I Chased Him, But Loved Another

I'd always followed the rules, growing up according to my parents' plans. In my studies, work, or life, I'd never once disobeyed them. I was the good girl in my parents' and friends' eyes. No one knew that I'd actually had a crush on a boy ever since junior high. The manager was taken aback by my question, then smiled and explained, "Ma'am, our male models here only chat—they don't do sugar arrangements. If you like Jay Lynch, you can ask for him to have a few drinks and chat with you. Oh, and by the way—you'll need to order a drink package worth 5,800 for him to even have the chance to keep you company, sweetie." The manager kept calling me "sweetie," her pinky finger practically pointing to the ceiling. "Open it." I didn't hesitate. "Alright, sweetie, I'll set up a tab for you right away." While the manager was still rambling on, I saw those women tugging at Jay's tie, their hands roaming over his abs. It annoyed me. "When can he come over to keep me company?" "He'll come as soon as he's done. Please be patient, sweetie." About ten more minutes passed before Jay finally stepped off the stage. I saw the manager walk over and whisper something to him. He looked my way. That familiar feeling came back. It was as if my soul had been locked in place. I didn't snap out of it until Jay sat down beside me and spoke. "Hello, I'm Jay." My palms felt hot, and I couldn't help rubbing them on my thighs. I wanted to look at him, but I also didn't dare to. He sat very close, and I could still smell the faint cologne on him. Maybe it was my nervousness that showed, because Jay smiled to reassure me. "Relax, I don't bite." "No, that's not what I meant." I lifted my eyes to glance at him, only to meet his deep, affectionate gaze. I was a bit dazed until he suddenly leaned in, his handsome face so close it made my heart race. I looked away awkwardly. He seemed to chuckle, then leaned back. "First time at a place like this, huh, miss?" I nodded and corrected him. "I'm younger than you." Jay paused, caught off guard. "We usually call all the girls here 'miss,' but you're different. From now on, I'll call you little sis." Jay only sat with me for an hour before he left. He didn't stay longer. He said he was really popular and had a lot of people waiting for him. Of course, I knew how charming he was. Before I left, I asked him, "Do you remember me?" "Guess we're officially acquainted from today, little sis." He was so tall that when he rose to his feet, I had to tilt my head all the way back to see his face—like he was standing on a pedestal above me. "I'm Nancy Clark," I stubbornly said my name. He reached out and patted my head. "Alright, Miss Clark, I've got you memorized." Jay didn't actually remember me. Because the second time I went to the nightclub and paid for his service, he called me "miss" just like before. "I'm Nancy Clark," I emphasized, "and I'm younger than you." "Okay, I've got it now. From now on, you're my one and only little sis. All the other girls I just call miss." Same old lines. I wondered how many girls he'd said that to. I knew he didn't mean it. But I was still happy. That night, to get Jay to stay longer, I topped up another ten grand. Jay leaned closer to me, his smile a little flirtatious. "Little sis, you like me that much?" I looked at him. In the dim lighting, his face wasn't that clear. But of course, I could hide my expression too. I gazed at him, almost obsessively, and nodded firmly. "Yes, I do." "Then make sure to come back and request me next time, sweetheart. I'll give you a discount for being so cute." He didn't seem affected by my confession. Maybe after spending so much time in a place like this, and with so many girls like me who liked him, he just saw my affection as a way to make money. And I was more than willing. As long as I could see him, as long as I could talk with him a little more. The third time I went, the manager directly told me Jay was busy that night. Some wealthy woman had booked him.