly, his voice carrying a blend of resolve and elegance. "Selina, that's a line a man should never cross."

With that, Manuel turned and strode away. Renee, left in his wake, hurried after him, her footsteps echoing his departure. Their exit was met with a chorus of sneers and jeers, amplifying the already unpleasant atmosphere.

Lydia rolled her eyes so far back it seemed she was trying to examine her brain. "First time seeing a guy who's such a coward yet plays Mr. Nice Guy," she scoffed, her words dripping with sarcasm. "It's an eye-opener, I swear. Lucky for you, Selina, that you saw through these losers in time. Imagine the bad influence they could have had on you."

"Yeah, lucky, indeed..." Selina murmured, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. The realization had come a little late, but she was grateful for the chance to start over.

Once well away from the Starlight Club, Renee looked at Manuel with concern. "Manuel, you need to change your clothes..."

He averted his gaze, a frosty barrier appearing between them. "You go on ahead, Renee. I don't need you worrying about me."

"Manuel, I'm sorry. I had no idea Selina would be at the Starlight Club tonight. I just thought... we haven't seen each other in a while, and with Jennifer's gig there, it seemed like a good chance to have some fun," Renee explained, her voice trembling with unshed tears.

"Renee, I've thought about it, and I'm clear now. I don't have feelings for you. We agreed to try, but let's just be friends," Manuel said, his tone devoid of warmth.

His cold words struck Renee like a physical blow, leaving her speechless as a wave of profound loss overwhelmed her. Her lips quivered. "Manuel, did... did I do something wrong? I can change! I swear I can! I really love you. I'd give up everything for you—please, don't leave me."

"I'm sorry, Renee, but you can't force these things. You should go," he said, hardening his heart against her tearful gaze. He walked away without looking back, leaving Renee crying alone. Unbeknownst to her, inside the Starlight Club, Selina recounted the events as a joke to her friends.

The others' perception of Selina and her friends shifted; some men even approached, hoping to befriend the lead guitarist and drummer of The Rose. Lydia rejected them outright, but Selina's response intrigued everyone. "Taken," she simply said. The expressions around the table changed.

Thomas and the others thought about the recent music festival, the mysterious award presenter who seemed to have a special connection with Selina. Their interactions hadn't gone unnoticed.

Elaine, brimming with gossip, sidled up to Selina. "Hey Selina, is your boyfriend that hottie who presented you with the award at the festival? Spill the beans! I totally ship you guys! Not just for the looks, but that vibe when you two locked eyes... pure chemistry! So, spill it!"

"Secret," Selina teased. "When the time comes, you'll all know. For now, let me keep you guessing."

She sipped her Stardust, the blue liquid swirling—a solid nine out of ten.

"Oh, you're so bad, Selina!" Elaine chuckled.

After a few drinks, Elaine stopped her gossip-hunting and insisted Thomas and Luke join her. They opted for fruit wine this time. Elaine, however, continued enjoying the Stardust. Lydia leaned close to Selina. "Selina, you and Trevon aren't turning the fake into reality, are you?"

"You think I'd go back on a deal?" Selina quipped, a playful smirk on her lips. "Trevon and I agreed on a one-year marriage contract. Since he gives me my freedom, I respect our agreement. And... if by chance the pretend became real, Trevon would be worthy, right?"

"Oh! Knew it! Feelings are brewing," Lydia sighed, unsurprised. She'd always suspected something between Selina and Trevon, a big shot in the Brady family. Lydia felt Trevon was addictive, especially to someone as rational as Selina.

"Selina, I'm not against you dating. The boys and I might spoil you rotten, and they'd be furious to see you snatched up quickly, but in the end, they'd just want you to be happy, as long as Trevon passes our test, of course. This is your life, and we're all here for you. We've been through enough with the Harvey fiasco, and won't let that happen again."

"You know me," Selina retorted, smiling warmly. "I've already warned Trevon. If things get serious, facing your test is a given. But for now, it's time for me to leave. Enjoy the rest of your night."

"Is that the maturity of a married woman you're showing?" Lydia teased, reluctant to end their fun. Selina tapped Lydia's lips. "Exactly."

She paid with her black card and stepped out, breathing in the fresh air. Maybe it was the joy of her friends, or the thrill of besting Manuel, but she felt elated.

Checking her phone, Selina noticed Trevon hadn't messaged: "It's ten o'clock already. Hubby's being oddly patient today, not rushing me home."

Thinking about it, she smirked. The Starlight Club was Trevon's territory, and no security had been involved tonight. That explained the silence.

Selina walked to her Lamborghini and arranged for a driver. A figure appeared beside her.

Without fear, she sneered, "Manuel, since when did a high-and-mighty Harvey like you become a stalker? Or are you just itching for another beating?"

"I told you, I don't fight women," Manuel retorted, having clearly been waiting. He remembered how Selina tricked him at the Lamborghini dealership and knew she'd return. "I'm here to ask you one thing," he continued. "Did your design get approved by Cartier for the Summer Starlight...?"