My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 3 Poolside Party

Evelyn.

Leaning against the balcony railing, I took a sip of my coffee, its bittersweet flavour providing a much-needed respite from the stress that threatened to consume me. By conveniently feigning a headache, I managed to escape the formalities of greeting the arriving guests one by one, effectively dodging any encounter with Jacob.

Damn, that man seemed to defy logic with his ever-growing handsomeness.

From my vantage point, I could see the gathering around the poolside. It was like a scene straight out of a poolside party movie. Handsome men were aplenty, some being Dad's business partners' sons, while others represented their fathers' interests.

But amidst this sea of attractive individuals, my eyes only craved stolen glances at the green-eyed Italian male perched on a chaise lounge. Unlike the others, he maintained a certain air of casual elegance, leaving only a few buttons undone, revealing a glimpse of the gold chain around his neck. Every now and then, I caught a tantalising peek at his tattoo-a masterpiece that seemed to originate from the left side of his chest and undoubtedly extended down his arm.

What was God thinking while creating this masterpiece? He is too good to be true.

I tore my gaze away from him and looked at the sky. The weather was nice today enough to make me want to go for a walk, which was pretty rare for me to do.

"Evelyn...what on earth are you doing out here?" Clara's sudden loud voice jolted me, causing me to gasp and spin around. My hands instinctively tightened around the coffee mug, preventing it from slipping through my fingers.

"Clara...you scared me half to death!" I placed a hand over my chest as my heart continued to pound erratically.

"For heaven's sake, everyone's by the pool having a good time, and here you are, acting like a lone ghost," she rolled her eyes and strolled towards me, clad in a swimsuit with a poolside robe draped over her, "Go on, change!"

"I didn't bring any swimwear," I shrugged, hoping my little white lie would hold some weight.

"Oh, you little liar. I packed your suitcase with you so don't like your flimsy excuse will work on me," Of course, she saw through my ruse. What was I even expecting?

"B-but..."

"No buts," she cut me off, "Go and get ready, otherwise I might, unfortunately, have to drag your ass there."

that further resistance would be futile, I finally exhaled a defeated sigh. "Fine,

a few minutes, or else I'll have to come back up here to check on you." "Alright," I

had unpacked my luggage the previous night before going to sleep, so locating my

triangle bikini, pairing it with a flowing white chiffon sheer robe. Pulling my hair back into a loose bun, I intentionally left a few strands framing my face. After slipping into the swimwear, I draped the

making me look at Jacob again and again. It had only been a day since his arrival, yet he had already managed to send my sanity teetering on the brink. Amidst the cacophony of guests' conversations, the sound of their laughter and the clinking of glasses filled the air. The waiters were

dad's company-a woman who stirred an intense irritation within me: Gloria Henderson-- A fucking wicked bitch.

Gloria's conniving ways triggered a surge of irritation within me. How could she brazenly manipulate and betray her husband, all the while pretending to be a faithful and loving wife? It disgusted me to witness her deceitful actions, and my disdain for her

jaw clenched

Fucking bitch!

her that death stare, Evie. People will start thinking you've got some personal vendetta against her," Clara whispered into my ear, breaking my intense gaze. I had been

Clara!" I groaned under

you know where your dad had to invite all of his colleagues, so he couldn't just exclude this one bitch from the list." She sighed, "Anyways, ignore her and enjoy the party. There are plenty of attractive boys around here."

any boy, Clara," I chuckled.

front of your dad. He'd probably

if I care," I rolled my eyes and made my way towards

preparing my drink with

as expected, they settled on Jacob. But, this time, the sight that unfolded before me, made my skin crawl in a whole new way-Gloria, that fucking bitch, was now making blatant advances towards Jacob,

and my teeth ground together as I observed her witch-like nails trailing up and down Jacob's arms. His sleeves rolled up to his elbows giving her easy access, and she was clearly trying too hard

I could see his uncomfortable laughter and his body language inching away from her touch, yet she persisted, reaching out again and again. Why was I even paying attention to this? He was a grown man perfectly capable

my focus on the drink but one sip and everything felt

Evelyn! He's not your husband, nor your boyfriend! Calm

to send daggers with my eyes in Gloria's direction, her shameless flirting still in full swing. Jacob appeared visibly irritated, though he

requesting the bartender, ordering the

it, I untied my robe, leaving it open but still draped over me, and

eyes fell on me sooner than I had expected, and they lingered, taking in