The bartender could've taken it easy with the drinks he served me, but how could he when the boss gave him specific instructions? I've never been one to blame others for what goes wrong in my life, but in this case, I just can't help it. I could've still chosen not to drink it,

but the heaviness in my heart was just too much.

While my aim was to forget all about my problems, the alcohol in my system has only made me feel worse and now staggering to the ladies' room, I dial Meryl's number, ready to give her a piece of my mind.

"Hello?" she says from the other end of the line. "Any luck?"

"You lied to me."

"I'm guessing that's a no."

"Do you even double check the phone numbers you share with me? Once again, it-"

"Wait, are you drunk?"

My eyes narrow. "Are you seriously asking me that right now?"

"Since when did you start taking alcohol? Do your parents kn-"

"They're not my parents," I cut her off, gritting my teeth. "You know what they've put me through despite raising me for years."

She sighs, disappointed. "The more I hear you speak, the more I confirm that you're drunk. If only those from Oakbrook Village could see you right now."

I lean against the wall with so much force that my back hurts a little. "Why do you keep changing the subject? None of the people I spoke to could help. You promised me that this was it."

"Look, I know you're disappointed but come on. It's only been two days and you've lost hope? You've wanted to search for them for years and now you finally had the balls to leave Oakbrook Village and want to quit?"

I sigh. "If you think I'm giving up and going back to that house, you're wrong."

"Then we'll keep trying. I'll do everything I can and keep you posted. Aileen?"

"What?" I ask.

"Don't drink too much."

I scoff, the call coming to an end.

to the ladies' room as I tell myself to have some more patience. If I want this

a while to step out. It's only when I hear a sob from the next stall that I snap out of it. I guess I'm not the only one having a bad day. To wash my hands, I

was right next to mine opens up, an elegantly dressed lady approaching the sinks with her head low. I soon recognize her as the one who's been shooting me glares. I can't help but stare at her. From head to toe, everything is just elegant. I've never worn a suit before,

on finishing up by fluffing my hair a little and fixing my jean jacket. Satisfied, I reach for

harshly says to me, rummaging through her designer purse

raise an eyebrow.

a glare through the mirror. "Do you

I'm shocked, I respond. "Definitely

repeat myself.

"I don't understand."

roughly brushes under her eyes. "I was watching you and Liam when he came over to talk to you. Be careful

you...and then look at

up with her hostility, I look away from the mirror and directly face her. "Do you have a problem with me? That's the same glare you gave me from across the

"Cousin?"

raises her voice a little

his friend.

you say that?"

you'll never be his girlfriend, not in this

jaw drops, disappointment written all over her face. It would never be my intention to hurt someone like

said that about me?"

believe me, ask him yourself." I don't care if

brush back in her purse.

her off, raising a finger. "I'm not sure what I did to you for you to speak to me this way, but I don't

know the kind of person you are? You're pretending to be this dumb girl who has no idea who Liam is and the power he and his

name is Stephanie!" Her silky hair sways from

to say and honestly, I'm wasting my time here. Have a

"Mark my words, leech-"

"It's Aileen."

know your

"Then use it."

jaw, taking a step forward and looking right into my eyes. "Whatever it is you think will come out of

don't know what

you're still playing dumb. Enough of this. I'm done with

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