Chapter 1352
Chapter 1351:
Manley’s mouth fell open in disbelief. “A handstand and three hundred drinks? You vanish for ages and then gather us just to torture us? Are you in a bad mood or what? Did Elliana give you trouble or something p>
Cole hung up the phone with a blank expression—not to play it cool, but out of sheer panic. Whenever he was in a bad mood, his friends always assumed he’d gotten into trouble with Elliana and needed to let off steam, and they were never wrong. That alone was enough to make him squirm with embarrassment.
Soon, he would have to sit in front of all three of them and ask for tips on winning Elliana back, and he had no clue how to keep his dignity while doing it.
Still, even if it was humiliating, he couldn’t avoid it. Reuniting with Elliana meant more than saving face. If that was what it took to marry her again, he would swallow any amount of pride; he would even give up an arm or a leg if he had to. This was his future, his happiness for life, and nothing could matter more. For that, a bit of embarrassment was a small price to pay.
Bolstered by that resolve, Cole straightened his back and walked to his car with determination.
Thirty minutes later, the four found themselves together in a private room at the Royal Club.
Months had passed since they’d all sat down together. As they exchanged glances, it became obvious that everyone had changed.
Cole, once cool and composed, now radiated full-time dad energy from every angle.
Allan, once the very image of polished charm and composure, now appeared completely unkempt. He slouched like someone loitering on the street, his face marked with irritation and weariness.
Merlin, once silent and aloof, now wore a gentle smile that never left his face, giving him a surprisingly warm presence.
And Manley, famous for his outrageous floral shirts, had replaced them with a crisp black suit and white shirt, looking every bit the corporate professional.
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱:
After settling into their seats, the four glanced at one another, each trying not to laugh at the group’s transformation. None of them quite knew what to make of these changes.
Cole broke the ice, but instead of diving straight into his troubles, he shot Manley a teasing look. “What’s this? Decided to change your wardrobe all of a sudden p>
“You’ve got two kids, Cole, and I don’t even have a girlfriend; don’t you think I’m feeling the pressure?” Manley pulled his shoulders back, brushed away invisible lint from his sleeve, and sat upright. “If I want to settle down, I figured switching up my style might help me meet the right woman. A cleaner look tends to turn more heads, don’t you think p>
The moment Manley wrapped up his explanation, Merlin burst into laughter. “You expect us to believe that? Come on, Manley, when have you ever been single? If I remember correctly, your dating history could cover the whole city block and then some p>
“Stop pulling my leg.” Manley tried to brush it off with an awkward grin. “Those were just casual flings, nothing serious. Besides, I’m not interested in settling down with just anyone. I’m waiting for someone on Elliana’s level p>
“Then get comfortable being alone forever,” Merlin shot back, blunt as ever. “Do you really think a regular guy can handle a woman like Elliana? Look at Cole; she turned him into a full-time house husband.” Even though Merlin seemed to be talking to Manley, his jab was clearly aimed at Cole.