Novel Square
Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Scott sparkled his eyes with obsession as he eagerly approached Gwendolyn, “Hey, Gwendolyn,”
Mamie put on her harmless face and took her hand with feigned affection, “Everyone’s here already, just waiting on you, Scott here wouldn’t start without you.”
Gwendolyn turned and asked, “Didn’t we say 6:30 for the meetup?” She wasn’t even late.
“Always punctual, Gwendolyn, Let’s head on in.” Scott, ever the gentleman, held the private dining room door open for her. “Saved you the best seat.”
Gwendolyn found herself seated between Mamie and Scott,
As she settled in, the others in the room gave her varied looks,
The timid ones whispered among themselves, while the bolder voices didn’t hesitate, “Gwendolyn, that dress looks like the latest spring collection and must’ve cost a pretty penny. Who got it for you?”
Her voice was soft and slow, “My family picked it out for me.” Roselind had also bought her a few things recently.
Someone snickered, “Family, huh? Guess sugar daddies count as family.”
“Your country grandma couldn’t afford to give…”
“Let’s not get distracted, folks. Time to eat,” Scott cut in with a warning glare, quelling the gossip hounds. After all, no one wanted to risk Scott’s wrath. This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
As the dishes arrived, the room buzzed with people snapping photos and boasting to friends on social media, leaving Gwendolyn largely ignored.
Mamie got Gwendolyn a drink and comforted her, “They’re just jealous you snagged that internship at Bayridge Hospital.”
“Thanks,” Gwendolyn said, holding her drink.
“You mentioned your grandma’s been sick, need any cash? I’ve got some savings, happy to lend you some.”
In front of Gwendolyn, Mamie always played the good Samaritan. They seemed to get along just fine.
“No need, I can manage,” Gwendolyn replied quietly, continuing her meal and sipping her drink. Mamie kept the conversation going and topped off her glass.
Gwendolyn didn’t notice. The drink’s alcoholic content was subtle, which tasted rather good without any strange additives.
But after two glasses, her cheeks felt warm and her head heavy. Gwendolyn shook her head
11.37
strohtly and excused herself to Mamle, “I’m going to the ladies‘ room.”
“Sure, it’s just next door.” Mamle said with a sly smile curling her lips. She knew Gwendolyn had a keen nose and was too smart for any drugging tricks.
Staggering slightly, Gwendolyn made her way out, leaning against the corridor wall for support. Her phone buzzed in her sweater pocket.
At the sight of “Hubby” on the caller ID, her mind fuzzy, she answered, “Hello?”
Her voice was soft and vulnerable like a kitten ready to be coddled.
Howard paused, amidst laughter.
“How’s the party going?” asked Howard in his calm voice.
“… I need to go home, Looks like I can’t quite walk straight,” she slurred, rubbing her cheeks, her words tumbling out with less restraint than usual.
Knowing she was drunk and just wanting to escape, she had lied about going to the restroom.
“Gwendolyn, you drunk?”
“That drink is potent,” she tried to stay lucid.
“Stay there. I’m coming for you.”
Gwendolyn nodded, perched against the wall, clutching her phone, looking both pitiful and adorable. Howard was about to hang up when he heard a man’s voice from the other end.
“Gwendolyn, what are you doing here?” Scott’s eager voice followed as he grabbed Gwendolyn’s arm. “Come rest in the room I booked next door.”
“No.” Gwendolyn pulled away.
Scott wrapped her in his arms, “Just relax, after tonight, you’ll be mine. Whatever you want, it’s
yours.”
“Scott! This is against the law!” she protested.