On Galwiea’s night, the cold wind pierced through, and the streets were sparsely populated with
pedestrians.
In Gauge’s villa, the lights were dim and the air was filled with a strong smell of alcohol.
He sat on the floor next to the sofa, holding a bottle of whiskey in his hand, with a vacant look in his eyes, as if all his vitality had been drained away.
He had been getting drunk like this for a whole month.
During this month, he didn’t go anywhere, didn’t do anything, and just kept drinking alcohol.
His brothers took turns trying to persuade him, but he couldn’t listen to anyone’s words. In his
world, it seemed like there was only alcohol and the image of the person who had already left.
The brothers stood not far away, watching Gauge’s dejected appearance, unable to resist gathering together and discussing in low voices.
What’s wrong with Gauge? I’ve never seen him like this before, no matter how big the issue was,
someone said with a furrowed brow, their tone filled with concern.
I think it’s because of that plan. We worked on it for a whole three years, and now it’s abruptly stopped. It doesn’t sit well with me, so I’m using alcohol as a way to vent, another person analyzed.
Come on, really? Gauge has seen all sorts of ups and downs over the years, and just because one plan failed, it doesn’t mean he’s like this. I think he’s just in a bad mood and wants to have a drink.
someone retorted.
Feeling bad? Why would he feel bad? Hasn’t Jovany already left? The plan failed, and there’s no news from Kamren either. What else does he have to be bothered about? someone else chimed in.
Did you say, could it be because of Jovany? someone asked tentatively.
Jovany? How is that possible! Gauge always treated her as a tool, didn’t he? How could it be because she was in a bad mood? someone sneered.
But don’t you think Gauge has been acting strange lately? He used to drink, but he never used to be so careless and indifferent like he is now, someone whispered.
Yeah, I also felt something was off. Do you guys remember that day in the banquet hall? Gauge wrecked the entire hall, it was like he had gone crazy. someone recalled.
I felt that Gauge might be… someone hesitated, unable to continue.
What is it? others asked, pursuing further.
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Maybe… I fell in love with Jovany, the person finally voiced their speculation.
Everyone was taken aback, and then burst into laughter, “How is that possible! How could Gauge fall in love with Jovany? He is Gauge, after all!”
Just then, a female voice coldly interjected, “Stop guessing, he was just heartbroken, drowning his
sorrows in alcohol.”
The crowd turned around and found that Sloane was standing behind them, though they didn’t
know when. Her face was stern and her eyes carried a hint of mockery.
Princess, why have you come again? someone asked nervously.
Sloane sneered, “Why can’t I come? Didn’t you say Jovany had already broken up with Gauge? Well,
he’s mine now, and I’m here to see him. What’s the problem?”
Princess, please stop. Gauge is not in a good mood right now, it’s better not to provoke him.
someone advised.
Provoked him? Sloane’s voice suddenly rose, “Do you know that just yesterday, he called my dad
and said he wanted to cancel the engagement! My dad disagreed and went to find him, but
coincidentally ran into him and his dad, Avery Adkins, arguing. Avery refused to cancel the
engagement, but he insisted. Avery threatened legal action, and as a result, he was whipped 99 times! In the end, he still insisted on canceling the engagement!”
The crowd, upon hearing the words, was greatly shocked and horrified. Someone quickly stepped forward and unbuttoned Gauge’s suit. As expected, his back was covered in blood–red whip marks,
the wounds still untreated and the shirt already soaked through.
Gauge, what is this for? You have always been supportive of the alliance between the two families, haven’t you? Why do you want to cancel it now, no matter what? someone couldn’t help but ask.
Sloane sneered, “I said it because he fell in love with someone else. He fell in love with Jovany. He clearly used her, but ended up getting caught up in it himself. Can you believe it?”
Everyone looked at each other, unsure of how to refute it. Someone whispered, “Is it really impossible? How could Gauge possibly fall in love with Jovany?”
How is it not possible? Sloane’s voice was sharp. “Just look at how he is now! If he didn’t fall in love with her, why would he call off the engagement for her? Why would he endure 99 lashes for her?”
The crowd fell silent. They recalled Gauge’s abnormal behavior during this period of time, and their hearts began to waver.
Gauge, did you really fall in love with Jovany? someone asked tentatively.
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They looked at Gauge again and asked cautiously, “Gauge, is what she said true?”
Gauge had been silent all along, but upon hearing these words, he suddenly slammed the bottle of alcohol in his hand. The bottle shattered as it hit the ground, splashing the liquid everywhere.
He looked at the crowd with red eyes and a hoarse voice, “Yes, I fell in love with her! So what? Is it
not allowed?”
