My life before was just like my name, Haven. Everything was peaceful, everything went my way, and I had everything that I needed. If I wanted something, I'd have it in a snap. I didn't need to move, make an effort, or work for it. I just needed my d...
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CHAPTER 38: GROUCHY DADDY, OUCHY BABY
HAVEN'S POV
It hasn't been that long—not even a year yet—and still it feels like a lifetime ago since I've been here. I can't say that I miss it. Not the excessive dim lights that aren't just for the ambiance but more to hide things that needed attention and repair. Not the smell of cigarettes that latch to the furniture that were rarely sanitized, much less deep cleaned.
Setting foot here again makes me realize how different a few months have changed me. In this life, I met three versions of me. The first one is the Haven who shows confidence behind the things she surrounded herself with and yet she's undeniably lost. The second is the Haven who lost everything—even the things she thought could fill that emptiness inside her, pushing her deeper to the dark, bleak world where she's been wandering all her life.
And the third one is the Haven who has Allessio. He makes me feel confident, safe, and loved just by his presence alone. But more than that, he made sure that I could stand on my own so I could always find my way back to him even at moments that we were apart. He's the person who might have opened my eyes to a darker part of this life, and yet with him, somehow, I found a part of me that has been missing for the longest of time.
I looked up at the man holding me tight against him. "Why were you here that night?"
"Hmm?"
"When we first met. Why were you here? This doesn't look like a place you would frequent."
Sable might look like a high-end bar for some, but I know better than to believe that. I've worked here, and I've seen this place during the day. It's far from the idea that it's promoting. Even the food and drinks have a price hiked up far from their real quality.
He shrugged. "I needed a drink, and this is the first place we saw. With the price of everything here, I thought the service was better than the appearance of this place suggested."
My nose wrinkled at that. I don't think "better" could be used to describe anything here.
"The burger is okay. Maybe we should order that," I suggested. There was a time when Andrew bought me a meal when I looked like I was at the brink of passing out. "The chef tries his best, but there's not much he can do with what he's being provided by the management."
Allessio gave a slight nod, and he put a hand on the small of my back to guide me forward. A server who looks new approached us, and I let Allessio talk to her. t wasn't long before the woman led us to the VIP section, but before we could get there, I halted when my eyes caught sight of the bar—just as the man standing there turned to look in my direction.
I couldn't help the smile that curved my lips when Andrew's eyes widened in surprise. I only looked away from him when I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist. Glancing up, I saw a flicker of jealousy in Allessio's eyes who caught the exchange.
