CHAPTER 49: I QUIT!

Just as Taylor said that, I realized—I didn’t really have anything else to do at their table. I’m not even interested in their lives.

I was about to walk away when a hand suddenly grabbed my arm, stopping me.

"Who said I have a wife?"

Rome’s cold voice shattered the silence.

"My wife and I will be getting a divorce soon, so I’m basically single now."

He said it firmly, his eyes locking onto mine as I felt his grip on my arm tighten slightly.

I furrowed my brows at him. What did he just say?

I turned to look at his friends—who were now all whistling at the same time.

Seriously? Why did he have to say that in front of me?

Is he trying to see how I’d react?

As if! As if I actually care whether he and his wife are getting divorced!

I tried to yank my arm away from his grasp, but he only held on tighter.

What the heck?!

"Hey, Mr. Hariston, can you let go of my arm, please? I still have work to do, and I don’t have time for this." I said, then firmly pulled his hand off me—successfully this time.

"Ahem... it’s better if you just stay here, Sylvia." my boss suddenly chimed in, just as I was about to walk away.

"I mean, you seem very close to Mr. Hariston, so it’s probably better if you keep him company. Since he’s getting a divorce soon, maybe he’s feeling lonely right now."

He even gave me a pointed look as he said that.

What the heck?!

Is he seriously trying to set me up with this man?

Out of the corner of my eye, I even saw Rome smirking.

"Yes," Rome added teasingly. "I’m very lonely right now, so why don’t you stay... even just for a little while?"

I clenched my fists tightly.

Hah... this guy is seriously infuriating.

Everyone at the table seemed to be on his side, and not even one of his so-called friends had the decency to stop him from running his mouth.

Are they for real?

I let out a deep breath before shooting Rome a cold glare.

I didn’t care anymore—not if my boss or even Taylor got mad at me after this.

I was done. I wasn’t going to sit here and let this man harass me like it’s nothing.

"Mr. Hariston," I began firmly. "Why are you talking like we’re close? Are we close? Because as far as I know, we were complete strangers up until just a few weeks ago. So I don’t understand why you’re acting like this."

"I don’t care if you and your wife are getting divorced or whatever—because we’re not in a relationship. We don’t owe each other anything. So don’t involve me, and don’t bother me. I’m just here trying to do my job—an honest one."

For a split second, I saw anger flash through his eyes.

But I didn’t back down—I glared right back at him, then turned to his friends, one by one, who all began avoiding my gaze like cowards.

Tsk. These convincing, annoying friends!

How could I have ever let them near the twins?

After this, I’ll make sure not one of them gets anywhere near the kids again.

Rome raised an eyebrow. His expression grew colder, and his jaw tightened.

"Oh?" he finally said, his voice low and sharp.

"Then why are you working at a bar at night and acting all cozy with male customers there?..Is that what you call an honest job?"

At that moment, my fists curled so tightly that my nails dug into my palms.

How dare he?

"You seem pretty comfortable cozying up to every guy who comes along.." Rome said coldly, his eyes narrowing as he leaned back in his seat.

"So tell me—what makes me any different from the rest?"

"I just assumed it was fine to ask you to stay and entertain me, since you seem used to it anyway. I’ll pay you—and this bar—whatever it takes, just to keep you by my side. You wouldn’t mind that, right—"

SMACK!

A loud slap echoed across the restaurant, silencing the entire place.

Even the other customers paused, their eyes drawn toward us.

My boss and Rome’s friends froze in place, staring in shock.

I didn’t care anymore.

All I knew was that I was shaking with rage, glaring at Rome as the brief look of surprise on his face quickly faded—only to be replaced by that same irritating smirk.

He casually touched his cheek, as if nothing had happened.

"Why are you angry?" he asked mockingly.

"Did it hurt? Because it was the truth, wasn’t—"

"You!"

SMACK!...SMACK!..

"Hey—stop it, Sylvia!" Taylor and my boss jumped in, rushing to pull me back.

Damn it!

I’m still not done with that arrogant jerk!

Taylor wrapped his arms tightly around my waist, holding me back as I glared daggers at him.

I noticed the smirk on Rome’s face vanish—replaced by something darker.

He was now glaring at Taylor’s hand that was still around my waist.

"Hey, stop it, Sylvia!" my boss snapped.

"Do you want to get fired from this restaurant for causing a ruckus?"

That made me pause for a moment.

I turned to him and Taylor, both looking pale as if they couldn’t believe what I’d just done.

"You just slapped a Hariston, for Pete’s sake!" Taylor hissed.

"Say sorry to him. Now!"

His voice was sharp, almost pleading—but I only gave him a death glare in return.

Is he for real? That guy just humiliated me in front of everyone—and they still expect me to apologize?

Hah... no way.

"Why would I?" I snapped, glaring at them. "That guy deserved a slap for what he said!"

But instead of backing me up, Taylor’s grip on my arm suddenly tightened.

Damn it, Taylor—that hurts.

"Hey—you’re hurting her!" Alpheus quickly stepped forward, prying Taylor’s hand off me.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Alpheus, but that woman needs to be disciplined for disrespecting a guest. She has to learn her place. It’s not the first time she’s acted like this—she’s always been stubborn."

He shot me a pointed glance. "Besides, she’s like a little sister to me, and as her brother, I have every right to correct her."

Despite the polite smile on his face, I could tell—he was barely holding himself together.

Taylor then turned to Rome and gave a slight bow.

"My apologies, Mr. Hariston, if Sylvia offended you. Don’t worry—I’ll make sure—"

"Stop it." Rome cut him off coldly. "I don’t want to hear another word from you—or see your face."

"Huh...?" Taylor froze, stunned.

"I said, get your disgusting face out of here. You’re not even part of this conversation."

Rome then turned his icy glare to our boss.

"Can you just fire this guy already? He’s been annoying me since earlier."

Our boss visibly flinched. He looked between Taylor and me, clearly uncomfortable.

"H-haha... I’m sorry, Mr. Hariston, but I can’t do that. Taylor’s been a loyal manager here... and he’s my nephew."

He gave a weak chuckle, a nervous sheen of sweat forming on his forehead.

"He’s just doing his job. So I apologize if he offended you. And as for Sylvia—he’s only trying to discipline her—"

"You know what, Boss..." I cut in coldly. "...just stop talking."

"No need to save face or pretend anymore." I said coldly, glaring hard at Taylor and the boss.

Whatever ounce of gratitude I thought I had for them? I take it all back.

I kept telling myself over and over that I should still be thankful—for the job, for Taylor at least trying to help—but seeing how easily they bend for someone like Rome? It’s infuriating.

No one here is even trying to understand my side. Not even a little.

And I’m done playing along with it.

"I’m resigning," I said firmly, locking eyes with Taylor. "So don’t bother spouting more lies or excuses. I won’t listen."

Then I turned to Rome and his friends.

"And you...Don’t ever show your face to me again. Any of you. I hate seeing you!"

Without another word, I tore off my apron and threw it straight at Rome’s face. It landed with a satisfying slap before dropping to the floor.

Then I turned on my heel and walked away—not looking back once.