He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 289

Their eyes meet, both men wearing equally cold expressions. Julian doesn't stand up or offer Yardley a seat, so Yardley stiffly walks over to a booth on the opposite side.

He orders a bottle of high-proof whiskey from the bartender. Lately, wine isn't strong enough to drown the roaring fire in his chest. Only harsh liquor can slightly numb his crushing stress.

Yardley and Julian sit back-to-back in their separate booths. Yardley keeps his eyes downcast, downing two glasses of whiskey in quick succession.

As the clock nears 10 PM, Julian stands up, getting ready to head home. Ever since divorcing Sylvia, it has become his routine to sit here every night, get a little buzzed, and go home to sleep.

Hearing the movement behind him, Yardley finally speaks. "If I remember correctly, you're pretty close with Bill in Country A, aren't you?"

Julian pauses slightly but doesn't turn around. "No comment," he replies flatly.

Anger flares in Yardley's chest. "Sylvia told me you hang out with him abroad and play golf together. Julian, is there really a need to hide this from me?"

"Because you and I have nothing left to say to each other," Julian says coldly.

Yardley's fingers curl into a tight fist. He stands up, pulls a pack of Dunhill cigarettes from his pocket—the brand they both used to smoke all the time—and offers one to Julian.

Julian hesitates for a second before taking it. Yardley clicks his lighter, lights Julian's cigarette, and then lights his own.

The faint scent of tobacco fills the air as pale blue smoke rings drift between them. The familiar routine drags both men back to the past... back when they were inseparable friends.

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