Chapter 5

This was the most peaceful sleep I’d had in years. I no longer had to worry about missing Clara’s texts or failing to reply within seconds.

When I woke up, it was already 7:00 PM.

My phone buzzed. It was a call from Clara, telling me to come downstairs.

She had booked a room at the most expensive VIP lounge in the city to "make up" for my birthday.

But the moment I stepped into the private room, I knew something was off.

Clara stood on her tiptoes, whispering in my ear, “The yachts were all booked tonight, so we have to settle for this place. I promise I’ll throw you a bigger party next year.”

She dragged me over to a middle-aged man and introduced me. “Ethan, this is Mr. Harrison. I heard he loves custom cocktails. Tonight, we’re going to drink until we drop!”

She nudged me forward, then pulled Julian, who was already pouring drinks, closer to her. “Ethan here will make sure you’re satisfied, Mr. Harrison.”

I frowned at Clara. Her eyes were completely glued to Julian. She didn't care about my discomfort at all.

I stood up, preparing to leave, but Clara immediately blocked my path.

“I couldn’t get the yacht, but is it really necessary to embarrass me in front of everyone like this?” she hissed under her breath.

“Mr. Harrison is the client you blew off the other day! You have to help me win him back tonight!”

“I brought you here because I know you have a knack for mixing drinks. Don’t let me down!”

Listening to her, the puzzle pieces finally fell into place.

The birthday party was just a front. She only brought me here to serve her client.

“Don’t worry, once we close this deal, I’ll buy you a birthday cake right away.”

Looking at her desperate face, my heart went completely cold.

“I guess I should make up for my 'mistake' then,” I said quietly.

After all, this entire high-end lounge belonged to me. Why would I reject easy money flowing into my own business?

My mixology skills were legendary among the elite, though I usually only created recipes behind the scenes and rarely stood behind the bar myself.

Clara pushed me toward Mr. Harrison.

I began to introduce the lounge’s finest selection. Every single bottle was astronomically expensive, but they all shared one trait: luxury.

Suddenly, Julian stood up and pushed a vibrant, yellow cocktail toward me.

“I heard this mango-infused sparkling cocktail is the signature masterpiece of this club’s owner, and it’s extremely rare. Why don't you make a few glasses for everyone to try?”

“But you should taste it first, so you know how to replicate the flavor perfectly.”

I had created that mango cocktail years ago, but because of my severe mango allergy, the club only produced a limited number of bottles. If I drank even half a cup of this, combined with making more of it, I would probably suffocate from anaphylactic shock right here.

Clara glared at me, signaling me to do as he said and not ruin the mood.

“There’s no need for me to taste it. I can make it directly for everyone.”

“How can you make a perfect drink without tasting it?” Julian smirked, his voice dripping with false concern. “Or are you planning to just serve Mr. Harrison some rushed trash?”

“Or maybe... you just don't care about Clara’s business at all?”

The moment Julian said those words, Clara’s expression turned icy.

She forced a fake smile, pulled me away from the crowd, and whispered through gritted teeth, “What is wrong with you? Why can’t you give me some face?”

“You know the company is transitioning right now. Winning Mr. Harrison’s contract is crucial! Stop throwing your childish tantrums!”

Before I could reply, she snatched the mango cocktail and shoved it into my hand.

“It’s just a fruit cocktail, not hard liquor. Drink it!”

When I didn't move, Clara grabbed the back of my head and forced the glass against my lips, pouring half the liquid down my throat.

I choked violently, coughing up a storm.

Within seconds, an intense itch spread across my neck. I stood up to leave immediately.

Behind me, Julian called out, “Don’t leave yet, Ethan! You haven’t finished the glass, and you haven’t made our drinks!”

I didn't stop. Julian lunged forward and grabbed my arm. “Can’t you think about the company for once?”

“Do you want all of Clara’s hard work over the years to go down the drain?”

The moment Julian finished speaking, Clara stepped up and delivered another stinging slap to my face.

*Smack!*

In just three days, this was the third time she had hit me.

“Ethan, grow the fuck up!”

“If this deal falls through tonight, we are ruined!”

Because of the massive amount of mango I had just ingested, my throat was tightening. It was becoming hard to breathe.

Ignoring Clara’s screaming, I pushed past them and headed straight for the exit.

“If you walk out that door, don't ever come back!” Clara shrieked behind me.

“Ethan! Are you listening to me? I said, if you leave tonight, we are getting a divorce!”

I looked down at my arms. The red hives had merged into angry, swollen patches.

Clutching my throat, I forced a raspy whisper out of my suffocating chest. “Fine. Let's divorce.”

TThe moment the words left my mouth, my vision went pitch black, and I collapsed heavily onto the floor.