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."

be futile, I finally exhaled a defeated sigh.

or else I'll have to come back up here to check

my luggage the previous night before going to sleep, so locating my swimwear proved to be

my 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, I made my way toward the

stop 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.

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

How could she brazenly manipulate and betray her husband, all the while pretending to be a faithful and loving wife? It

clenched

Fucking bitch!

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

hate her, Clara!" I

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. "I need a real

in front of your dad.

I care," I rolled my eyes and

The bartender began preparing my

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,

rolled up to his elbows giving her easy access, and she was clearly trying too hard to appear

other hand, looked anything but pleased. I could see his uncomfortable laughter and his body language inching away from her touch, yet she persisted, reaching out again and

the drink but one sip and

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

eyes in Gloria's direction, her shameless flirting still in full swing.

myself requesting the bartender, ordering the very drink

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

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