I had just finished a hearty meal, setting aside my fork. “So, you agreed to
meet Steven?”
Christine said, “Yeah, I did.”
Christine and I were clearing up the pizza boxes together. “He acted like a
child the other day and refused to listen to a word I said. And there’s stuff that
just doesn’t come across right over the phone, so we might as well meet one
last time to end it.”
I nodded in agreement. “I’ve got your back.”
Christine asked, “Will you come with me then?”
“Yeah, of course,” I chuckled, teasing her, “What if I don’t go, and he decides
to take you away to the middle of nowhere?”
The place they’d chosen was that same exclusive club.
Christine led the way leisurely, and when we reached the private room, I
paused, “Go ahead. It’ll be hard for you guys to talk if I’m there. Just text me if
you need me, and I’ll come running.”
“Okay.” With a nod, Christine pushed the door open and went in.
I stayed outside, watching the staff bustling by with trays of snacks and
drinks, feeling out of place. I decided to wander off to the rooftop garden
nearby.
Winter had set in, making the nights in RiverCity damp and cold.
Yet, the club had spared no expense in their rooftop garden, creating a
luxurious and beautiful escape. Amidst the artificial mountains and lakes, rare
plants thrived, creating an oasis of spring amid autumn and winter.
As I neared the faux mountain, a familiar voice overwhelmed the sound of
flowing water.
It was muffled, but curiosity drew me closer, and then I heard Bryant’s voice,
sharp and cold, “You set up the thing with Dorothy, didn’t you?”
I froze. Who was Bryant talking to? Were they talking about Dorothy wanting
to marry Bryant?
And soon, another voice provided the answer.
It held a cold smoothness, replying lightly, “Mr. Ferguson, accusations without
proof.”
“It was you. Bryant scoffed, “Only Jane would be naive enough to be manipulated by you. Mark, I’m warning you. Stay away from Jane. She’s too pure-hearted for your games.”
“I’m not interested in your concerns.” Mark’s laugh was chilly but stern, “My
intentions toward her have always been genuine. Unlike you, hurting her time
and again.”
“Pity.” Bryant’s voice was calm, his smile evident, “No matter how genuine
you claim to be, she’s still my wife, Bryant’s wife.”
Mark scoffed, “Think that’ll hold her forever?”
“Getting desperate?” Bryant’s laughter was light.