Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 158

Quennel's eyes were full of deep affection.

His Stephanie, so starved for love, so dependent on him. They had known each other for over twenty years, practically growing up together. Their souls were intertwined.

As Quennel stood there, his heart gradually calmed. He looked down at the woman before him, waiting for her to agree.

But after a long silence, Stephanie simply said in a detached tone, "It's getting late. It's time for you to wake up from your dream. I need to go home and cook for my husband. Goodbye."

With that, Stephanie walked into the residential complex.

Her eyes were downcast. Goodbye, Quennel. For good.

Quennel froze on the spot.

What did he just hear?

Cook? Who was Stephanie going to cook for?

Quennel's face visibly darkened. "Joseph is already in Aurelia. Who are you cooking for? Stephanie, are you putting on a one-woman show?"

"You even learned how to cook a steak from me! Who are you cooking for? Stephanie, stop!"

Quennel's voice grew louder behind her, but Stephanie didn't even turn her head.

So it was him who had sent Joseph to Aurelia. No wonder he had left so abruptly.

The security at The Obsidian Circle was diligent. Non-residents were not allowed entry, so Quennel was stopped at the gate.

He tried to force his way in but was met with the intimidating glares of a group of guards.

This was a high-end complex, home to celebrities and city officials—all prominent figures. The security was notoriously strict, almost on par with a military base.

Quennel had no choice but to give up for the time being.

He walked to the side of the road and kicked a stone in frustration.

He felt a sense of powerlessness, like swinging a fist with all his might only to hit a pillow of cotton.

Just then, Yves called. "Quennel, come out for a drink. You haven't hung out with the guys in a while."

Tobias raised an eyebrow. "What family? He and Stephanie broke up ages ago. She dumped him. How could you, his best friend, not know?"

Yves was taken aback. He had thought they were just having a fight.

With such a deep connection, had they really broken up? Quennel had never mentioned it.

No wonder Quennel had been acting strangely lately, always looking frustrated.

Yves tightened his arm around his new flame. "For guys like us, it's better to play the field and not get attached. A woman is for a couple of days, then you move on. Get serious, and you're the one who gets hurt."

Tobias shot Yves a disdainful look.

"Don't—don't you lump me in with you. I'm nothing like you. I'm just like Jonathan! One love for a lifetime! Aren't you afraid you'll pick up something nasty one of these days?"

"Tsk, the girls I'm with are all new to this. How could they have anything? Isn't that right?" Yves nuzzled the woman's neck.

The woman blushed and hid in his embrace. "Babe, please, they’re watching..."

"If you're going to get horny, get the hell out!"