Back to Love: A New Beginning
Chapter 18

Chapter 18:.

My mind went blank the moment Derek kissed me.

His lips were so soft. He lifted a long, cool finger to tilt my chin up as he deepened the kiss. I could feel goose bumps all over my arms.

I was in no condition to resist him, but I didn’t kiss him back either.

“Wow!”

I heard a few exclamations from the people around us, followed by some applause and raucous whistles.

That’s what brought me back to my senses. I was about to break away when Derek himself ended the kiss.

However, he stayed close and looked at me tenderly.

“I like your unique taste.”

His voice was magnetic and sexy, pulling me into the illusion that we were true lovers.

I averted my gaze, inadvertently catching Shane’s somber face.

“There are very few women in the world who can make Derek lose control of himself like this.” A male voice was suddenly heard, with a mocking tone.

I turned and saw a man in a casual black shirt approaching us. He had one hand tucked in the front pocket of his jeans and the other was holding a cigarette. He was smiling.

I remembered this guy. He was the one from that night on the mountain, the one who had said Derek was good at flirting with girls. He didn’t seem to recognize me at all, which was to be expected. After all, I was nothing like when we had first met.

He stopped in front of us and blinked at me with a playful smile. Then he patted Derek’s shoulder.

“I’ll wait for you at our regular card table upstairs.”

Derek replied without turning to look at his friend, and his warm breath brushed my forehead.

“You should know better than anyone, Mr. Felix Chadwick, that a beauty is more important than any card game. You can go up first.”

His words made me blush and I could feel my ears burning with embarrassment. The man named Felix Chadwick said no more. He gave Derek another pat on the shoulder and left while humming a song under his breath.

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“Don’t forget you’re still a married woman, Eveline,” Shane expressed, with a spiteful tone.

Louise rolled her eyes and ruffled her short hair. Then she cocked her head in his direction and sneered, “Funny, coming from you – aren’t you a married man yourself?”

A round of evil laughter came from our small audience. They seemed to have already realized the complicated situation unfolding before their eyes. For my part, I simply couldn’t understand how Shane still had the nerve to say such things.

As for Vivien, the shameless mistress, she took the opportunity to stir up more trouble. “You see, Shane? This should be enough for you to believe what I’ve said. You, she’s not faithful to you at all. How dare she kiss another man in front of her husband, what a bitch!”

How ironic that she was blurting out the word “bitch” when she was the one who deserved the title the most.

It was all so ridiculous, it was almost hysterical.

But seeing Shane’s furious face was well worth it. It was gratifying.

Meeting his furious eyes, I gently slipped my arm through Derek’s and said, “Are you off to play cards now? Come on.” Derek straightened up and gave me another loving look. “Shall we?”

I had thought he wouldn’t mind the conflict he had gotten himself into, but I was wrong. Just as we were about to pass Vivien and Shane, he stopped short and glared at her.

“Are you sure you know what a bitch is? I think you’re pretty confused about its definition. Try taking a look in the mirror and see what a bitch really is.”

Louise laughed at that. She raised an eyebrow at Shane

“You’re here to have fun, Shane, aren’t you? I wonder if you have the guts to participate in high stakes gambling.”

Despite her teasing, he was convinced Shane wouldn’t take the bait. He didn’t relish the game, nor did he have the wherewithal to do so.

Derek led me to the elevator, Louise in tow. The doors slowly closed, shutting out the raucous music from the bar. He reached out and tapped the nine with a slender finger.

I realized then that it was not appropriate

for me to hold on to him in this way. I started to pull my arm away, but his other hand held me.

His palm was warm against my skin, that contact alone made my whole body heat up.

I became nervous. Louise gave me a scathing look, her lips curved mischievously. I knew I would have to suffer her aggressive questioning again later.

The casino on the ninth floor was huge and everyone knew Derek. People would turn their heads and greet him as soon as we arrived, and then look at me curiously.

At some point, someone stopped him to discuss something in depth. I took the opportunity to step aside and, fortunately, this time he didn’t stop me.

I stood to the side and waited for them to finish their conversation. Felix then spotted us and began waving ostentatiously at us. Derek dismissed the other man and took my hand again, in a smooth, graceful motion, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

We made our way to Felix’s table. It turned out that they had just finished a round, and everyone stood up and gave us their seats. Of course, Felix stayed. He was playing with a deck of cards, a cigarette between his teeth.

Louise also liked to play cards. This kind of scene was not new to her. She chose a seat and sat down.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve played. Please allow me to join you.”

Felix took a puff on his cigarette and whistled at her. “Of course, darling, you’re welcome here.” He flashed her a cheeky grin.

Derek tuned to give me a look. “Do you know how to play?” I shook my head shyly.

“Let me show you, then.” He led me to a chair, his hands on my shoulders. He pushed me to sit down.

But I wanted to run away. Not only did I not know how to play, but I had no money to bet. I didn’t even know how much the bet was. I probably couldn’t pay it.

As if he knew my thoughts, Derek squeezed my shoulders and smiled knowingly.

“Don’t worry. If you lose, I’ll pay on your behalf.”

“Shane! I didn’t expect you to show up here. Are you sure you brought enough money? Or are you planning to throw that woman next to you as a bargaining chip?”

I turned before Louise finished speaking. Needless to say, I was speechless to see Shane and Vivien walking toward our table.

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