My Aloof Sisters Asked for My Forgiveness

Chapter

187

Aaron skulked off to a corner in defeat and dejection.

If he kept pushing, he would only humiliate himself further.'

With nothing else to do, he slumped into a chair and sullenly sipped a drink.

Before long, Phoebe sidled up to him.

"What do you want? Here to rub it in? Beat it!" Aaron snapped coldly.

Phoebe's face darkened. She was clearly unimpressed by his sulking.

"Oh, don't take it out on me just because you're a loser!" she said with a sneer. "Honestly, you've spent four years chasing after Irene like a lovesick fool, and has she even once spared you a glance? You've embarrassed yourself and everyone in our circle!" She crossed her arms. Her voice dripped with disdain. "Have you forgotten who you are? You're the heir to the Burke family! What happened to your pride? Did you leave it at the bottom of your whiskey glass?" Phoebe's rant only deepened Aaron's scowl.

"If I were you, Irene would've been mine ages ago," she said with a mocking smile. "It's just a woman. How can it be so hard? All you need are some little tricks. Are you really this useless?" Aaron's eyes darkened as a dangerous glint flickered in them.

He knew there were easier ways to do this. It had simply been his pride and his insistence on playing the gentleman that had held him back. But after being publicly humiliated tonight, something inside him snapped. "What's your plan?" he asked in a low and sharp voice.

Irene and Dustin were preparing to leave the ball early, but before they could make it to the door, Aaron and Phoebe stepped into their path

exasperation. "There's nothing between

Aaron said in unusual sincerity.

to share a drink with you. One last toast. After that, I swear, I'll never bother you again." Phoebe chimed in with an apologetic smile, "Irene, we've all made mistakes, and I know I've wronged you too. Let's just have a drink, clear

at Dustin. He did

ended things for good, she did not

to Dustin. "Will

call," Dustin said with an easy smile.

Irene smiled back.

glance, where a

an upscale karaoke lounge

them to the largest and most luxurious private room available. "Let's

we all go our separate ways, so let's make it count. No one leaves sober!" She gestured for an attendant to bring in a cart laden

asked for a sentimental farewell song to be played in

She shared no real camaraderie with Aaron or Phoebe, and the

Irene a glass of wine and held it out with a forced smile. "Irene, this one's on me. Consider

of a drinker, but she accepted

turned to Dustin next and poured him a drink as well. "And for you, Dustin. Let's just say it's my way of saying thanks for keeping us