Chapter 4

I froze while putting on my face mask at the new message. Then I answered, [Just clearing things up. I'm busy with blind dates. Don't listen to that bullshit.]

Honestly, I was telling the truth. After my birthday, I decided I'd go on one blind date a week.

And so far, I'd managed to meet three.

However, none of them really caught my eye, and after a few weeks, I still hadn't found anyone who felt right.

Not long after, I got a private message from Martin. [Sorry to put you on the spot, man. Thanks for covering for me with that lie.]

I replied: [I was just telling the truth.]

He kept typing, but after waiting a bit, I got bored and set my phone down.

The next day, I finally saw his message. [Anyone catch your eye yet?]

For some reason, I didn't feel like replying at all. I was surprised myself; I used to always reply right away, and now, it didn't matter.

He could just be another nobody in my life.

For a second, I felt a bit dazed. I hadn't really thought about Martin in ages.

I thought I'd finally moved on.

Once I understood this, I felt a little lighter, even buying myself a bouquet of flowers.

For a moment, it seemed like I'd suddenly found my love for life again.

And I finally felt free. I was living just for me.

With resources moving south, I couldn't avoid attending some business gatherings.

One day, Ian Frost told me about a dinner party and asked if I'd like to go.

I thought it over. I wasn't good at socializing for business, but it was inevitable, so I braced myself and agreed.

Being a young woman here made me seem a bit weak, and the investors kept pouring me drinks under the pretense of the project.

I couldn't just refuse them outright, so I had to put on a smile and knock back the drinks.

My stomach started hurting a little, and I had to force my smile.

Suddenly, the door to the private room swung open, and I turned to see Martin walk in with his girlfriend.

Martin looked surprised to see me, and out of habit, he slid into the seat right next to mine. "What are you doing here?"

I replied casually, "Just a social thing."

He frowned, clearly wanting to say something, but with everyone around, he held back.

The girl next to him leaned in, staring at me. "You're Rosalyn Burch, right? Wow, you are really pretty."

Then she glanced at Martin. "You seriously shouldn't talk about her like that."

I looked at the girl and smiled, though her cute face was glaring with hostility.

Unwilling to back down, she taunted, "Rosalyn, mind if I take this seat? I want to sit with Martin."

Ian jumped in to smooth things over. "Rosalyn, come here. We're not done chatting."

Switching seats midway through a meal always feels awkward. I said nothing and stayed put.

In the end, Martin called over a waiter and had another chair brought in.

Nicole's face darkened, and she let out a cold laugh. "Some people pretend to be friends, but really, they're just flirting under the guise of friendship.

"She clearly knows he's taken, yet they keep leaning in. Rosalyn, do you think it's appropriate?"

I spun around to argue, but Martin handed her a glass of mango juice. "Here, try this. You'll like it."

Nicole's face darkened further. "Martin, did you forget I'm allergic to mangoes?"

Then she sneered. "Maybe someone else here is the real mango lover, huh?"

Martin sighed and gave her cheek a playful pinch. "Don't frown, or you'll ruin your makeup."

Martin was only here for Nicole. She was chasing the glamour of showbiz, so he was using all his connections to help her break into the business.

Once he showed up, everyone's attention naturally shifted to him.

He took the chance to introduce his girlfriend, grinning. "She's new to this industry. Please take care of her, guys."

I couldn't help but laugh to myself.

I'd been in the industry for years, and aside from funding, Martin never interfered; my manager and I had to fight for every opportunity ourselves.

Back then, when I was struggling just to keep my head above water in showbiz, he never once reached out to help.

I always thought Martin was disdainful of such schemes. Only now did I realize he could go all out for someone he cared about, playing humble and planning carefully just to clear her path.

Martin rubbed her hair, then shot me an apologetic look. "She's new. Don't take it seriously."

I smiled, saying nothing.

I wasn't bothered. I was just a little jealous that she could so easily have everything I once longed for.

After a few rounds of drinks, people were getting tipsy. That was when Ben, one of the most notorious investors in the business, sauntered over with his glass in hand.

He flashed me a greasy smile. "Rosalyn, you have to keep up the good work. Come to me if you hit any bumps."

He gave me a leering glance. "I'll definitely help you out."

Martin suddenly got up with a grin. "She can't drink. Her stomach is sensitive. I'll take it for her."

Ever since I'd injured my stomach from drinking years ago, Martin wouldn't let me touch alcohol. Protecting me from it seemed like second nature to him.

Ben gave Nicole a quick once-over, then turned to me with a sly grin. "Mr. Duncan, what's this about? Who are you to Rosalyn, anyway?"

Nicole's face fell. She angrily clattered her fork, then drank her juice in one go.

Martin just chuckled. "Come on, everyone in Nartias knows that Rosalyn is my buddy."

Ben smirked. "Mr. Duncan, you know the rules. You can only take the hit for one person here.

"If you're stepping in for Rosalyn, what about your girlfriend?"