Chapter 35

Chapter 35:

The bar was bathed in a faint glow, and as Bobby stepped in, the overhead light had drifted away, cloaking Fernanda in an obscure corner where he missed her presence entirely.

Striding past without a second glance, Bobby marched straight to Wendy and snatched the drink right out of her hand.

Wendy, nonchalant, merely pivoted to retrieve another glass from the counter.

Yet before her fingers could curl around it, Bobby seized it again.

Clutching the glass in one hand and capturing Wendy’s wrist with the other, he fixed her with an intense gaze.

“When did you get back? Why didn’t you let me know p>

“It’s none of your concern,” Wendy retorted with icy composure, her eyes flicking toward Fernanda. “Is there anything in particular you’d like to drink p>

Fernanda gave a slight shake of her head.

“I’ll whip up something special for you then,” Wendy declared, wrenching her hand from Bobby’s grip as she reached for a bottle of whiskey.

She unscrewed the cap, but in a swift move, Bobby grabbed the bottle and hurled it to the floor, where it shattered with a crash that was nearly lost in the bar’s booming music.

The loud destruction drew minimal attention—only a few heads around the bar turned their way.

“Stay out of this!” Bobby exploded with a ferocious shout.

Trouble was a familiar guest in the bar, and the bystanders swiftly turned away their gazes, keen to avoid any involvement.

Every time Wendy reached for a bottle or glass, Bobby snatched it from her grasp and hurled it to the floor with a resounding crash.

gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs﹒𝚌o𝗺 is where stories live

Fernanda had encountered Bobby several times before but had never witnessed him so consumed by fury and hostility.

He slumped against the bar, his head lowered slightly, his eyes burning into Wendy with a threatening sharpness. He teetered on the edge of a volatile outburst.

“I’m working here, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t get in the way,” Wendy stated firmly, finally meeting Bobby’s gaze. “Order a drink if that’s what you’re here for. If not, leave before I call security to escort you out p>

Bobby’s jaw tightened, and he let out a mocking chuckle, his knuckles rapping against the tabletop. “Go ahead, call them. I’m eager to see who dares to confront me p>

“I suggest you stop before my patience runs out,” Wendy countered, her voice unwavering as she picked up another glass.

This time, Bobby’s hand twitched, but he restrained himself from grabbing it.

Wendy skillfully mixed a cocktail that bloomed orange with a blush of pink and presented it to Fernanda, who noticed a tiny plaque beneath the glass labeled “First Love p>

The drink was a delightful blend of sweet and tart, echoing its name with the nuanced flavors of pomegranate and orange juice—reminiscent of the enchanting yet fleeting nature of a first love. Fernanda tasted the cocktail, admiring Wendy’s deft bartending maneuvers.

Bobby remained silent, his stare fixed on Wendy as if anchored there. He seemed to calm down, blending into the crowd, appearing no different than any other patron at the bar.

With Wendy engrossed in her work, Fernanda opted not to interrupt and instead retrieved her phone to browse the latest headlines. News articles buzzed about Fernanda’s absence from the Esaham University entrance exam, fueling rampant speculation about whether she had chosen to skip it or had withdrawn altogether. The first comment on the news article was biting. “I heard the eldest Morgan girl dropped out early. She probably can’t even read properly, yet she dared to attempt the Esaham University entrance exam. What a pathetic joke p>

The second comment echoed the sentiment. “You nailed it! She likely skipped it to avoid making a fool of herself. Why bother showing up if you’re only going to humiliate yourself with a lousy score p>

A third comment piled on. “A buddy of mine told me that Fernanda’s eligibility for the exam is highly dubious. The Esaham University exam is for the best of the best, and Fernanda doesn’t even come close. She must have resorted to some underhanded tactics to sneak her way in, just to scrape together a bit of fame p>

As Fernanda scrolled through these comments, each one steeped in mockery, she couldn’t help but smile, unaffected by their scorn. They were free to believe whatever they wanted. The truth about her exam was hers to hold.

Her contemplation was shattered by a sudden loud bang.

She snapped her head up just in time to see Bobby forcefully shoving a man, the veins in his hand pronounced with anger.

“How dare you lay a finger on her?” Bobby snarled, his fist connecting with the man’s face. “Can’t keep your hands to yourself, huh? Do I need to break them to teach you a lesson p>

The man cradled his face, blood oozing between his fingers, his agony rendering him speechless.

Bobby pinned him against the bar, the man flailing wildly, his movements sending bottles and glasses crashing to the floor.

“Get your filthy hands off me, you little piece of trash!” the man hissed, his face twisting in disgust. “You think you’re tough? You’re nothing but a joke p>

Ignoring the man’s bluster, Bobby struck him again, each punch delivered with calculated ferocity.

The impact echoed through the bar, as if it could fracture bone.

The man ceased his struggles, his consciousness teetering on the edge. As the man’s companions surged forward, Bobby’s friends swiftly stepped in, halting their advance.

The noise and tumult escalated around them.

The attackers, brimming with arrogance at first, quickly backed down when Bobby’s real identity dawned on them.

It turned out, their drunk friend had been harassing Wendy, who appeared to share a mysterious bond with Bobby, the eldest son of the Harper family.

“Get the hell out of here,” Bobby commanded, his finger jabbing the air towards the door. “Or I swear, none of you will walk out of here on your own p>

After a hesitant exchange of looks, they hoisted their semi-conscious friend and hurried out.

Bobby watched them leave, a smirk playing on his lips, his eyes shadowed with a cool disdain.

Moments later, he abruptly seized Wendy’s arm, pulling her swiftly towards the exit of the bar.

Wendy writhed desperately, her efforts intensifying as Bobby clutched her tightly.

“Let me go!” she screamed, thrashing in his unyielding grip, but Bobby seemed oblivious to her desperate cries.

“Someone help!” Her voice cracked. “Hey, gorgeous, help p>

Initially, Fernanda hesitated, unsure if it was her place to step into the conflict between Bobby and Wendy. However, Wendy’s plea shattered her reservations.

Springing from her seat, Fernanda dashed towards the doorway. Once outside, the bar’s clamor dimmed behind the shut door, and she could hear Wendy’s sobs to her right.

Rushing forward, Fernanda spotted Bobby pressing Wendy against the wall in a dimly lit corner near the bar.

Wendy was lashing out with fierce determination, her limbs flailing, yet Bobby’s grip was ironclad, rendering her struggles futile.

The tension in the air was palpable as Wendy resisted clearly, and Bobby exerted force over her. Without hesitation, Fernanda intervened, pulling Bobby away forcefully.

“Piss off!” Bobby bellowed, spitting curses. “Who the fuck do you think you are p>

Fernanda drew Bobby back with a firm tug, positioning herself protectively in front of Wendy, her gaze locking with Bobby’s enraged, reddened eyes.

“It’s me,” she stated, her voice a calm contrast to the chaos.

Bobby paused, his fury giving way to disbelief. How could it be… her?