The Daring Billionaire’s Wife novel (Vanessa and Dominic) novel Chapter 173

Aileen

The bartender could've taken it easy with the drinks he served me, but how could he when the boss gave him specific instructions? I've never been one to blame others for what goes wrong in my life, but in this case, I just can't help it. I could've still chosen not to drink it, but the heaviness in my heart was just too much.

While my aim was to forget all about my problems, the alcohol in my system has only made me feel worse and now staggering to the ladies' room, I dial Meryl's number, ready to give her a piece of my mind.

"Hello?" she says from the other end of the line. "Any luck?"

"You lied to me."

"I'm guessing that's a no."

"Do you even double check the phone numbers you share with me? Once again, it-"

"Wait, are you drunk?"

My eyes narrow. "Are you seriously asking me that right now?"

"Since when did you start taking alcohol? Do your parents kn-"

"They're not my parents," I cut her off, gritting my teeth. "You know what they've put me through despite raising me for years."

She sighs, disappointed. "The more I hear you speak, the more I confirm that you're drunk. If only those from Oakbrook Village could see you right now."

I lean against the wall with so much force that my back hurts a little. "Why do you keep changing the subject? None of the people I spoke to could help. You promised me that this was it."

"Look, I know you're disappointed but come on. It's only been two days and you've lost hope? You've wanted to search for them for years and now you finally had the balls to leave Oakbrook Village and want to quit?"

I sigh. "If you think I'm giving up and going back to that house, you're wrong."

"Then we'll keep trying. I'll do everything I can and keep you posted. Aileen?"

"What?" I ask.

"Don't drink too much."

I scoff, the call coming to an end.

It takes me a moment to proceed to the ladies' room as I tell myself to have some more patience. If I want this to work, I'll have to wait. The last thing on my mind is returning to Oakbrook Village.

As I make it to a bathroom stall, the suffering in my adoptive parents' home flashes in my mind and it takes me a while to step out. It's only when I hear a sob from the next stall that I snap out of it. I guess I'm not the only one having a bad day.

To wash my hands, I stand in front of the large mirror, letting the water run down my hands.

The stall that was right next to mine opens up, an elegantly dressed lady approaching the sinks with her head low. I soon recognize her as the one who's been shooting me glares. I can't help but stare at her. From head to toe, everything is just elegant. I've never worn a suit before, but hers is so perfect that it makes me want to try one on.

I look away when she raises her head, focusing on finishing up by fluffing my hair a little and fixing my jean jacket. Satisfied, I reach for my purse so I can leave.

"You might want to check yourself again," she harshly says to me, rummaging through her designer purse until she takes out a makeup brush.

Watching her through the mirror, I raise an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, but are you talking to me?"

She raises her head, shooting me a glare through the mirror. "Do you see anyone else here with us?"

While I'm shocked, I respond. "Definitely not."

"Then yes, I'm talking to you and I'll repeat myself. You might want to check yourself again."

"I don't understand."

"Ugh! Why would you?" She roughly brushes under her eyes. "I was watching you and Liam when he came over to talk to you. Be careful or you might get your heart broken."

"What's that got to do with checking myself?"

She pauses with the brush in her hand. "Look at you...and then look at him. Do you actually think you stand a chance with someone like him?"

Already fed up with her hostility, I look away from the mirror and directly face her. "Do you have a problem with me? That's the same glare you gave me from across the room when Liam came to me. Who are you supposed to be? His sister or something?"

"No."

"Cousin?"

"No." She raises her voice a little more.