Chapter 453
Across the bar, a man lounged with an air of self-satisfaction, nked by two women who clung to him like ivy. His name was
Chuck, and like his buddy Lucius, he reveled in thepany of the opposite sex. Birds of a feather indeed flocked together,
indulging in all manner of vices - drinking, gambling, and enjoying thepany of women were but a few of their shared
pastimes. Tonight, they had convened in the neon glow of the bar, seeking the thrill of the night and the charm of thedies.
The women who apanied them were no strangers to this world of nightly escapades. Skilled in the art of ttery, they didn''t
waste much time before one full-figured siren had Lucius wrapped around her finger, and soon they disappeared into the privacy
of a booth. Before long, the sounds of sex- a woman''s moans and a man’s restrained growls - spilled from the booth, painting the
air with a vividness that flushed the cheeks of those outside.
Aroused by the unbridled indulgence, the other man led hispanion into an adjacent booth to sate the desires coursing
through him.
After half an hour, the woman who had entered with Lucius staggered out, giving her waiting friends a knowing smirk. One of her
compatriots, with a sultry smile and a toss of her hair, sashayed into the booth to continue what could only be described as
licentious exploits with Lucius.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.
The bar''s music pulsed, mirroring the rhythmic escapades unfolding within each private booth. As dawn approached, the revelers
dispersed, leaving behind a grim tableau of crumpled napkins, empty bottles, and the lingering stench of cigarette smoke - a
nauseating blend that bore witness to the night''s excesses.
Weary from his nocturnal pursuits, Lucius drove back to his vi. The lights were on, a sure sign that Gabby was awake, waiting
for his return. Upon entering the living room, Lucius found Gabby asleep on the couch, clutching their daughter, Anna. His
disdain for her was palpable; he couldn''t understand why he couldn''t shake her off, despite his genuine dislike for her.
Gabby awoke at the sound of his arrival. She looked up at Lucius with heavy eyes, her heart sinking. The man she loved with
every fiber of her being did not return her affections with the same depth. There was a particr type of sorrow in loving
someone who didn’t love you back. Gabby’s silent endurance and her efforts seemed to be more of a nuisance to Lucius than
anything else.
Gabby''s heart ached with a profound sense of insignificance. She felt as small as a shrimp in the vast ocean, yearning for the
soaring eagle above. Despite knowing the futility of her desire, she couldn''t help but long to be closer to him. Her grief, heavy
and unyielding, threatened to overwhelm her, and tears welled in her eyes despite her best efforts to stay strong.
“Dummy,” she called out to Lucius, "Why didn''t youe homest night? Anna and | waited up for you."
His patience was already threadbare, but Lucius turned to her with irritation. "| had a business engagement, drinks with a client.
Can''t you just let it be and not ask so many questions?"
Gabby approached him, her heart aching at the sight of his haggard appearance. She began to speak, only to catch sight of a
lipstick mark on his neck. Her words died in her throat as a sharp pain gripped her heart.
“Are you done?" Lucius snapped, eager to escape to the solitude of his room. "I''m tired, and I''ve got work to deal with. If you
can''t handle being with me, there''s the door."
Gabby, tears streaming down her face, reached out to him. "Dummy, this isn''t you. You promised to love me forever, and now
you''re telling me to leave?"
Lucius’ gaze was frosty as he retorted, "You really don''t get it, do you, Gabby? If it weren''t for the past, do you think I''d spare you
a second nce? Stop deluding yourself. Look in the mirror and see what | have to deal with. It''s repulsive." He shrugged off her
hand and ascended the stairs, eager to wash away the night''s residue.
Gabby, devastated by his harsh words, pleaded. "If that''s how you feel, then give me what''s mine, and Anna and | will leave."
Lucius’ response was a p that sent Gabby sprawling. "Ugly bitch! Are you asking money from me? Let me tell you, before |
lose my temper, you better get as far away from me as possible!" Lucius spat, knocking Gabby to the ground.
The noise startled Anna, who had
been asleep on the sofa. At a little
over a year old, she didn''t understand
what was hap ping jiltshé-saw her
mother crying on the floor and Lucius
advancing menacingly. She quickly
jumped down from the sofa and
sprinted to position herself
protectively in front of Gabby. "Daddy,
don''t hurt mommy. You''re a bad
man" Please read the original
content at .
Lucius was furious and he regarded Anna coldly, his stride never broken. His anger urged him to throw everyone out of his way.
Yet little Anna stood in front of Gabby, unafraid of Lucius’s looming presence.
With her deep blue eyes, she looked
calmly at Lucius, much like Natalia
had all those years ago. Luci conan!
reached ef intgcaing io tr e, but
je a’s unwavering gaze, his
hand fell limp at his side. Taking a
deep breath, Lucius decided not to
hurt Anna. He turned and left the
room, quickly driving away from the
vi. Please read the original content
at .
Left in the living room were Gabby,
who was bruised and sprawled on
the floor, and little Anna daneriag\the
ie GabhphAanne tightly
S bingy uncontrobly. Anna,
understanding more than a child her
age should, softly patted Gabby''s
back. "Don''t cry Mommy. I’m here
with you." Please read the original
content at .
These words hurt Gabby even more. She stared at Anna''s clear eyes, hugged her tighter, and cried even more.