Chapter 7
550words
To be precise, it was an exclusive lounge that operated on a membership basis, owned by an elven queen who was well acquainted with my mother.
The clientele was exclusively from our social circle. The atmosphere was refined, with most patrons discussing business or enjoying drinks with friends—nothing rowdy or unpleasant.
I chose this place because I wasn't sure of my alcohol tolerance, and the security here was discreet. If a guest overindulged, private rooms upstairs offered a safe haven.
Karen never liked me drinking. "It's not ladylike," he'd say, so I'd always abstained, even during business negotiations.
But now I didn't need to worry about his opinions anymore.
The place was sparsely populated tonight, with just a few patrons scattered about. I was the only one at the bar.
The bartender, a young half-elf, sensed my mood and kept quiet, focusing instead on mixing drinks with impressive flair, showing off his repertoire of tricks.
I downed one glass after another, occasionally letting out a cheer when he performed something particularly spectacular.
I couldn't tell if I was drunk; my head was spinning, but my thoughts remained crystal clear.
Suddenly, someone took the seat beside me—a strikingly handsome man.
Normally, with Karen in my life, I wouldn't have given him a second glance.
But tonight…
Thinking of Lorelei and Karen, a sudden urge for revenge surged through me.
"One Ice Dragon's Breath," I told the bartender. "My treat for this gentleman."
After ordering his drink, I realized I had no idea what to do next.
"Thank you, beautiful lady."
The man seemed perfectly at ease, his naturally flirtatious eyes crinkling as he raised his glass in a toast.
With my chin propped on my hand, I half-squinted and returned his toast. After drinking, I straightened up and, emboldened by his composure, suddenly asked: "Tell me something. Do men only sleep with someone for love? Or…"
He raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my bluntness.
"Not necessarily," he replied carefully. "It depends on the person and the situation."
I nodded and continued drinking in silence.
The man suddenly added with a slight sneer: "Those who can't control their desires are worthless. No excuses or justifications change that fact."
With his looks, he could make countless women's hearts flutter—he had every reason to be confident.
I couldn't tell if his words were self-mockery or aimed at someone else, but I didn't press.
Everyone has their own demons to face.
After that night, I threw myself completely into work.
In this world, the only one you can truly rely on is yourself.
Karen called countless times, but I blocked every possible way he could reach me.
I would never again touch someone who had been defiled, no matter how much I had once loved him.
Once my love was withdrawn, he became worthless to me.
A scumbag man with a cheap woman—they deserved each other. I should thank her for taking out my trash and helping me see his true colors before wasting more time.
I'd reclaim what was mine from Karen, but as for their sordid affairs, I wouldn't waste another thought.
However, if she ever crossed my path again without knowing her place, I wouldn't hesitate to teach her a permanent lesson in manners.
