realized Sonia had invited a g

man with a playful swagger and said, "It all h

y. I wasn't drawn to this sort of company, least of

. But after noticing that I was coming bac

d. It's time to head home for some rest." I recalled that this level ineb

Tricia also got up, her voice carrying a hint of resignation.

ight is still young. But if you two leave now,

he good-looking men with a casual air, an

her lips, Sonia asked, "Rylie, do you think Mathias would fee

ntion his name," I responded with a tinge of irritat

d full of mischief and delight. She hopped into

teady rhythm of the car lulled me, I c

f my rest. "Lanny, what's goin

, Ma'am," Lanny said, nodding toward

y house? As I massaged my temples, I said, "

nod, Lanny executed a swi

e from my home. I bypassed the Buga

le, standing squarely in my pa

t?" He moved his phone forward

rance. I was playfully tiptoeing, my face was inches from

ealized that Sonia was the one

The sea is full of fish, a

mall chuckle. "Quit

out cut through the silence,

pleased? Why are you questioning me about my li

d by it. "Sure, live your life. But who gave

Mathias was included. Of course, he would see the post, and t

blow to a man's ego; especially so

de sense now. She was ai

y head was spinning at this point. This confrontation with Mathias was the last

away, but Mathias

it felt like my bones were ab

wered my head and sank my teeth

't jerk away and remained still. Biting his

enly, but the next second, he caught me again by the back of my collar and yanked me

so long without leaving any mark, while Olivia had left co

ve been deep

now felt like a balm

too. My pride has been deeply hurt as well. Do you think I'm not aware of the mockery behind

th, "It was your choice. Nob

then, I would have convinced them othe

ld start to develop feelings for me, that he would

anged; I no longer want to be chained to my past hopes

a choice, one that you should not have made

ou'd probably even wish that I never existed in the first place!" I threw this at him, more of an annou

indifferent gaze. "Rylie, yo

. He would injure himself if

u will surely release me one day. Tonight, the alcohol was too mu

d unyielding like an eagle seizing its prey, as he ushered me int

said, "No, I won't go back to Clo

ce my way and continued to drive swiftly in the di

nt pleading. "Turn around, please.

e?" he inquired, his v

ined, frustration edging my voice. Was it rea

n dry tone. It was clear why he had his fair share of

nder side and looking to nourish my body, perhaps to f

mething, the grim look on Math