Chapter 42 A Glass Too Many
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Just then, piano music drifted down from the attic, as if reminding him not to meddle in things that weren’t his concern-Alicia long knew about it.
David froze for a moment. “Uncle Austin, it’s fine.”
Then, he raised his glass. “Mr. Gibson, I missed the chance to meet you earlier because of some matters, so tonight I’ll drink as an apology.”
“Don’t worry about it. Your studies come first-we understand,” Frank replied warmly, clearly holding the young heir in high regard.
David emptied his glass in one go. “Mr. Gibson, this second drink is my apology. I already have someone I like, so I’m afraid Ms. Aria and I aren’t meant to be.”
The Gibsons immediately turned grim, though Frank quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “It’s fine. You two are about the same age. Even if you can’t be lovers, you can still be friends and keep in touch.”
Aria twisted her fingers nervously around the hem of her dress, not expecting him to be so blunt. He hadn’t left her even a sliver of hope. What if the girl he liked was Alicia? She’d be doomed. Looks alone, Alicia was already impossible to compete with.
She cautiously asked, “I wonder what kind of girl could catch your eye, Mr. David.”
“She’s my girlfriend from Southam. We’ve been together for three years, and things have always been stable between us. She was too young at the time for me to tell my elders, and I didn’t expect them to arrange a marriage on their own. I truly apologize.”
At that, Aria finally exhaled in relief.At least it isn’t Alicia. Anyone else is fine-just not her. Maybe she’s just some ordinary girl. So what if they’re in love? The Burtons will never let him marry a nobody. For someone like David, it’s perfectly normal to have a few flings before marriage. What matters is that I become his wife in the end!
“It’s all right. I understand,” she said gently.
After dinner, the two families parted ways.
Once outside, Kyana immediately pulled Aria aside. “What now? His uncle’s here, so we can’t make him stay overnight.”
“Don’t worry, Mom. I already thought of that, so I cut down on the dosage. I heard he’s going out to a club later to meet some friends. Once the drug kicks in there, I’ll find a way to get close to him. I’m going to change and head over now.”
With that, Aria went back to her room and changed into something seductive. “Relax, Mom. I’ll make sure I get him tonight.”
Alicia, meanwhile, felt a flicker of disappointment. That night’s plan had failed-and next time, Aria wouldn’t find such a perfect chance again.
In the group chat “Trois Amies,” Mila sent a message, writing, ‘Shanny, we’re taking you to Bebe’s tonight for
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Chapter 42 A Glass Too Many
a welcome-back party!’
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‘Oh, please. Your uncle’s gonna come and drag you home again later, Betty retorted. ‘Did you get your butt whooped that day?’
Mila replied with an angry emoji, then typed, ‘My uncle’s out of the country. Relax-tonight we’re not going home till we’re drunk. Shanny, I’m booking ten male hosts for you!’
‘Well, someone’s grown a pair, Alicia kidded. ‘Tonight, we’ll party all the way!’
With that, she got changed and headed straight for the club. As soon as she arrived, the girls threw their arms around her. “Shanny, be honest-did you snag his uncle or not?”
Alicia lifted her hand, showing off the diamond ring on her finger. “Dinner’s on me next time. We’ve already got our marriage certificate.”
Betty gasped. “Already?! Liam often said Austin Burton is known for keeping his distance from women. Don’t tell me he’s had his eyes on you for a long time?”
“Of course not,” Alicia said. “We barely even knew each other. He’s older, I needed a marriage arrangement -it just worked out.”
“Shanny-no, Madam Gibson-we’ll drink to that!”
Alicia raised her glass, a bold gleam flashing in her eyes. “Forget that title. I prefer it when you call me Ms. Gibson.”
“To our brilliant Ms. Gibson! May you get everything you want!”
Betty smirked. “Speaking of which, my Finn’s been moping ever since you left. He just sits around like some lovesick fool.”
“So, his name’s Finn, huh? I almost had him drive me last time.”
“You heartless woman.”
“Bebe, if Shanny doesn’t want him, I’ll take him! Finn, Jack, Jerry-I don’t mind!”
“You wish. If I let you near them, your uncle would probably smash my place to bits. But if you’re bored, 1 can bring in a few of the girls to play games with you.”
“Sure.”
They partied for a while before Alicia’s phone started buzzing-it was Austin. He was her legal husband now, after all, so she excused herself and slipped out to find a quiet spot to answer.
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