Chapter 24
Daphne had been beat last night, so she and Jessica postponed their plan to hit the bar until tonight.
After work, she pulled up to the Starlit Bar and saw Jessica waiting outside. It had been weeks since they’d hung out, and seeing her bestie again gave Daphne a jolt of energy. They walked in together, chatting away like they’d never stopped.
The bar was hopping, just like always. It was the kind of place where fancy cars parked out front and people dressed to kill. Every night, they brought in big–name singers, the kind who could pack the place with rich kids and business types looking to unwind.
But things had changed since Daphne’s time. Back then, she’d booked acts based on talent alone. If someone could sing, they were in–no matter who they were. Everyone got the same cut, no strings attached.
After she left, though, the bar started to slide. Business dipped, and the place lost its buzz. Desperate to turn things around, Jessica made a risky move. She swapped out the unknowns for A–listers–singers who could draw a crowd.
And it worked. The bar’s popularity shot through the roof, and the place was packed again.
But there was a downside. Booking these big names came with a price tag. Money flew out the door, and most of the bar’s earnings went straight to the performer
The bar was a hidden zem
gem–elegant without being flashy, the kind of place where every detail seemed to belong in a high–end magazine spread. There was no backiness here, just a quiet, refined charm that made one feel like they’d stepped into a world of understated luxury
As Daphne walked in, Ivan, the bartender who had been a fixture since day one, greried her with a warm smile. “Welcome back,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of relief
Daphne nodded, her smile soft, r’s been rough for everyone. Thanks for holding down the fort
Before Ivan could respond, Nathan in black burst out from behind him, barreling toward Daphne with open arms. “Daphnet You’re finally back, he shouted, his excitement making him almost clumsy.
But before he could reach her, Jessica stepped in, grabbing him by the collar. “Whoa there. What do you think you’re doing?” she scolded, her tone a mix of irritation and protectiveness
Nathan stopped and looked sheepish. “I just wanted to give her a hug. A way to welcome her back.” he said, his voice tinged with hurt.
Jessica rolled her eyes. “Yeah, and I’m sure you’re not worried about Daphne chewing you out for the mess you made at the bar,” she retorted, her words sharper than she probably intended_
Nathan’s expression turned defensive. “It was an accident, he muttered, his words sounding more like a plea than a defense
He turned to Daphne, his eyes wide and pleading. “Come on, Honey. You know I didn’t mean it. You’ll forgive me, right?”
Daphne tilted her head, her smile gentle but with a hint of mischief. “Honey?” the teased with a sweet smile.
Nathan’s eyes widened in confusion, and he quickly corrected himself. “Daphne! I mean Daphner
They’d been friends for over a decade–Daphne wasn’t about to fuss over small stuff. After some easy banter, they drifted toward the bar in relaxed
unison
The place was dead this early. No crowd, no singer. They slid into a corner booth. Ivan whipped up custom drinks for the crew, but Daphne waved him off. “Just water,” she said, her smile soft.
Nathan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Water? As a bar? You’re really something else, Daphne
Jessica kicked him under the table, her smile strained. “Just zip it, okay?” she warned.
Daphne just laughed, clearly enjoying the banter. “Or maybe a warm glass of milk,” she added to Ivan, her eyes twinkling
Ivan nodded and headed off to get her drink, leaving the Quee of them to catch up.
Jewica took a sip of her cocktail, her eyes lacking to Nathan. “Who’s on tonight?” she asked.
Nathan shrugged, leaning against the bar with a relaxed air. “Some guy named Jasper. 1le’s been trending lately”
Jaspert Jasper Grove?” Jessica’s brow furrowed. “hn’t be the one with the bad rept The guy who treats staff like dirt! That Jasper?”
Nathan’s eyes widened. “Wait, seriously! I just invited him since he’s hot right n
Jessica cut him off with a roll of her eyes. “You didn’t even vet him! At this rate, you’ll run this place into the ground, definitely”
1/2
10.54 AM
Chapter 24
Nathan waved a hand dismissively. “Come on, Jessica. It’s not that bad. And if things really tank, we can always fall back on the family fortune.
Jessica scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You can’t even run a bar, and you’re already counting on running your family business? In your dreams
Nathan’s face turned red. “Hey, too far.”
After bickering a while longer, Jessica stood up. “He’s still not here? I’m going to check. Those VIPS in the booths tonight could sink us if we mess up.”
As she walked away, Nathan and Daphne were left alone. Nathan had always been curious about Daphne’s life over the past few years but didn’t want to pry 100 deeply. He tried to sound casual and tried to talk about her love life.
Daphne
cut
thim off before he could fumble anything. “It didn’t work out. That’s all. I’m not upset about it
Nathan sighed, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “I remember when you told us you were getting married. You were so happy, and even your eyes were sparkling”
Mason had lied, claiming Yancey sought her hand. She’d bought it and had been so sure of her future back then. She had announced her plans over dinner with friends and then returned to her family with determination. Everyone had thought she was heading toward a perfect life.
But three years later, the marriage had ended in divorce–and not quietly. It had become a public scandal that everyone seemed to know about
Daphne shook off the memories, her smile softening. “It’s all in the past. No need to dwell on il Let’s just focus on the present and walk straight reads this time”
Nathan reached out and gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. He smiled brightly, “You’re right. Let’s focus on the future. We’ve got a lot of good days
ahead of us”
Daphne smiled and nodded, but her attention was suddenly caught by the non at the entrance of the bar. In the dim light, this tall figure stepped out of the shadows, his eyes intense as they fixed on her It was Yancey.
Her smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly composed herself, turning back to Nathan. They kept chatting and laughing until Jessica returned.
That burning stare between her shoulder blades never lifted. She deliberately kept her eyes away. Only when that strange feeling faded did she finally look back and find empty air.
Daphne let out a sigh of relief, but an odd sense of unease still lingered, making her feel slightly nauseous. So she excused herself for the restroom. Jessica offered to go with her, but Daphne shook her head as it was just a short walk.
The bar was nearly empty at this hour, and the restroom was even quieter. After splashing some cold water on her face, Daphne felt much better. She didn’t need the embarrassment of throwing up in the public.
Leaning against the sink, she gently rubbed her stomach, her face softening taro a tender smile. “Baby, don’t give Mommy too much trouble,” she whispered
Her belly remained calm; the baby wasn’t developed enough to respond yet. Daphne chuckled softly, then turned to leave.
Heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway as she opened the restroom door. Suddenly, a tall figure appeared and pushed her back inside. She hit the wall with a thud, her eyes meeting a pair of angry eyes.
“Daphne, must y
you collen men like trinkets?” Yancey’s voice was low and menacing.
