121 Chapter 121 – Poker Night and Public Humiliation
121 Chapter 121 – Poker Night and Public Humiliation
“Darling, there you are!” Clairemont’s voice pierced the air like nails on a chalkboard, her excitement at seeing me absolutely nauseating.
Discovering that Hazel had gone to lunch with Levi made my blood boil. Every instinct screamed at me to track them down, slam my fist into his smug face, and drag Hazel away from him. But I forced myself to stay put. The day we met at Damian’s place, Levi had laid his cards on the table with brutal honesty. He promised to keep his distance, but made it clear that if Hazel and I crashed and burned, he would swoop in without hesitation. True to his word, he wasn’t wasting a single moment.
The venue exuded sophistication, filled with breathtaking women working as both servers and entertainers. We drank, conversed freely, and appreciated the stunning feminine beauty surrounding us. As the evening progressed, the tension that had been strangling me for weeks finally began to loosen its grip. When closing time approached, I departed with one of the dancers who had provided excellent service during previous visits. I desperately needed a distraction from the chaos consuming my life.
We all followed Adrian’s lead toward the exit. Clairemont remained behind, stamping her feet and screaming like a toddler having a tantrum. After leaving the Community Guild, Adrian sent a text message containing the address of our new destination – a location I knew intimately.
“Liam!” she screamed in outrage.
“I actually agree with that assessment, but not regarding them. I should have terminated your father’s business relationship with my company and eliminated you from my life years ago,” I replied, rising from my chair.
“At least in this establishment, gentlemen, that insufferable harpy has never managed to locate us!” Adrian declared triumphantly, raising his glass in celebration.
“Whether you like it or not, you will become my husband. We have important matters to discuss and decisions to make,” she persisted stubbornly.
“Now do everyone here a favor and leave immediately,” I concluded firmly.
Then the nightmare began. A suffocating cloud of sickeningly sweet perfume assaulted
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121 Chapter 121 Poker Night and Public Humillation
my senses before arms wrapped around my neck like a boa constrictor. I froze in shock as lips crashed against mine in a sloppy, revolting kiss that left my mouth
contaminated with saliva and sticky crimson lipstick. This was my personal version of
hell.
“Baby, think logically about this. Our marriage is going to happen regardless, so why not embrace it and let me prove how perfect we are together? I promise you will develop feelings for me much sooner than you think.”
“Discuss what exactly, you deranged woman?” I asked, genuinely amazed by her delusional creativity.
Walking straight to the casino section upon arrival, I joined the guys for our usual poker game. The familiar rhythm of cards being dealt and chips clinking managed to lift my spirits somewhat. For the first time in days, I found myself genuinely smiling, engaging in lighthearted banter with my friends, and sipping a soda while maintaining my commitment to sobriety after the disaster at Evelyn’s party.
Perfect. Just what this evening needed – a public spectacle. I dragged my hands down
my
face and summoned every last shred of patience from my rapidly depleting
reserves.
Just like the women had their weekly book club meetings every Tuesday, my circle of friends maintained our own tradition of gathering to talk, drink, and blow off steam through games. Tonight, we had decided on the Community Guild because Damian insisted the energetic atmosphere would help shake off my dark mood.
“Clairemont, we are not marrying for love because frankly, I despise you. We are marrying because you and your manipulative father have blackmailed me into this arrangement, and you claim to be pregnant. But do not mistake this situation for romance. I will never become the devoted fiance or husband you are fantasizing about.”
“You know what, gentlemen? I have grown tired of this establishment. I have a much better suggestion,” Adrian announced, standing abruptly. “Shall we make our exit?”
“Oh sweetheart, you’re so funny when you tease me like that.”
“The real issue, darling, is that you surround yourself with terrible influences,” Clairemont hissed, shooting venomous looks at my companions.
“Listen carefully, Liam. I am carrying your child and will be your wife. I suggest y
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121 Chapter 121 – Poker Night and Public Humiliation
start treating me with the respect and affection befitting your future bride”
“Get your hands off me, you psychopath!” I snarled, desperately trying to pry her claws from around my neck.
“You have lost your mind completely. You have failed to accomplish that goal for thirty years. What makes you believe you can achieve it quickly now?” Damian interjected with biting sarcasm, prompting explosive laughter from the rest of our group. Clairemont glared at him with murderous intent.
Liam’s POV
Chapter 121 – Poker Night and Public Humiliation
Clairemont finally released her death grip, but her face flushed crimson with rage. She thrust her finger inches from my nose and shrieked in an even more unbearable, glass–shattering pitch:
“This isn’t teasing. Remove your hands immediately.” My voice carried across the room, drawing curious stares from nearby patrons.
“That is completely unacceptable. I am going to report everything to daddy,” she whined like a petulant child.
“The wedding reception, our living arrangements, honeymoon destination…” she rattled off as if these were obvious priorities.
“There will be no reception and definitely no honeymoon. I have already purchased an apartment for you. Is there anything else requiring my attention?” My energy was completely drained.
Upon our arrival, the manager personally greeted us and escorted our group to one of the exclusive VIP booths. This was the most upscale gentleman’s club in the entire city. Before we had even settled into our seats, two stunning waitresses wearing barely–there crimson dresses and matching stiletto heels appeared with crystal glasses and premium bottles of whiskey and cognac. Noah and I requested sodas instead.
