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."

futile, I finally exhaled a

tugged at the corners of her lips as she nodded. "Good. Be downstairs in a few minutes, or else I'll have to come back up here to check on you."

luggage the previous night before going to sleep, so

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 I

my sanity teetering on the brink. Amidst the cacophony of guests' conversations, the sound of their laughter and

stirred an intense irritation within me: Gloria Henderson-- A fucking wicked bitch.

all the while pretending to be a faithful and loving wife?

clenched

Fucking bitch!

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 flirting with an unknown

I groaned under

to invite all of his colleagues, so he couldn't just exclude this one bitch from the list." She

boy, Clara," I

in disbelief. "Thank goodness you didn't say that in front of your dad. He'd probably ground you for days, forgetting all about the

my eyes and

The bartender began preparing

sight that unfolded before me, made my skin

nails trailing up and down Jacob's arms. His sleeves rolled up to his elbows giving her easy

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

my focus on the drink but one sip and everything

nor your boyfriend! Calm the fuck

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

I found myself requesting the bartender, ordering the very drink that happened to be Jacob's

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

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, followed his gaze and noticed