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."

I finally exhaled a defeated sigh. "Fine, I'll get

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." "Alright," I rolled my eyes and made my

to sleep, so locating my swimwear

face. After slipping into the swimwear, I draped the robe over it, stealing one last glance in the mirror to ensure I looked presentable. Satisfied with my appearance,

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

from the crowd, including some individuals I 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

all the while pretending to be a faithful and loving wife? It disgusted me to witness her deceitful actions, and my disdain for her reached

clenched in

Fucking bitch!

vendetta against her," Clara whispered into my ear, breaking my intense gaze. I had been absorbed in glaring at that woman, who was shamelessly

Clara!" I groaned under my

couldn't just exclude this one bitch from the list."

just any boy, Clara,"

say that in front of your dad. He'd probably ground you for days, forgetting

care," I rolled my eyes and

cocktail, please," The bartender began preparing my drink with a friendly

on Jacob. But, this time, the sight that unfolded before me, made my skin crawl in a whole new way-Gloria, that

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 to appear seductive or maybe to convey just how easily

touch, yet she persisted, reaching

focus on the drink but one

your husband, nor your boyfriend!

in Gloria's direction, her shameless flirting still in full swing. Jacob appeared visibly irritated, though he maintained his composure, politely

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

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

I had expected, and they lingered, taking in my figure. Gloria, sensing Jacob's attention shift away from her, followed his gaze