Chapter 61

Asher was playing snooker with friends at an exclusive gentlemen's club. Alexander chalked his cue, a cigarette dangling from his lips, and teased, "Well, well, look who's graced us with his presence. How is it you have time for us tonight, Asher? Not picking up your precious Thalia from work?"

Since Thalia had started working and moved into her own apartment, Asher had devoted his free time to her Tribeca flat. It had been ages since he'd joined his friends for a get-together. After the incident at the engagement ceremony and his subsequent hospital stay, their relationship had grown even closer; he made time almost daily to pick her up.

Asher's expression remained neutral as he lined up his shot. "She's having dinner with colleagues tonight."

"Left behind, are we?" Alexander laughed dramatically, his expression deliberately provocative. "Has the mighty Asher Blackwood actually been abandoned by a woman? What sort of colleague dinner could possibly be more important than you?"

Asher's demeanor cooled. He glanced at Alexander with a frigid gaze. "Abandoned?"

"Hardly," Asher replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. "She'll be coming home after her gathering, won't she? What about you? Will you be picking up your girlfriend later?"

The remark, though not overtly malicious, was deeply insulting. Everyone knew Alexander was perpetually single. He ground his teeth in annoyance, turning to William. "Would you look at him, mocking a chap like that. William, you're single too—how can you stand for this?"

William cleared his throat. "Actually, I'm seeing someone."

"What?" Alexander's jaw dropped, his cigarette falling. "You're dating someone?"

William nodded.

"You never mentioned it! Which family is she from? The Kensingtons? Or perhaps old Westminster money?" Alexander's curiosity was piqued. The Kensingtons were London elite; the Westminsters held considerable political influence, second only to the Blackwoods and Powells. William, from a political dynasty, would naturally court someone of equivalent status, Alexander assumed.

Before William could answer, Alexander continued, "I saw that Kensington girl recently, just back from studying abroad. Absolutely stunning. Tell me, is it her?"

William shook his head. "Just an ordinary university student."

"What?" Alexander looked incredulous. "An ordinary university student?"

Asher's reaction was remarkably casual; he merely glanced briefly at William. "Will your family approve?"

William exhaled a smoke ring. "It's just a bit of fun, not marriage. What's there to disapprove of?"

Alexander clicked his tongue. "Since when did you start playing around with university girls? Aren't you worried she'll become rather clingy?"

William smiled carelessly. "What's there to worry about? A couple of designer handbags and some cash. If I don't want to see her, how would she even reach me?"

Alexander rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That's true enough." For men of their social stratum, unless they chose to be accessible, ordinary people would rarely encounter them.

Asher took another shot, his gaze passing over William, his tone neutral but pointed. "Playing with someone's emotions like that—aren't you concerned about karma?"

William smiled. "Who's playing with emotions? We're simply meeting each other's needs."

Asher responded, "That's your business, but be careful. Don't find yourself trapped in something you can't escape."

Alexander's eyes lit up. "What does she look like? Bring her around sometime, let us have a look."

William's expression cooled. "What for? She's not part of our circle. There's no point."

Alexander shrugged. "Fair enough." Asher said nothing more. While playing, he checked his phone regularly, afraid of missing a message from Thalia. After several frames, he received a text from Alfred Clarke: “[I heard you have trouble in the bedroom department, mate?]”

Asher's brow furrowed. Just as they finished playing, Alexander, passing Asher, caught sight of the message and erupted in laughter.

"HAHAHAHA!" Alexander's laughter was exaggerated. "Is it true? HAHAHA! You have erectile dysfunction?"

Asher's expression turned frigid. Alexander stifled his laughter, though his expression remained comically strained. "What's the story then?"

Asher stood. "I'm leaving."

Alexander followed him, grinning and giving William a conspiratorial look. "Come on, let's follow him. This should be rather entertaining."

At the bar, Thalia accepted another drink and took a few sips before swaying unsteadily and beginning to sing. When Asher arrived, Thalia was reaching the climax of Blackpink and Selena Gomez's "Ice Cream," her voice dramatically off-key.

Alexander winced upon entering, covering his ears. "Bloody hell, who's butchering that song?"

Asher recognized Thalia's voice and remained impassive. As they approached, they saw Thalia performing on a small stage.

Alexander nudged Asher. "Go on, fetch your fiancée down from there. That's pure noise pollution! Most singers charge for their performances; she ought to be paying damages for this assault on our eardrums!"

Asher stood motionless. "Let her enjoy herself."

Alexander was speechless. "Right, keep indulging her," Alexander said, settling onto a bar stool. Asher sat beside him, his eyes fixed on the stage, his lips curved in a tender smile.

William observed Thalia with interest, then glanced at Asher, his tone teasing. "Your Thalia has quite the talent, doesn't she?"

Alexander laughed. "You know, after a while, you almost become immune to it."

Thalia was thoroughly intoxicated, mangling lyrics and singing off-key, attempting dance moves that nearly sent her tumbling. Asher listened to the entire song before walking onto the stage. He gently took hold of her wrist.

Feeling his touch, Thalia turned, her gaze hazy. "Hello, handsome. You're absolutely gorgeous. According to my calculations, you're definitely my soulmate."

That endearment made Asher's heart skip a beat. His breathing faltered as he stood, momentarily frozen.

Thalia tilted her face upward, smiling brightly. Her flushed cheeks dimpled, creating an expression so sweet he couldn't look away. They gazed at each other for several seconds. Suddenly, Thalia leaned forward, nestling her head against his chest. She nuzzled against him, murmuring contentedly. "Mmm, even your scent is exactly like my darling's."

Asher typically wore Creed Silver Mountain Water cologne. Thalia found the scent irresistible. "You smell wonderful, love…"