Bound by Fate

Chapter10

Vincent

It's remarkable to see her holding herself up despite being so dainty and fragile. She hasn't buckled under the pressure yet, all thanks to her unwavering self-reliance.

Invaluable.

As I watched Genevieve disappear into the café, I found myself feeling strangely restless, my gaze returning to my cigarette.

The phone interrupted my thoughts, a friend calling: "Where are you? It's the weekend, let's go out and have some fun!"

After confirming the dinner plans, I agreed to join them. But after hanging up, I sat in the car, smoking. It wasn't until I finished the cigarette that I glanced at the coffee shop and scoffed cynically: "What a fool."

With the headlights on and gears shifted, I drove off.

Upon arriving, I wasted no time in indulging in drinks.

The ambiance in the private room of the clubhouse was dim, with scantily clad women mingling among the men, exuding charm and playfulness.

"What year are you in, Knight?" someone inquired.

"Senior." In the social circle beyond the confines of college, I spent time with a group of heirs. Among them, I was the youngest, still pursuing my college education. The older members of this group were in their mid-twenties, while I was a bit younger.

Despite my age, I have been working in our family business since high school, during summer and winter breaks, concealing my identity and gaining experience in various departments.

I officially joined the company during my freshman year of college. By senior year, I had successfully managed two billion-dollar projects independently. Within this circle, I was considered the epitome of a "perfect kid," stirring envy and resentment among a group of fathers.

As a result, I was much more mature and composed compared to my peers of the same age. Hence, the older members of this group often treated me as their equal.

"It's September, the new freshmen are entering college, right?" someone chuckled. "How's the scene? Are there any promising girls among the freshmen at Victoria and Sovereign?"

Suddenly, Genevieve's image flashed in my mind, her sideways glance from earlier lingering in my thoughts. I paused, my hand gripping the glass.

Birds of a feather flock together; those who spend time together are usually similar types of people. My slight deviation from the norm didn't go unnoticed.

"Hey? Looks like you've found one?" the person remarked. "When are you bringing her around for us to meet?"

"Forget it," someone else dismissed. "The freshmen are still too young. They won't blossom until their sophomore or junior years. Remember how plain Emma was last year?"

Upon hearing that, Emma's companion jokingly retorted, "Shut up! You're the plain one!"

Laughter erupted among the group.

Someone quipped, "As long as she's decent-looking, teach her how to dress up, spend some money on her, and she'll be fine. But those who make it to these prestigious universities must have some intelligence and talent. Hey, I prefer smart girls. Knight, find a few from your school to join us."

"No way," I replied with a smirk, taking a sip of my drink. "I've already got my eye on someone from Victoria."

"Ha, are you marking your territory like a dog?" the person laughed, playfully tapping the back of my head.

I grinned and jokingly pushed the girl next to me towards him. "Here, she's all yours. A beauty right in front of you."

After some laughter and banter, the alcohol started to kick in, prompting me to head to the restroom. When I returned, the private room was buzzing with men and women amidst colorful lights. I couldn't help but wonder what Genevieve was up to at that moment.

Was she clad in a skimpy beer girl costume, weaving through tables, working hard to earn money?

"What's got your attention over there?" someone called out to me.

I rejoined the group, sitting back in the middle. Playfully, I nudged the girl next to me, then pulled out my phone to send Genevieve a message: "Which place on Bar Street?"

Soon enough, I received her reply: "SM."

SM, huh? A sizable establishment with strict security. Only the brave ventured to cause any trouble there. Not bad, she knew how to choose a safe place.

Someone beside me called out, snapping me back to the present, so I set my phone down and engaged with the group.

A pinch of salt on the back of my hand, a lick of the tongue, a shot of tequila down the hatch, and the girl beside me swiftly shoved a lemon slice into my mouth. The mingling flavors of salt, sour lemon, and fiery tequila created a unique taste sensation.

As the alcohol began to take effect, I found myself loosening up and becoming more talkative.

"There's this freshman girl," I began with a smile, taking a drag of my cigarette. "I was enchanted by her from the moment I saw her."

"With your refined taste, she must be like a fairy, right?" someone teased.

Feeling a bit tipsy, my eyes sparkled more brightly than usual. "Truly enchanting."

"Wow!" My friends leaned in with curiosity, eagerly asking, "What's she like? Have you made a move?"

"Not yet... She's a struggling student, quite independent, wary of getting involved with me."

"Hmm," my friend chuckled. "Playing hard to get, is she?"

I don't have much, but self-reliance is invaluable among them.

Recalling Genevieve's words, a tinge of bitterness colored her voice. At just eighteen, her eyes lacked the innocence of youth, carrying the burdens of life's trials.

Perhaps the word "pretend" should be erased.

"Who knows? Either way, I plan to..." I exhaled a puff of smoke, my gaze thoughtful, a faint cool smile gracing my lips, "...keep her waiting."