Chapter 119

In the underground car park, Sebastian slid into the passenger seat of the Cullinan, bringing a blast of cold air with him. “Mate, everything’s sorted. Thalia 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. Thalia 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 Thalia again and tactfully remained silent, not wanting to disturb his thoughts.

After a long moment, Asher spoke, “I miss her so much.”

Sebastian: “…”

“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 Thalia, 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 bottling 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!”

Sebastian instinctively glanced sideways at Asher. He had visibly lost weight over the past few weeks. Dark circles under his eyes were clear evidence that he hadn’t been sleeping properly for several nights. Sebastian knew exactly how deeply Asher loved Thalia. 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 it painful to watch.

Sebastian exchanged a few more words with Victoria, who mentioned she was planning to take Thalia out for drinks. Sebastian feigned casual interest: “Which bar are you heading to? I’ll come by later to pick you up.”

Victoria didn’t think twice about it and easily took the bait, telling him the name of the bar. “Right then, keep Thalia company tonight. I’ll come get you later. Don’t drink too much—you’ll end up with another headache and upset stomach.”

“Yes, yes, I know. Stop fussing,” Victoria replied.

After hanging up, Sebastian shrugged. “All set. In twenty minutes, we head to The Connaught Bar.”

Thalia 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, Thalia had thrown herself into work, keeping herself busy to avoid thinking about Asher. 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. Thalia 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. Thalia 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 Thalia entered, the cacophony of voices and music made her frown. She didn’t particularly enjoy such settings.

“Thalia, over here!” Victoria waved, with Charlotte standing beside her. Thalia walked over, and Victoria expertly led her to the bar counter, seating her on a high stool. “Leo, three Mojitos please.”

The bartender smiled and nodded, skillfully beginning to mix the drinks. Victoria leaned close to Thalia’s ear and whispered, “This bartender, Leo, is 25 this year. He’s the main attraction of this bar. What do you think? Rather fit, isn’t he?”

Thalia 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. Thalia 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. Thalia 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!”

Thalia 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 smile. “No need for thanks, beautiful.” Their eyes connected, and a subtle chemistry developed between them. Thalia and Charlotte exchanged a bewildered glance, their wide eyes filled with shock. Did they just hook up like that?

After finishing one drink, Thalia 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 miss 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. Just tell me what type you fancy, and I’ll sort it.”

Thalia had already consumed three drinks and was feeling quite tipsy. She mumbled indistinctly, “Don’t… ward… any of…”

Victoria was also rather drunk, and the bar was noisy. She didn’t hear clearly. “What? You do want some…”

Thalia shook her head. “I don’t like that sort of thing…”

Victoria misheard again, “What? You just want to see those eight-pack abs?”

What was she on about?

Thalia was drunk, her cheeks flushed and her gaze unfocused. Ten minutes later, five members of The Dreamboys, all over six feet tall with chiseled abs, stood in a line before Thalia, saying in unison, “At your service~”

Thalia, 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 Thalia?”