Chapter 3 Not Because I Love Her

Lance’s POV…

I went to the Lemon Bar after dropping Ruby off at her house. I am currently drinking whiskey in a private chamber. I can't get my mind off of what happened in the restaurant.

Molly’s words are still reverberating in my ears. ‘Congratulations, Ruby. I am happy that you are going to start your life with Lance.’

I was shocked to hear her say that with such calmness. Molly didn't seem bothered by seeing me with Ruby. I took her to meet Ruby only to take a little revenge on her for asking for a divorce. I wanted to annoy her, but she annoyed me in the end.

I am with Ruby, not because I love her, but because I can't ignore her. She saved my life when I was young. I am just returning the favor.

But Molly…

This woman seems never cares about me, never looks at me, and never tries to get to know me.

She married me back then because of the arrangement of the elders. I was delighted to marry her, but she left with an excuse for further study and never returned in the past three years. I could tell she was not happy with this marriage. Otherwise, why would she leave?

Now she has returned to end the relationship with me. How heartless! She doesn’t care about what I feel for her.

I gulp down the remaining drink and refill my glass.

Ruby said that someone was interested in Molly, who didn’t deny it. In fact, she claimed that several guys were following her.

It's the same as before. She used to hang out with a senior at school.

‘Does she give any face to me?’ I furiously gulp down the alcohol in one breath and slam the glass down on the table.

"Hey, Lance. Why are you drinking alone?"

I glance at the door and notice a tall figure walking in. It is my close friend, Jack, who is also the owner of the bar. Molly, Jack, and I grew up together and went to the same school. Jack is not only close to me, but also to Molly. He is a nice person. What I don’t like about him is his flirtatious nature.

I ignore his question and pour myself another drink.

"Is it true that you are divorcing Molly?" He asks as he takes a seat next to me on the sofa.

I only give him a sidelong glance while sipping the alcohol.

"You are heartless, man," he whines, frowning. "How can you be so cruel to her."

Trust me, I am pissed with his words, and I knit my eyebrows.

‘I am cruel! In reality, Molly doesn’t want to stay in this relationship.’

I take a swig of the drink, my eyes are burning with rage. I dislike it when Jack expresses concern for Molly.

He has so many women around him. He should think about them. Why is he running his brain after my wife?

I take the glass to my mouth to take another swig.

"You are already drunk. Stop drinking."

Jack suddenly reaches out to take the glass from me and accidentally hits it with his hand, spilling the alcohol on my shirt.

"Shit…" I jump to my feet and brush the alcohol away. Even so, it leaves a faint brown stain on my white shirt.

"I-I am sorry, bro. It was just an accident." Jack looks sorry.

"It’s okay." That’s what I said before walking out of the bar.

I get into the car and ask the driver to drive me to the Stevens family mansion. Since Molly is staying in my penthouse, I am thinking of staying at the mansion. I still remember her angry expression last night when I insisted on staying in the same room. I don't want to bother her. If she is happy staying away from me, be it.

However, my mind revolts at my decision and asks me to go back to her. I can't ignore my inner voice any longer and ask the driver to take me to the penthouse.

Several minutes later…

When I arrive at the penthouse, I find my mom and grandmother in the hall talking with Molly. I am stunned to see them at this hour. At the same time, I am a little embarrassed about my current situation.

I manage to stand still and smile at them.

"Good evening, mom and grandma."

"Good evening." It’s Rachel, my beautiful and sweet mom, who becomes strict at times. And I know she is going to scold me when I catch her frowning at me.

"Why do you drink so much?" she snaps. "Stop acting rashly."

"Your mom is right." My grandma, Greta, will always take my mom’s side. She often refers to Rachel as her daughter rather than her daughter-in-law. Sometimes I wonder if she is my father's or my mother's biological mother.

"You should pay attention to Molly," my grandma continues. When she smiles, more wrinkles appear on her already wrinkled face. But I enjoy watching her smile. "Now that she has returned, you should consider expanding your family. You have already wasted three years. Now I want to watch my great-grandchild play."

I glance at Molly, who is blushing. I am not sure if it is the effect of the alcohol or her fine make-up, but she is even more appealing now. I can't take my eyes off her.

Ring-Ting-Ting…

‘My phone.’

I take the phone out of my pocket and check it.

Ruby is calling me. Her name at this moment brings a frown to me. I am not happy. But I didn’t disconnect it.

"Hello, Ruby," I answer the call. "Is everything fine?"

"Yes. I am just missing you. Did I disturb you?"

"Uh… no…" I scratch my forehead and catch a glimpse of my mom and grandma scowling at me. I quickly say, "I will call you back tomorrow. Right now, I am a bit busy. Take care."

I end the call and put the phone back in my pocket. I receive warning glares from the family's two head ladies.

They look so angry. They have never liked Ruby. I don’t know why. Shouldn’t they feel gratitude towards her? After all, she was the one who saved my life back then. Their apathy towards Ruby makes me care for her more. I don't want her to have negative feelings about my family members. But who will persuade them? They only know how to scold me, as they are doing right now.

"You are not loyal to Molly," my grandma rebukes.

My mom exclaimed angrily, "Why are you still sticking around with her even after the marriage? Are you taking Molly for granted?"

I have nothing to say. All I can do is hang my head down. I am annoyed, but I can’t offend them.

"Mom, grandma, please calm down." It’s Molly who speaks. She takes a quick look at me and stands up. "He is drunk. I will take him to the room first." She smiles at them and takes my arm as she leads me to the bedroom.

I am staring at her. My heart is ready to jump out. I can barely contain myself when she is so close to me.

Her sweet floral scent intoxicates me.

We are now in the bedroom, and she is still holding my arm.

"Your shirt is stained. Let me help you take it off." Her voice sounds so sweet to my ears. Her thin lips part and close constantly when she speaks. This is so alluring.

I subconsciously wrap my arms around her, and she freezes. In an instant, our gazes lock.

‘God, she is so beautiful. And all mine… my wife.’

My gaze is drawn to her lips, which appear to be juicy. My desire to taste them grows stronger, and I bend down to kiss her.

She turns her head aside, her arms firmly repelling me.

I am taken aback and look at her, my brows furrowing.

She looks back at me with a sneer. "Have you mistaken me for Ruby, President Stevens?"