Screening My Rival
Laird’s POV
“It’s okay. I can handle this. Just wait here for a moment,” Fenella said, shaking her head.
“I don’t want to leave you alone with that man,” I said, nodding my head towards Tom. My eyes were still wary of him.
“It’s okay, Laird. Trust me. Just a few minutes. I’ll settle this once and for all,” Fenella said, her eyes gleaming with determination.
Seeing her determination, I finally let go of her hand. I continued to watch them both leave the club through the back door. They both disappeared, covered by other people dancing.
“It’s okay. I’m sure she can take care of herself,” Jessy said to me.
“Who’s Tom?” I asked Jessy.
“Oh, he’s her ex,” Jessy replied carefully.
“Ex? The one she broke up with before meeting me?” I probed.
“Oh, Laird. You should ask Fenella directly. I’m not sure about my own memory.” Jessy blatantly avoided my question.
Of course, I wouldn’t let him off the hook. This time, I stepped closer to Jessy and stared straight into his eyes. I spoke softly in front of his face with eyes that didn’t move from Jessy’s worried expression.
“Hey, Jessy. I know you’re Fenella’s best friend. I am, too. I want to make sure Fenella is safe. The man’s statement about Fenella wanting to kill herself disturbed me.”
“You know, I handle a lot of cases about crazy men out there obsessed with the women they target. Most of those men come after they break up.” I still pushed Jessy to speak.
“Oh, yes, you’re a lawyer,” Jessy said nervously.
“So, since when did they break up? Does the man often come to see Fenella even after they’ve broken up?” I investigated Jessy again.
Jessy again seemed reluctant to speak. His mouth opened without sound as his eyes blinked in worry. He shook his head and took a deep breath.
“Oh, alright. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Jessy said quickly.
“They had a big fight that day because Tom was caught cheating. Fenella went to the club and met you. Since then, she has never mentioned meeting Tom again until now.”
After hearing Jessy’s explanation, my eyes felt hot. I felt a surge in my chest. On the one hand, I was happy he wouldn’t do any harm to her, but on the other hand, jealousy immediately burned me.
I started to feel more and more like a mere rebound guy. My negative thoughts made my feelings more mixed. It felt like I was trying to swallow a big, bitter pill.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
Plus, Tom thought that Fenella intended to kill herself because they broke up. Then, after hearing the news, Tom also chased Fenella here, where this should have been a special private party for invited guests.
I’m more convinced than ever that Fenella really loves him, not the other way around.
“Trust me, Laird. Tom wouldn’t dare do anything to Fenella,” Jessy tried to reassure me.
“Sure,” I replied.
If it’s true that Fenella loves Tom so much, then the man won’t be a threat. Tom wouldn’t behave like a psychopath chasing after his target woman. Instead, he must be very cocky, knowing that Fenella loves him.
“Jessy, there you are!” someone called, approaching us and immediately interrupting my chain of thoughts.
This time, a man I didn’t know approached Jessy again. Pfft, actually, there wasn’t a single one of them I knew. I was just an additional decoration for them.
I better get out of here as soon as possible.
“Hey, Alan.” Jessy nodded politely at the man named Alan.
My intention to leave immediately disappeared in an instant. The man named Alan had made me curious since I heard him from Fenella. I always wondered if the man was really interested in Fenella or not.
“Oh, hey, Mike.” Jessy’s voice immediately softened when he greeted another man beside him.
Mike immediately responded to Jessy’s greeting with a tight hug and kisses on Jessy’s right and left cheeks.
“Sorry, I’m late. I had to make sure my nephew was taken care of.” Alan said gruffly to Mike.
“I can take care of myself!” protested Mike with an accent that sounded strange.
“Oh, yes, of course. You’re an expert at taking care of your sleep schedule,” Alan said sarcastically, while Mike just shrugged.
“Where’s my star?” Alan asked Jessy, his smile suddenly adorning his lips.
“She’s meeting her friend behind. She’ll be back soon,” Jessy said.
“And you are…?” Alan turned to me and asked, observing my face.
“Laird Evans. I came here with Fenella as her plus one,” I said, shaking hands with him.
“Oh, glad to finally meet you,” he said.
The man still grinned broadly. His gaze was fixed on me as he shook my hand. He swung our handshake a few times. Until I pulled my hand back, and then he released my hand.
“Laird, this is Alan. Our hottest boss,” Jessy chuckled at his words.
“Still hot from the oven.” Alan laughed at that joke.
“Great. I can’t wait to eat you,” I said with a skeptical, flat tone.
I taunted him after hearing how annoying this man was to Fenella. But apparently, they didn’t care about the mockery. They both laughed even louder, thinking it was a funny joke.
According to Fenella’s story, I know that Alan is an annoying boss. He’s like all bosses out there. Temperamental, arbitrary, demanding, with a strange sense of humor, and a party animal. Not once or twice have I faced bosses like that in my office.
“So, did you drive her here with your car? Limousine with a uniformed driver?” Alan asked me.
“I drove the Ferrari myself. The seats are only for two people,” I said quickly.
“Oh, thank goodness for that. The journalists also have a crush on the sports car. You know, I have to maintain the reputation of the face of the gene that I’m promoting. I offered her a ride in the limousine, but Fenella refused,” Alan said, irritated.
“So you like to play the role of her fairy godmother?” I asked, taking a whisky on the drink tray offered by a sexy bunny costume woman.
“I’d rather be a daddy long-legged to her. The happy ending makes me touched,” Alan smiled meaningfully at me.
“What about you? What do you call yourself for her?” Alan asked me.