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."

resistance would be futile, I finally exhaled a defeated sigh. "Fine, I'll get

nodded. "Good. Be downstairs in a few minutes, or else I'll have to come back up here to check on you." "Alright," I rolled my

before going to sleep, so locating my swimwear proved to be a

intentionally left a few strands framing my face. After slipping into the swimwear, I draped the robe over it, stealing one last glance in the mirror to ensure

send my sanity

despised from the depths of my being. One of them happened to be associated with my dad's company-a woman who stirred an intense irritation within me: Gloria Henderson-- A fucking wicked bitch. She embodied everything despicable, a cunning and promiscuous woman who shamelessly pursued any man within her reach, regardless of her marriage to a military husband who likely believed her deceptive facade of unwavering

of Gloria's conniving ways triggered a surge of irritation within me. How could she brazenly manipulate and betray her husband, all the

clenched

Fucking bitch!

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 absorbed in glaring at that woman, who was shamelessly

her, Clara!" I groaned under my

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." Her voice

need just any boy, Clara," I chuckled. "I need a real

goodness you didn't say that in front of your dad. He'd probably

my eyes and made

The bartender began preparing my drink

that unfolded before me, made my skin crawl in a whole new way-Gloria, that fucking bitch, was now making blatant advances towards Jacob, trying to get into

witch-like nails trailing up and down Jacob's arms. His sleeves rolled up to his elbows giving her easy access, and

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 of handling himself and dealing with

to keep my focus on the drink but one sip

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 maintained his composure, politely responding to her seemingly pointless

please," I found myself requesting the bartender, ordering the very drink that happened

it, I untied my robe, leaving it open but still draped over me, and held my half-finished cocktail in one

was walking towards Jacob, propelled by an inexplicable force. His eyes fell on me sooner than I had expected, and they lingered, taking in my figure. Gloria, sensing Jacob's attention shift away from her,