Aileen

The bartender could've taken it easy with the drinks he served me, but how could he when the boss gave him specific instructions? I've never been one to blame others for what goes wrong in my life, but in this case, I just can't help it. I could've still chosen not to drink it,

but the heaviness in my heart was just too much.

While my aim was to forget all about my problems, the alcohol in my system has only made me feel worse and now staggering to the ladies' room, I dial Meryl's number, ready to give her a piece of my mind.

"Hello?" she says from the other end of the line. "Any luck?"

"You lied to me."

"I'm guessing that's a no."

"Do you even double check the phone numbers you share with me? Once again, it-"

"Wait, are you drunk?"

My eyes narrow. "Are you seriously asking me that right now?"

"Since when did you start taking alcohol? Do your parents kn-"

"They're not my parents," I cut her off, gritting my teeth. "You know what they've put me through despite raising me for years."

She sighs, disappointed. "The more I hear you speak, the more I confirm that you're drunk. If only those from Oakbrook Village could see you right now."

I lean against the wall with so much force that my back hurts a little. "Why do you keep changing the subject? None of the people I spoke to could help. You promised me that this was it."

"Look, I know you're disappointed but come on. It's only been two days and you've lost hope? You've wanted to search for them for years and now you finally had the balls to leave Oakbrook Village and want to quit?"

I sigh. "If you think I'm giving up and going back to that house, you're wrong."

"Then we'll keep trying. I'll do everything I can and keep you posted. Aileen?"

"What?" I ask.

"Don't drink too much."

the call coming to

moment to proceed to the ladies' room as I tell myself to have some more patience. If I want this

it to a bathroom stall, the suffering in my adoptive parents' home flashes in my mind and it takes me a while to step out. It's only when I hear a sob from the next stall that I snap out of it. I guess I'm not the only one having a bad day. To wash my hands, I stand in front of

one who's been shooting me glares. I can't help but stare at her. From head to toe,

focusing on finishing up by fluffing my hair a little and fixing my jean jacket. Satisfied, I reach for my purse

says to me, rummaging through her designer purse until she takes out a makeup

raise an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, but are you talking to

shooting me a glare through the mirror. "Do you see anyone else here with

I

you and I'll repeat myself.

"I don't understand."

Liam when he came over to talk to you. Be

then look at him. Do you actually

problem with me? That's the same glare you gave me

"Cousin?"

her

you must be his friend. There's no way you're his

that?" She

you'll never be

would never be my intention to hurt someone like

me?" She sneers,

don't believe me, ask him yourself." I don't care if

she clears her throat and shoves the brush back in her purse. "You're nothing but a leech, who's

raising a finger. "I'm not sure what I did to you for you to speak to me this way, but

be this dumb girl who has no idea who Liam is and the power he and his family hold

Her silky

say and honestly, I'm wasting my time here.

"Mark my words, leech-"

"It's Aileen."

know your fucking

"Then use it."

looking right into my eyes. "Whatever it is you think will come out of the conversation you had

know what

a chuckle. "This is exactly what I'm talking about. I see you're still playing dumb. Enough of this. I'm done with the likes of you." She grimaces, taking a few steps away while covering her nose with her

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