Chapter 31

Chapter 31
“Is that her?” Milo asked, tugging John’s arm as they watched the disappearing car fade into the night.

“Her who?” John asked feigning innocence as he helped Liam away.

The others shook their heads at Milo’s antics and followed after them.

“Hey, wait up,” Milo shouted, tailing after him.

After a few cups of tea, Liam, finally sober, sat up on the sofa watching the five men gathered around him. 

“Why are you all here?” he asked, his tone flat.

John sat next to him with a faint smile. “Luke suggested we have a sleepover.”

“Is there a problem with your hotel?” Liam asked pointedly.

“Nope,” Milo called from the bar, where he and Luke were looking through bottles. “I can’t believe you were able to get a bottle of Lé Frané. I’ve been looking everywhere for one.”

“We’ll drink this one then,” Luke announced with satisfaction, picking out glasses.

Liam turned his head to face John. “Did they get kicked out of their hotel for causing trouble. Set a room on fire or something?”

“Not that I’m aware of,” John chuckled. “They just missed you and decided to come over.”

Liam’s gaze darted around. Claude was studying the paintings on the wall, nodding slowly in front of a landscape painting. Mark was holding the prized antique sword he had gotten a few weeks ago, and Milo and Luke were still at the bar, now focused on two other bottles of wine, deliberating over which one to include in their drinking.

“Could you get away from my wine cabinet now?” Liam stood slowly. “You’ve all been drinking alcohol like water since you arrived. Your liver must be crying for a break.”

Milo scoffed. “You’re the one who’s drunk, not us. Tonight you rest your liver, we’ll drink for you.”

Liam sighed but gave up. He was too tired to argue with them.

“So,” Mark started. “We saw her. She brought you home.”

“See, I’m sure he used one of my ideas,” Milo said, smiling between sips. “They’re together now.”

“Your ideas are stupid,” Liam muttered. “And she was just doing her job as my secretary.”

“How can you dismiss my advice without even trying them?” Milo pouted.

Silence followed.

“Wait,” Luke said, turning to Liam, realization dawning. “You actually did one of the tricks he suggested.” His eyes widened at the incredulity of the situation. Liam had always been decisive and smart. Was he really that desperate?

Liam still didn’t respond. Thinking back on what had happened earlier that night, he wanted to hit his head on the wall. How could he have done such a childish thing like trying to make Stella jealous? If she had had a bit of good feelings for him, after what had happened during the dinner, she must have become disappointed. 

“My plans came straight from multiple dating and relationship strategy books.” Milo insisted. “All of them are best sellers.”

“Have you ever wondered why you’re still single even after reading more than 100 books?” John poured himself a glass. 

“John, you shouldn’t poke a man in his sore spot,” Claude said. “No amount of books can help him.”

“Well, jokes on you!” Milo declared triumphantly. “I have a girlfriend, they are indeed very useful.”

Luke choked on his wine and started coughing violently.

Liam looked up in surprise. “Why haven’t we heard you mention this, your girlfriend?” 

Everyone's eyes were on Milo.

Milo looked down shyly. “Our relationship is long-distance. She is away for work in the Amazon forest.”

It wasn’t clear who started it. Someone snickered and the whole room erupted in laughter.

“You have a girlfriend and she just happens to be away in the Amazon forest of all places?” Mark asked, raising his brow. “Do we look like we’re 5?”

“Yes,” Milo insisted. “You don’t believe me?”

His gaze traveled around the room, settling on Liam. “Even you?”

“Ehn…” Liam started. “How did you meet?”

“Online,” Milo answered with a dreamy smile. “She’s my soulmate.”

“Are you sure you’re not being catfished?” John asked, raising his glass.

“Of course not.” Milo refuted, setting down his wine glass. “We even video call often.”

Claude poured another glass of wine and twirled the cup in his hand. “Technology is now advanced, even calls can be faked.”

“So, all of you don’t believe in my girlfriend.”

They all nodded. 

“You— you” Milo stumped away in anger. A few seconds later, a door slammed.

“I’ll investigate this girlfriend of his,” Luke said.

Liam placed a hand on his brow. His head had started to ache.

As Stella stepped into her apartment, her phone buzzed in her purse. There was only one person who could be calling at this time.

“Aunty Wendy,” Stella said softly. 

“Stella dear, is everything alright?” Aunty Wendy’s concerned voice came through the line.

“I’m fine. Just a little tired. Work has been quite busy.” Stella replied, setting her bag on the couch and heading toward her bedroom. 

“How are the twins? Did their presentation go well?”

“They fell asleep immediately they got home,” Aunty Wendy chuckled. “They had wanted to tell you themselves, but I guess they were too tired. They came in second place and didn’t take off their medal even as they climbed into bed.”

Stella laughed. “I’m happy for them, they practiced hard.”

“Hmm,” Aunty Wendy smiled. “Are you eating well? I can’t help but worry about you.”

“I am Aunty, there are a lot of good restaurants around Kings Corporation, and Uncle Kai has also been intent on making sure I’m well fed. I eat chicken almost every day.”

“That’s good to hear,” Aunty Wendy said with relief.

A yawn escaped before Stella could stop it.

“You must be tired, darling. Get some rest.”

“I will. Goodnight, Aunty.”

“Goodnight, Stella.”

As she hung up, she stared out the window, watching the city lights glitter like stars. Her phone buzzed, drawing attention. 

A message from Liam Carson. 

“Goodnight.”

She didn’t open it.

Placing her phone on the bedside table, she reminded herself again not to be tempted.