Chapter 8 Do You Have A Boyfriend

• Ethan disappeared from the office, but Avery remained frozen, her mind struggling to process everything.
• She had received Ethan’s money, but instead of feeling relief, she felt a growing sense of frustration.
• Avery ran a hand through her hair in exhaustion and sank back into the couch.
• The fact that she had taken the money was humiliating. Ethan had given her $100,000 as though it was a simple transaction to dismiss her, while he had given everything else—his wealth, his attention, his life—to another woman.
• Everything Ethan had—his fortune, his heart—belonged to Emma.
• Avery felt a tightness in her chest at the thought, and she walked over to the record player. She picked a rock album at random and dropped the needle on the record.
• As the music enveloped her, Avery let herself get lost in the rhythm, tossing her hair in the air, moving with the beat.
• In that moment, she drowned out the unpleasant thoughts and let herself slip into her own world, forgetting about the tension and frustration she’d felt just moments before.
• After bidding Ethan farewell, Avery returned to her usual routine.
• Lately, she had been going back and forth between her bar and organizing band performances. She didn’t have time to dwell on the past.
• Each show was a success, and whenever Ethan took the stage, there was always a cheer from the crowd. Some even asked for her autograph or photos with her.
• People often referred to her as “the most beautiful bar owner,” and Avery had made a number of new friends along the way.
• She loved the bar scene—she loved the rock music, the colorful drinks, and meeting new people.
• With some cash on hand, Avery started planning to open a brand new bar. This time, she wanted to create something completely unique—a secret underground bar that could only be accessed by finding the hidden entrance.
• That afternoon, after finishing a call with her real estate agent, she casually checked her phone and was surprised to see a call from Philip.
• She answered, hearing his voice full of excitement.
• “Avery, I thought you’d never pick up after you missed our last meeting!”
• The last time they had planned to meet, Avery had promised to visit his private beach, but she had missed it because of her bar performances. Afterward, Philip had sent her a few messages, but Avery had been too busy to reply.
• “I’ve just been busy with performances at the bar,” she explained.
• “Well, how about coming to my beach today?”
• Avery decided she couldn’t leave Philip hanging again, so she agreed.
• At 10 a.m., Avery arrived at the private beach in her pink Porsche Panamera, right on time.
• There were guards at the entrance, ready to stop her, but a tall, muscular man in a floral shirt appeared and signaled the guards to let her pass.
• “Finally, you’re here!” Philip greeted, leaning in toward the car window.
• Avery smiled slightly, taking off her sunglasses to look at him. “Sorry I’m late.”
• Philip was a carefree, easygoing guy. Avery didn’t know much about his background, but just looking at the sprawling private beach, it was clear he was no stranger to wealth.
• After parking the car, Philip pointed to a white yacht moored on the horizon. “I bought a new yacht just for you! It’s been here for days, but today’s the first day I get to use it.”
• “Really? Thanks!” Avery said, her gaze following the gleaming white yacht as it sparkled in the sunlight against the deep blue ocean.
• “If you like it, I can get some jet skis and diving equipment. This entire area is mine. We can have all the fun we want here,” Philip continued, clearly excited about their day.
• “That sounds great. Let’s start with the yacht,” Avery replied, casually.
• Philip smiled, nodding enthusiastically. “We can go to the villa first to change.”
• Avery followed Philip’s gaze and saw a large villa nearby, surrounded by tropical plants. It looked like another one of Philip’s properties.
• She nodded, walking with him toward the villa.
• As they walked, Philip glanced at her and asked, “By the way, I’ve got a question for you…”
• He looked at her with a serious expression. “Do you have a boyfriend?”