Substitute Wife For The Billionaire.

Let Go Of Me, Husband! (II)

This bar was different in a sense that I couldn't yet explain, but it was different. Nothing about it felt intriguing, and if it wasn't for my motive, this was most likely going to be the last place on earth I'd rather be.

I approached the counter, the main bar compartment occupied by a man who stared blankly at me as though he'd seen a ghost. I sucked my teeth as I arrived before him.

"G-Gerald...Thorne?" He stuttered, his eyes widening impossibly. "It is such an honor. My boss would love to hear about this!"

Yet again, my reputation has preceded me, though, in this sense, I couldn't tell if it was a good thing. This was supposed to be a secret visit, but who was I kidding?

"Let's keep my presence here a secret, shall we?" I began, fishing for my wallet and placing a few dollar notes on the table before him, pushing them into his hands. "I'm here for a reason."

He complied, smiling as he tucked the money into his pockets. "Whatever you need, sir!" The bartender was engulfed in a lively kind of youthfulness that I hadn't seen in a while. "What can I help you with?"

"This bar..." I began. "Is it normally this quiet?"

"No, sir," He turned and pointed to a staircase at the other end. "Our main point of attraction is upstairs. You can go through there, or the other staircase at the back."

"Oh..." I nodded in the affirmative, walking in the direction he pointed immediately. "Thank you."

"Anytime, Sir!"

I made my way up the stairs, and it occurred to me that the bar wasn't silent at all. I'd just been on the wrong side of it. I charged forward until I got to the hall upstairs, and my eyes fell upon the most appalling sight I never would have imagined.

My heart tore into an unexpected race as I stood, rooted to a spot, while I watched Rosaline dance with a stranger just a few steps ahead of me. My breath hitched, and I clasped my hands, trying to decide on a befitting reaction for the atrocious sight.

Her grin spread from ear to ear as she swayed in his arms like she had no care in the world. His rigid hands grabbed her by the waist, anchoring her to the sound of the music. I froze, choking back words.

I should not be reacting this way; Rosaline was none of my business to begin with, right? I could fathom the overwhelming sense of protectiveness that coursed through my skin, breaking barriers— those lines that I'd promised myself not to cross.

Before I could reach her, the man had already begun to leave, taking the exit, I realized it was the second one that the bartender had directed me to. "Rosaline?!"

Her head snapped in my direction, and she eyed me. There wasn't a single thought behind those eyes. I'd never seen a more obvious drunk. Rosaline stared at me with dulled pupils, a smirk playing on her red lips.

"If it isn't the insatiable Dr. Dolittle!" Rosaline yelled in a slurred voice, throwing her hands up in the air. She reached for her drink again, and I immediately grabbed it from her. "You think everyone is your pet, don't you?"

I didn't respond, as I had no right to be fuming, especially when she wasn't in her right senses. I took her by the wrist and pulled her. "Let's go!"

Rosaline screamed, "Let go of me, you dirty scumbag! Let me go!" She bent and lowered my hand to her knuckles, where she bit me, and I winced. "Do not touch me, or Harry Potter will find you!"

I sighed. How did she even get this drunk? Her voice attracted more attention than I wanted, leaving me with a last resort. "I do not want to be doing this," I complained as I stepped closer to her. "Sorry in advance."

Before Rosaline could protest, I scooped her up, placing my hand under her knee while the other supported her neck.

"Let go of me right now, or I'll call the police!" She yelled, looking no different from a teenager in my arms.

It was frustrating having to do anything like this. I haven't ever been in such a situation in my whole life. Call the police, my foot.

Gently cradling her in her arms, I headed to my car downstairs. "One day of being married to you, my peace is already disrupted. Way to go, Rosaline. What exactly are you?"