"Khoeznie, what's your excuse this time? Why are you at my bar again?"
Asked Gina, my best friend and also the owner of one of the most popular (and most controversial) bars in the country, Crimson Bar.
I sighed deeply before answering,
"Dad wants me to find a husband as soon as possible. Gina, I'm almost thirty. He wants me to settle down and flirt around. Help me out."
"And not just any man. He wants someone who can rule the underground with me. Where am I supposed to find someone like that?" I added.
"You're so dramatic! You're only twenty-eight!" she rolled her eyes as she arranged bottles on her tray.
"But honestly, how will you even meet someone who matches your dad's standards?"
"Why don't you just go find that mafia prince?
the son of your dad's former ally? Marry him. Who knows? Maybe if you two have a kid, your families will reunite the underground syndicates," Gina suggested casually.
I narrowed my eyes at her and replied,
"Are you kidding me? I'd probably get rained down with bullets before I even step into their territory."
Our conversation was abruptly cut off when the bar's doors opened, and a man walked in with such strong presence that the entire bar seemed to go silent.
The music didn't actually stop but his aura was that powerful.
'He's perfect for what I'm looking for. Strong, sharp posture, ridiculously handsome, and he looks dangerous too… He's it.'
I clutched Gina's arm and whispered,
"Gina… is he new here?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"Khoeznie, get a grip. Don't tell me he's your target?"
"Why not? Look at him. He's the perfect mafia prince for me."
Gina smacked my forehead.
"Quit it. That's Tyler Clyde Shrewdly—he's 31, the young CEO of the wealthiest company in the country. Don't you watch the news? Rumor has it he was sent to Europe in high school for some unknown reason. Girl, your taste is too expensive!"
I smirked and took a sip of my drink.
"So what? My family's rich too. Not that rich, but still... keep watching."
I slowly approached Mr. Tyler's table, pretending to be drunk.
But one of his guards blocked me.
"Hey let go of me! I just want to talk to your boss!" I slurred, acting tipsy.
But he shoved me and I landed on the floor.
"Mr. Tyler! Won't you even face me? I just want to talk!" I tried to get his attention, but he didn't even look at me. He was too busy staring at his phone.
"I'm not here to cause trouble, come on." I tried again, but his guards pushed me away once more.
Still, I didn't give up.
I was about to make another move when someone walked in.
A stunning woman, elegant, like some rich goddess.
Tyler's guards made way for her… so I had to step aside, too.
"You're back from Europe already, Tyler? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I already told you before, Christine. I'm not interested in you."
he replied coldly.
"But Tyler… you said before, when you come back you'll marry me."
"Forget it. Not all promises are meant to be kept. Live your life whatever you want."
'Wow. So cold. Does this guy even have a heart?' I whispered to myself.
I sighed, suddenly unsure if I should even go through with this.
Maybe I should just find another guy?
But just as I was about to walk away, his voice stopped me.
"Where do you think you're going?"
I turned around.
He was looking straight at me.
"M-me?"
He stood and slowly walked toward me… then smiled.
"Are you jealous, honey? Don't worry, we were just talking."
I froze in shock.
He motioned at me discreetly.
'Should I play along?'
"Uh… n-no! Why would I be jealous? We're getting married, after all."
He stared at me after I said that.
So did his men.
'Was that wrong?' I asked myself, seeing his forced smile.
"R-Right. She is… uhm…"
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Khoeznie Alvarez."
I introduced myself to the woman, since Tyler clearly didn't know me yet.
"You're lying! Tyler… please don't do this,"
she pleaded, but Tyler simply gave her a cold look, grabbed me, and dragged me out of the bar.
He shoved me roughly into his car and started the engine.
I stayed silent the entire drive…
until he pulled over somewhere deserted.
"What's your bank account? I'll transfer money for your useless little act."
he said emotionlessly, which made me raise an eyebrow.
I stared at him seriously and replied,
"No need. I don't want your money."
"Then why were you so desperate to talk to me earlier?"
I gave him a small smile and fixed my posture.
"I know I'm not worthy of you, but… can we get married?"
The air turned heavy.
One minute. Two. He didn't speak.
Until he suddenly laughed.
"Are you joking?"
"Ha ha? No—no, that wasn't a joke... which is why it's not funny, right?…"
I said awkwardly, watching his face grow serious.
"You're unbelievable. You have the guts to propose to me? Who do you think you are? Get out."
"I-I'm serious. I promise it's just temporary. I'll file for divorce once you find someone you truly loved."
I looked down, feeling his irritation grow.
"I said get out!"
So I did.
He left me in the middle of the road.
And all I could do was watch his car slowly disappear from my sight.
'Ugh! What a killjoy. He doesn't know how to go along with the act.'