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 defeated

I'll have to come back up

before going to sleep, so locating my swimwear proved to be a relatively hassle-free

into a loose bun, I intentionally left a few strands framing my face. After slipping into the swimwear, I draped the robe

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

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 her marriage to a military husband who likely

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

jaw clenched in

Fucking bitch!

my ear, breaking my intense gaze. I had been absorbed in glaring at that woman,

her, Clara!" I groaned

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 took on

need just any boy, Clara,"

in front of your dad. He'd probably ground you

if I care," I rolled my eyes and made my way towards the bar set up in

bartender began preparing my drink

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

clenched involuntarily, 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 to appear seductive or maybe to convey just how easily she could

could see his uncomfortable laughter and his body language inching away from her touch, yet she persisted, reaching out again and again. Why was

tried to keep my focus on the drink but one

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

in Gloria's direction, her shameless flirting still in full

myself requesting the bartender, ordering the very drink that happened to

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

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 me