Chapter 82 Drowning Sorrows in Alcohol
Lila's enthusiasm lifted my spirits, and I shouted to ask her location.
"I'll send you the address," Lila said and then hung up. Soon, I received the address of a bar on my phone. Seeing that it wasn't far, I decided to walk there, which would take about ten minutes. The people on the street were diverse. If life was a grand stage, what roles were people playing at this moment?
Under the night sky, the bar was lit up with hazy, flickering lights, like ghostly flames dancing in the dark. The music was so loud it felt like waves crashing against people's eardrums, trying to shake out all their inner troubles. People on the dance floor moved like puppets on strings, twisting and turning wildly. Their laughter and shouts mixed together, creating the soundtrack of this crazy, bustling world.
I stood at the bar's entrance, scanning the place until I spotted Lila at a corner table. She saw me too and waved like crazy. I squeezed through the crowd and plopped down next to her. She already had a few drinks lined up in front of her. She pushed one towards me, and I knocked it back in one go.
Seeing my empty glass, Lila frowned and said, "What's up with you? This drink might seem mild, but it's got a real kick. Chugging it like that will get you drunk fast."
I stared at the glass and just smiled.
I waved at the bartender, and he came over. He mixed the drinks like a pro, the colorful liquids shimmering under the lights. The whole process was as fast and exciting as a race, and the cocktail he made looked irresistible. I picked it up, took a small sip, and the spicy taste spread through my mouth, sliding down my throat with a burning sensation. I couldn't help but laugh.
Lila looked at me with concern, like she didn't recognize me. She picked up her glass, gently swirling it, watching the liquid inside move, and said, "Diana, I know you're feeling bad right now, but drinking like this is gonna hurt you. Look at the people in this bar; how many of them are really happy? Everyone's got their troubles, but not everyone drowns them in alcohol like you."
Lila was right; everyone had their troubles, even her.
When David shut down Stellar Legal Advisors, Lila suddenly found herself jobless. Her boyfriend, who had chased her for a year and then dated her for only three weeks, dumped her quickly. Even her parents, who were professors, started nagging her about not having a stable job in a traditional career.
But Lila was always an optimistic girl, full of life. Things started to look up for her after she got compensation for breach of contract from David.
Lila never mentioned any of this to me, probably to avoid worrying me. I found out from our mutual friend, Daisy Lynn, who was studying abroad in Phoenix.
I shook my head weakly, trying to push those worries away, then picked up another glass and downed it. "Lila, you don't get it. Only when I'm drunk do I feel a bit more relaxed. Look around; some people are drinking, some are dancing. Whether it's alcohol or music, it's all to help them chill out. Only when I drink does my heart not hurt as much. You have no idea how suffocated I feel."
"The rumors online were Anne's doing, but Edward still sides with her. He even disregards the Howard family's image and interests to protect Anne! I really don't know how to face the two of them anymore," I mumbled.
Lila, worried I'd keep drinking, rubbed the back of my hand and sighed. "When you married Edward, none of us thought it would work out, but you insisted. Now, seeing you so unhappy, we feel bad too. Diana, if you need to cry, just let it out!"
I propped my head on my hand, but no tears came. My hair fell, covering my face.
Lila tucked my hair behind my ear. "Edward's a jerk. Why do you stay with him?"
I leaned close to her ear and whispered, "I will leave him, but not yet."
Lila's eyes showed a hint of sympathy. I told her, "I don't just want to divorce Edward; I want to take back everything that's mine. I even plan to take over Stellar Legal Advisors."
Lila suddenly smiled, took a sip of her drink, and said, "I didn't know you had such big plans."
I traced the rim of my glass with my fingertips and said softly, "I used to think I had no chance in this marriage game, but now, I want to give it a shot."
"Alright, I'm with you," Lila said, holding my hand tightly, her eyes full of concern. "Just make sure to stay safe."
"Don't worry, I will," I replied.
After a few more drinks, my mind got foggier. We stopped talking. Our quiet corner of the bar was a stark contrast to the swaying crowd on the dance floor. Suddenly, a slim guy with a drink squeezed through the crowd and wedged himself between Lila and me.
I turned to look at this uninvited guest. He wore a studded denim jacket, and his multicolored hair looked like a parrot's feathers. The thick gold chain around his neck looked cheap despite its size.
He eyed me lecherously and said, "You two ladies are so pretty. How about I have some drinks with you?"
His breath reeked of smoke and alcohol, making my stomach churn.
Lila turned and patted his shoulder. "Who are you? Leave us alone."
The guy shook off Lila's arm and gave her a sidelong glance. "I want to have a drink with this beautiful lady. What's it to you..."
Before he could finish, Lila stood up abruptly, grabbed his wrist, and twisted it behind his back, making him howl in pain.
The sudden shout startled me, sobering me up instantly. I almost forgot that my seemingly frail friend was once a national women's Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) champion.
"You jerk, how dare you act up on my turf!" the man yelled, but he couldn't move an inch.
Lila rebuked, "This is just a small lesson to teach you some respect. If you know what's good for you, get lost." With that, she gave him a hard push.
The man stumbled a few steps, nearly crashing into the bar counter. He steadied himself, glared at us hatefully, and slunk away.
This little drama inevitably drew the attention of those around us, but Lila didn't care. She returned to her seat, downed her drink, and said to me, "You see, the world is like this. There are always some people who overestimate themselves and want to show off. But we can't let their disruptions throw us off balance. It's not worth letting unnecessary people and things affect our mood."
The drinks on the table were almost gone. Lila and I supported each other as we walked out of the bar. Standing at the entrance, I felt the cold night wind howl, making my world feel like a ship lost in a storm, endlessly spinning and rocking. I pulled out my phone, swiping the screen several times before finding Edward's number. When the call connected, my voice was slurred, and my words were unclear.
"Honey," I tried to make my voice sound clearer, but it still trembled uncontrollably. "I can't find my way home. Can you come pick me up?"
"Wait for me. I'll be right there," Edward said.
I leaned against the bar's door frame, my eyes half-closed, watching the street and the flickering streetlights. Everything looked blurry, like it was all dancing.
Edward's car pulled up in front of the bar, instantly drawing everyone's attention. It wasn't the most luxurious car in Edward's garage, but it was definitely high-end for this city. People started speculating about which lucky woman was about to be picked up.
I waved and walked towards the car, swaying slightly. The driver quickly got out to support me. Lila, worried, took a couple of steps forward, but I waved her off, and she stopped.
I turned back to Lila and said, "Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm going home with my husband."
Lila's expression was complicated. At that moment, I didn't know how to explain to her that I no longer loved Edward; I just wanted to get what I wanted as soon as possible.
The driver opened the car door for me, and I looked inside. Edward was leaning back in the rear seat, his eyes slightly closed. His breathing was steady, a picture of tranquility.
"Honey, are you asleep? Why didn't you wait for me?" I said, reaching out to touch his face.
"Mrs. Howard, Mr. Howard had two back-to-back meetings today, went back to the villa to see Ms. York in the afternoon, and attended a business dinner tonight. He's probably asleep now," the driver explained when Edward didn't respond.
I waved my hand to interrupt the driver. "It's okay, I'll take care of my husband."
I turned to Lila by the roadside and said, "Lila, you take care of yourself too!" With that, I bent down and climbed into the car, straddling Edward's lap.
The driver shook his head and closed the car door for me. Ever since Edward got this car with a partition between the front and back seats, we often made love in it. The driver, a middle-aged man, never asked but was well aware of what was happening.
I caressed Edward's cheek and whispered in his ear, "Honey, I like you so much!"
My alcohol-laden breath hit Edward's face, making him frown and open his eyes. "Why did you drink so much?"
Normally, he disapproved of women drinking, but today, seeing me so drunk, he didn't seem to mind.
"This isn't much; I'm not drunk yet. But I can't drink anymore, or you will be unhappy." I deliberately tried to appease him.
He pinched my nose. "Did you have fun?"
I nodded and pinched his nose back. "But it's still more fun being with you."
I couldn't remember the last time I openly expressed my love for Edward. So many beautiful moments had faded with time. As I looked at the man below me, a whirlwind of emotions swirled within me.
"I heard from the driver that you had a tough day," I said softly, lying on Edward's chest.
"Yeah, today's schedule was packed. I even took time in the afternoon to comfort Anne. It was a bit tiring." Edward patted my butt. "Next time you upset her, make sure you comfort her yourself."
I was slightly taken aback and frowned. "If you say that, I'll be sad. It was Anne who spread the rumors online, and I'm the one who's wronged! Now you want me to comfort her? Who's going to comfort me?"
Since childhood, my mom had taught me that women needed to act coy. That was why, even after decades of marriage, dad still pampered her like a little princess, and they never had any conflicts. But after dad passed away, she became a strong woman to take over the Cooper Group and never acted coy again. I had also forgotten how to act coy after being neglected by Edward.
I had since picked up this skill again, using it on the man I once deeply loved. But this time, the magic seemed to have failed.
Edward straightened up and said seriously, "Isn't it because you took on such a job that caused a stir online? Anne is still young and was influenced by those negative messages online, which made her say things she shouldn't have. Diana, I've already agreed to let you continue working. Don't push your luck."
Hearing Edward say this, I felt a bit hurt.
Edward still cared more about Anne's feelings. Even though she had admitted her wrongdoings towards me and knew the negative impact her actions had on the Howard family, he still wouldn't criticize her.
Outside the car window, the city's lights flickered like a sea of stars. The streetlights occasionally cast their glow inside the car, creating soft shadows on Edward's face. The car was filled with a faint warmth, contrasting with the cold night outside. At this moment, the alcohol made my consciousness fuzzy and a wave of inexplicable grievance surged in my heart.
At that moment, I felt like a fool. I had cast my dignity to the ground and trampled it into dust. I concealed my sadness and put on a façade of joy.
I said nonchalantly, "I will push my luck. I want you to love me."
My body wriggled on Edward's lap, making him gradually heat up. He reached down to loosen his tie, and I reached out to unbutton his shirt.
I squinted, trying to see Edward's face clearly, mumbling, "Honey, my head is so dizzy. This drink is really strong."
Edward stroked my hair, his movements becoming tender.
"You always make me worry." His words carried a mix of reproach and affection.
I held him tightly, as if he would vanish the moment I loosened my grip. The car moved slowly, the slight bumps bringing me closer to his chest. His strong, powerful heartbeat seemed to want to jump into my chest. I held him tightly, feeling his heartbeat and the rhythmic breathing that was especially clear in the quiet car. His hand slid along my spine, eventually slipping under my shirt and moving upwards, stopping at my bra clasp.
My breathing became rapid. I was already used to making love with Edward anywhere, and we had done it in this car many times. I reached back and held Edward's hand, helping him unhook my bra.
My breasts suddenly lost the support of the bra and bounced against Edward's chest.
"Diana, do you want to go on a honeymoon?" Edward asked me.
"Honeymoon?" I repeated, puzzled.
He replied, "Yes, I think we should go on a honeymoon. I've been too busy these past few years and haven't had time to take you anywhere."
"Just the two of us?" I caught the key point and asked with interest.
"Yes, just the two of us." Edward's voice was calm.
I suddenly remembered our honeymoon trip four years ago: 25-year-old Edward, 22-year-old me, and 17-year-old Anne.
The three of us traveled together, shared a room, and even slept in the same bed, with Anne and me lying on either side of Edward. Such a combination probably didn't exist anywhere else in the world. But back then, I didn't find it odd.
Now that Edward suggested going on a honeymoon alone with me, how could I not be happy?
"A honeymoon, and then we start over." Edward's hands half-held my breasts, his breathing becoming rapid. At this moment, I couldn't tell if he really wanted to start over with me or if he was just attached to my body, but I knew this was a great opportunity for me, one I couldn't miss.
"A honeymoon? Then let's start with the wedding night. I know a good place." I reached out, pressing Edward's hands against my breasts.
Edward looked at me, his eyes full of curiosity. He asked with interest, "What good place?"
"You'll know when you get there." I deliberately kept it a secret.
I opened the intercom to the driver's seat and gave the driver an address.
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