Chapter 365
Chapter 365:
If Rosanna could get him through those doors, he would agree to ten conditions, no questions asked.
Lowering her voice to a whisper, Rosanna explained, “Mariana values her privacy. She doesn’t like people talking about her connections behind her back. If word gets out that I’m close to her, people might start gossiping, accusing me of trying to gain favor with the Cooper family. If Mariana hears that, it could ruin everything.” She gave Jarrod a soft, almost pitiful smile. “So please, promise me you won’t breathe a word about my relationship with her. Keep it between us, and I’ll take you with me p>
Jarrod didn’t hesitate. Raising five fingers like he was swearing an oath, he promised, “Don’t worry! My lips are sealed p>
Late at night inside the Starlight Bar, the dim lighting of a secluded booth cast dancing shadows over Roland, who leaned forward, resting his forehead against his hand as he repeatedly emptied his glass. His suit jacket was carelessly draped over the back of the couch, his collar undone, presenting a stark contrast to his usually impeccable appearance.
Pattie was sprawled lazily beside him, idly swirling her glass filled with light whiskey. She watched as Roland continued to drown his sorrows, her expression a mix of amusement and concern.
She grabbed the glass from Roland’s grip, chiding him, “Hey, Roland boy! If you can’t handle your drinks, why push yourself? You’re awful at this drinking game. Don’t think I’m dragging you home if you pass out again p>
Tonight, Roland was noticeably out of sorts. He had unexpectedly invited Pattie for drinks, an invitation she felt compelled to accept. But the last time they went out, Pattie had ended up carrying him home, and she was determined not to let that happen again.
Roland, cheeks flushed and voice raspy, struggled with his words. “Tell me… How did Maia end up like this p>
“Maia? What did she go through?” Pattie’s brow furrowed in confusion. A mix of anger and hurt flashed in Roland’s bloodshot eyes as he clenched his jaw. “She got married out of the blue… and now she’s parading around with some pretty boy… Is she still the Maia I once knew p>
𝗀Ɐ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝒸𝗈𝗺, 𝓶𝗈𝗋𝑒 𝓬𝒉𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈 𝗈𝗇
In Roland’s eyes, Maia had always been a figure of cold, aloof distinction. Other than her close relationship with his sister Elvira, Maia maintained a polite yet distant demeanor that kept others at bay. To him, she seemed elevated above the trivialities of daily life, her eyes harboring a deep-seated melancholy. She appeared as a treasure he could only admire from a distance, but never possess. She had never shown interest in any man, not even Roland.
Roland had always believed that a woman like Maia would not easily marry, let alone keep a man by her side. She was meant to be like a rare, untouched flower.
Yet, the current reality of Maia shattered all his previous beliefs.
Pattie almost spit out her drink upon hearing his lament.
It was clear to her that Roland was oblivious to the fact that the so-called man Maia kept was actually her husband.
Pattie figured that Maia had her reasons for keeping certain truths hidden from everyone. Thus, Pattie found herself compelled to assist Maia in safeguarding these secrets.
Pattie managed a casual smile, trying to lighten the mood. “Hey, don’t overthink it. Maybe Maia has her reasons p>
“Reasons?” Roland scoffed, his voice laden with emotion. “Even if she had reasons, it’s not like her to do this. I just can’t accept it p>
Pattie was growing frustrated. Roland was clearly intoxicated, his words slurring slightly.
“Alright, alright,” she said, patting him on the shoulder reassuringly. “You can’t accept it, that’s fine. But it’s her life, her choices. Even if we don’t understand, as her friends, we ought to respect them, right? Let’s not dwell on it. We’re here to have a good time p>
“Her choice?” Roland snapped bitterly. “That handsome guy?” He threw his head back and downed the remainder of his drink in one gulp.