Second Marriage The Billionaire's Planned Love (Quinn and Julian) novel Chapter 133

Chapter 133 New Year Drinks

Quinn had grown up.

Finished

What she wanted now was no longer material comfort. What she needed was emotional connection, someone who could truly understand her and care about how she felt.

And right now, there was no one who could give her that.

Before heading back to the private room, Quinn took a slow breath and forced a smile onto her face.

Tonight was New Year’s Eve. Everyone was celebrating.

+

She did not want her mood ruining Lucy’s night. And there was still something else on her mind.

Jess was actually a man. Aside from a slightly flatter chest, Quinn honestly had not noticed anything unusual.

The clothes, the voice, the calm confidence he carried himself with. Everything about him gave off the vibe of a cool, stylish woman.

She had not suspected a thing.

When Quinn pushed open the door and walked back into the private lounge, Lucy immediately waved her over.

“Quinn, get over here!”

Earlier Quinn had been sitting between Lucy and Jess.

Now Lucy had taken Quinn’s seat and was chatting with Jess about something.

The chair on Lucy’s other side had belonged to Julian earlier. Now it was empty. No one knew where he had gone.

Quinn walked over. Lucy grabbed her wrist and pulled her down into the seat.

“What took you so long?”

Quinn smiled lightly. “Nothing serious. Lucy, is there any alcohol?”

Lucy blinked in surprise.

“You want a drink? Since when? You’ve never liked the taste. Don’t force yourself.”

Jess also spoke up, “If you don’t like alcohol, you don’t have to drink.”

୮

Quinn picked up a glass and said quietly, “I want to tonight. It’s New Year’s Eve. Let’s celebrate properly.”

Maybe a few drinks will help clear my head.

Lucy nodded immediately. “Fine, but you’re staying at my place tonight if you drink.”

་་༣

7:53 pm

PPP

Chapter 133 New Year Drinks

Finished

Quinn nodded. “Deal.”

Lucy handed her a glass. “Take it slow, okay…”

Before Lucy finished the sentence, Quinn lifted the glass and drank the entire thing in one go.

“Quinn!” Lucy grabbed her arm. “You can’t drink brandy like that! This stuff hits hard. You’ll feel awful the second you step outside.”

Quinn licked her lips slightly and tasted the lingering sweetness. “It actually tastes pretty good.”

“It’s mixed with soda,” Jess explained. “But it’s still alcohol. Don’t rush it. I actually wanted to talk to you both.”

By now the room had grown loud and lively.

The private lounge had massive floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides. From here they could see the skyline of Lakeshore City, including the city’s famous waterfront tower.

Beyond that stretched the dark ocean.

Word was the city had planned a huge fireworks show along the harbor tonight. No one here even needed to leave the building. The view from this room was perfect.

People were shouting, laughing, and playing music.

Jess cleared his throat. “I should probably apologize. I didn’t mean to hide things from you.”

Lucy leaned forward immediately. “So you’ve always dressed like this? And how does Clara know you?”

Jess nodded. “I started dressing this way when I went to college at eighteen. Honestly, aside from my body structure, I’ve always felt like I wasn’t that different from you two.”

Quinn and Lucy exchanged a quick glance.

Jess continued calmly, “Clara and I are distant relatives. Her family is wealthy, though. Mine isn’t. She’s never really thought much of me.”

୮

Lucy waved a dismissive hand. “Please. We’re not impressed with her either. She walks around like she thinks she’s some kind of celebrity. I don’t know what she’s so proud of.”

While Lucy was talking, Quinn quietly poured herself another drink and finished it.

Jess lifted his own glass. “I already had a drink with Lucy earlier, so this one’s for you, Quinn. Think of it as my apology. If you’re okay being friends with someone like me, then great. If not…”

“We’re fine with it,” Quinn said, clinking glasses with him. “Lucy’s right. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you’re still our friend. Jess, nice to officially meet you again.”

Their glasses tapped together with a crisp sound.

Lucy raised her own glass. “Then let’s all drink!”

–

7:53 pm

PPP

Chapter 133 New Year Drinks

Finished

“Cheers!”

The three of them started drinking without holding back.

By the time Julian returned from taking a phone call, the bottle on their table was already more than half

empty.

Earlier, while stepping outside to answer a call, Julian had spotted Quinn from across the hall.

He could not hear what she was saying. But he clearly saw her raise a hand and quickly wipe her eyes.

That single moment had made something in his chest tighten.

He hated this situation. Standing so far away from her, not knowing what she was going through, unable to ask if she was okay.

Unable to hold her, comfort her, or protect her.

Not only was that impossible, she had been trying her best to keep her distance from him.

Since he walked into the room earlier, Quinn’s gaze had not landed on him even once.

The disappointment and frustration that came with that realization were emotions Julian had never experienced before.

Even so, a small part of him still hoped.

He wanted her to look at him. Even once.

Instead, when he returned from the call, he found the three of them drinking like they were chugging

water.

Sure, it was New Year’s Eve. People were supposed to celebrate. But if she drank too much, she would be the one suffering later.

Julian walked straight over and looked at Lucy first. “What exactly are you doing?”

Lucy was still excited. “We’re celebrating! Come on, let’s drink together!”

Julian’s expression turned serious. “What have I told you about drinking?”

r

The excitement drained out of her. Lucy awkwardly lowered her glass. “Well… it’s New Year’s Eve. Julian, I barely had any.”

538

H

3/3

7:53 pm

Ditched the Cheater, Pregnant by My Mr. Right