109 LURE OF THE BAR


    ARIEL’S POV


    This was definitely a nice moment, folks. The moment these two fabulousdies would finally get to


    meet the incredible woman who brought me into this world. The one who blessed me with my stunning


    looks and charm.


    I mean, let’s be real, it’s not easy looking this good, but I definitely owe it all to my mama. I couldn’t wait


    for them to see where it all came from. It was going to be epic!


    Elizabeth and Hannah approached us with big grins on their faces. I couldn’t help but smile at how


    happy they were. “Hey Ariel, how’s it going?” Elizabeth asked, getting closer to me.


    “We heard what happened at the office?” Hannah chimed in.


    “Wait, you guys know about that?” I raised an eyebrow in surprise.


    “Of course, we’re just d you’re okay,” Elizabeth said with concern.


    “Yeah, I’m d too,” I replied, taking a seat. I knew it was time to introduce my mom to them. They


    needed to be friends, and I was going to be the one to make it happen.


    “Have you two met my mom?” I asked, gesturing to my mother. Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she turned


    to look at my mom.


    “Your mom?” She said in awe. “Wow, so this is the mother of the beautiful angel standing before us?”


    “Yes, I am,” my mom replied with a smile.


    “Well, no wonder you’re so beautiful,” Elizabeth said with a grin.


    My mom blushed, “Oh, you’re too kind.”


    “Seriously, you two are too cute,” Iughed, enjoying the interaction between my two favorite women.


    “Howe you never told us about your mom?” Elizabeth asked, turning to me.


    “It’s a long story,” I said with a shrug.


    “Did you guys have a falling out?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.


    “No, not at all,” I reassured her, turning to my mom. “Anyways mom, this is *Elizabeth, the one I lived


    with after I left Luke. She’s an amazing woman and her


    son is just as amazing.”


    “Oh wow, you have a son?” My mom eximed, her face lighting up.


    “Yes, and he’s quite handsome,” I whispered to her, causing her to giggle.


    “Okaydies, as much as I love this introduction, we do have a reason for being here,” Hannah


    interrupted with a smile..


    “What reason?” I asked, confused.


    “We’re taking you to the mall!” she announced with a grin.


    “The mall?” I repeated with a puzzled expression. This seemed a bit extrerne.


    “Yes, we need to find you the perfect dress for the party tonight,” she exined.


    “Is that really necessary?” I questioned, wondering why they were making such a big deal out of it.


    “That’s what I said,” Elizabeth chimed in, rolling her eyes.


    “But we have to make sure you look like a goddess,” Hannah argued.


    “You already are a goddess,” Elizabeth said softly.


    “See? You don’t need a new dress,” I told her, agreeing with Elizabeth.


    “But it’ll be fun, trust me,” Hannah insisted.


    “Fine, fine. I’ll go,” I gave in, knowing I couldn’t win this argument.


    “Aren’t you guys supposed to be preparing for the party?” I asked, looking at Hannah.


    “Lisa has everything under control,” she replied with a wave of her hand. “We don’t have to worry about


    anything, she’s in charge.”


    “Well, in that case, let’s go shopping!” I said, getting up from my seat.


    “Finally!” Hannah cheered, grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the door.


    My mom justughed, watching the three of us.


    “Hold on,” I said, and Hannah halted. “I need to go take a shower,” I added.


    She let go of my arm. “Okay then, but hurry up, okay?”


    I smiled at her, and advanced towards the stairs. My mom and Elizabeth were having a conversation,


    and it seemed like they were about to be good friends.


    LUKE’S POV


    I was seated at thevish bar, the dim light reflecting off the polished mahogany


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Center Isailed the amber liquid in my ss, falding in the rich aroma of the eqensive whizbory.


    I had to say, today was quite a day. From the scene that happened right outside wy house, to the crap


    which took ce at Ariel’s office, I felt so sorry seeing her In such state, and I also felt sorry for the way


    I talked to her, and Andre.


    Leould have apologized, but my pride was right here within me, making it hard for me to utter a simple


    sorry. That was just how I was. Well, sometimes. I could be a pochopath, a total pain in the ass. All my


    crazy feats I could remember. And sometimes, I just wanted to beat the hell out of myself.


    I remembered one time when I caught Harriet with this man. I thought he wanted. to force himself on


    her, so I had to beat him up


    But now that I hade to think of it, he wasn’t trying to vite her. She was actually cheating on me.


    It all made sense now, how she didn’t say anything when I gave that man hell.


    But no need to go deep in that. It was all in the past. I wasn’t going to lie, I did miss Harriet. The times


    we spent together, oh she was really an angel. Why did things have to change?


    ncing around the opulent room, my eyes met those of a stunning woman at the other end of the bar.


    She was captivating, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. Her dark hair cascaded over her


    shoulders, and her elegant dress hugged her curves in all the right ces. Her gaze lingered on me,


    and I couldn’t deny the maic pull of her beauty.


    However, I made it clear to myself that I was not going to be swayed by her allure. I hade to the


    bar for a quiet drink, seeking sce after all the bullshit. I had no interest in getting entangled in the


    allure of a beautiful stranger.


    Despite my resolve, I couldn’t help but steal nces in her direction. Her smile was enchanting, and


    the way she carried herself exuded confidence and grace. And before I knew it, this woman made her


    way over to where I was seated, She took the stool next to me, her presence filling the space with an


    undeniable charm “Good evening,” she greeted me, her voice smooth and alluring.


    I acknowledged her with a polite nod, trying to maintain myposure. I could sense her eyes on me,


    and I knew she was waiting for a response.


    “Is this seat taken?” she asked, gesturing to the empty stool beside me.


    “No,” I answered immediately.


    OF THE NAR


    “Are you sure?”


    I took a imoment, letting out a deep sigh, before responding, “Fine. It’s all yours.”


    She smiled, her lips curving into a knowing expression. “I couldn’t help but notice you from across the


    room. You seemed lost in thought.”


    “Just enjoying a moment of peace.”


    Her gaze lingered on me, her eyes holding a hint of curiosity. “It’s rare to find someone in a ce like


    this who isn’t here for thepany.”


    I raised an eyebrow. “I prefer thepany of a good drink over anything else at the moment.


    Sheughed immediately. “A man of discerning tastes, I see.”


    I felt her hand moving closer to mine. Oh gosh, this was a goddamn temptation


    OFRIENDS?


    110 FRIENDS?