Chapter 2

I wandered aimlessly on the streets for a while before ending up in a bar.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't hurt.

My nonchalant attitude was just an act.

I ordered a whiskey and sat alone at the bar, sipping slowly.

In just one short hour, no less than ten men came over to chat me up.

None of them caught my eye. Either they weren't as handsome as Jason, or their voices weren't as pleasant.

Jason. I tried to control myself not to think about my ex-boyfriend.

But the more I drank, the more I thought about him.

Back in college, my mom had a heart problem and needed surgery. We were short $15,000.

That's when Jason appeared.

$15,000. Sometimes, I felt like I had been sold to him.

"Emily, is that you?"

I looked up, squinting at the tall, slim man standing in the light. I couldn't see his face clearly. He was wearing a cool-toned shirt with a few buttons casually undone at the collar, revealing a delicate collarbone.

A narrow waist tucked into dress pants, leading down to long, straight legs.

I swallowed hard.

I'm single now, might as well have some fun.

"Do you... know me?" I swirled the drink in my glass.

"Are you drunk? You don't even recognize me? I used to chase after you in school."

The man leaned in closer.

That's when I recognized him as Alex, a junior from college.

I slowly took a sip of my drink, licked my lips, and gazed at him with hazy eyes.

Alex's Adam's apple bobbed.

I curled my lips into a smile: "Want to come over to my place?"

We're both adults in our twenties, some things don't need to be spelled out.

Alex's eyes darkened, as if absorbing all the light.

For a moment, we were silent. I started to regret my abrupt invitation.

I must really be drunk.

"I'd be delighted."

Just when I thought he would refuse, he softly replied, with a hint of barely noticeable pleasure.