Independence

“Have you finally come to your senses?” Zach shot to his feet. “Are you going to stop acting like you’re a man without any mortal desires?”

Despite the sarcastic remarks, Hansel remained expressionless. He didn’t even raise a brow.

“There’s no special meaning to it, and it’s not my first time doing it anyway.”

Zach clapped his hands. He was glad his friend was back to his usual self again. “Alright. I’ll arrange it for you right away. I promise it’ll be completely hassle–free.”

Zach sent him an address in less than five minutes after their call ended.

“Majestica, 1080. I’ve had my eye on this lady for quite some time. She’s still untouched. Consider it a gift from me.”

Hansel curled his lips. He took his jacket and left home. It was already late at night. Precious time was ticking away.

The next day, Zach came out of the room wearing a bathrobe.

He’d had a lot of drinks last night. It was already noon by the time he’d woken up.

Majestica was one of the businesses owned by the Graham family. The hotel had reserved this expensive suite specifically for Zach. The suite was much bigger than an average apartment with three rooms.

Zach yawned and ruffled his hair. Since he was feeling parched, he poured himself a glass of wine before heading to the living room.

As soon as he stepped into the room, Zach saw a lady’s voluptuous

Chapter

figure from the back. Several small, red marks could be seen on her exposed shoulders.

She looked at Hansel with sad, doe–like eyes. However, the latter seemed completely unaffected. He gave her money and sent her away

at once.

Hansel lifted his gaze and spotted the meaningful look in Zach’s eyes. He calmly lit a cigarette.

“I almost fell for her when I saw the longing, pitiful look in her eyes. Yet, you didn’t react to that at all. Can’t you be a bit kinder and friendlier to the ladies?”

Hansel smiled dryly. “Why should I bother about that when I’m paying her for her services?”

“You have a point.” Zach raised his glass. “You want some?”

“No.” The day had just started. Only an alcoholic person like Zach would drink at any time of the day.

The cigarette held between Hansel’s fingers burned slowly. He put the cigarette between his lips, inhaled, and slowly blew smoke rings.

A haze of cigarette smoke formed gradually. Meanwhile, Hansel had a blank expression on his face. He didn’t appear much relieved or satisfied, even after spending the night with a ravishing lady.

Zach had been staring at him thoughtfully. He leaned closer toward Hansel. “You were out for the whole night… Are you not worried that Miranda might get upset over this?”

Hansel knitted his brows. “Get upset? Why would an ex–girlfriend have the right to get upset over this?”

Clearly, Hansel and Miranda hadn’t reconciled. However…

“Don’t you have Ingrid, though? Why would you rather ask me to get you

Phantoi Dant

a girl from Majestica than just sleep with Ingrid instead?”

Ingrid had a pretty face and nice proportions. Although she couldn’t. compare to Miranda when it came to class and elegance, she

nonetheless had a young, innocent vibe about her that made her quite alluring.

Yet, Hansel just wouldn’t lay his hands on her, despite having that choice.

Hansel blew another smoke ring. “Proper ladies are troublesome.”

Zach grinned. “Why didn’t you find Miranda troublesome in the past, then? She looks just like the type of person who’ll get serious easily.”

Hansel paused briefly and said, “That’s why I’ve had to spend six years trying to break up with her.”

Zach burst out laughing upon hearing that. “Only you can say something like that with a straight face.” Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

In mid–October, Miranda received an email reply from the SCI Journal. Her paper had passed the preliminary review.

Winter was surprised when she learned the news. “Oh my god! Mimi, you’re a genius! It’s the SCI Journal! Good heavens!”

Miranda responded, “Stop. It’s just a preliminary review. It’s too soon to tell if I can make it to the end.”

“If it’s your work, I’m sure it’ll pass the next two rounds of review without much trouble. So, don’t worry. Why don’t I treat you to a nice meal to celebrate you passing the preliminary review?”