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Chapter 9 

Chapter 9 

Nancy’s heart raced as Cyrus moved closer again, ready to resist when his phone buzzed. 

Grabbing it like a lifeline, she quickly put some distance between herself and Cyrus. “Your phone’s ringing 

As Cyrus noticed Nancy’s rejection, his desire ebbed away, replaced by a bitter feeling he couldn’t quite identify With a stern expression, he answered the call. 

“What?” 

There was a brief pause before the other end burst into laughter. “Jeez, Cyrus, you sound tense. Are you and Nancy having a spat? Why don’t you come out with us? We’re all at the Old Oak waiting for you? 

It was Norton Patel’s voice on the other end. 

Norton was Cyrus‘ childhood buddy. Nancy’s lips twitched into a smile, feeling a wave of relief. 

“Not tonight.” Cyrus glanced at Nancy intentionally. “I’ve upset Nancy. She won’t want to go out with me. If she’s not going, neither am I.” 

Norton got the message loud and clear. 

“Come on, Nancy! We haven’t had a drink with Cyrus in ages. Show your face, will you?” 

“It’s just a few drinks. It won’t keep you from, you know, baby–making.” 

“Yeah, Nancy, it’s just us. Plus, Baldrick Robertson’s back in town. It’s been ages since he and Cyrus caught up.” Hearing the chorus of agreement, Cyrus turned to Nancy. 

“Nancy…” Although his voice carried a note of pity, his expression hinted otherwise, clearly indicating he was 

bound for the bar. 

Nancy stood up, her expression unreadable, and said, “Let’s go.” 

After all, Cyrus wanted to go, didn’t he? Usually, Cyrus would have hung up on Norton without a second thought. 

Half an hour later, they walked into a private room at the bar, greeted by a thick haze of cigarette smoke and the smell of alcohol. The room was all men, each flanked by young, attractive women. Only Baldrick, sitting in a corner, remained aloof, sipping his drink and keeping others at bay. 

“Cyrus, Nancy, you finally made it!” Norton exclaimed, standing up excitedly. 

Everyone else greeted them with smiles, but Cyrus was protective, standing in front of Nancy to shield her from 

the smoke. 

“Who said you could smoke in here? Snuff out those cigarettes. Don’t you know my wife hates the smell?* 

“And get rid of these girls. I don’t want them spoiling my wife’s view.” 

The mood shifted instantly at Cyrus‘ dark tone. Norton snapped his fingers, ushering the girls away. “You heard 

the man. Move!” 

Soon, the room was theirs alone, and the banter resumed. 

“Who knew the mighty Cyrus of Sunhaven would be under the thumb!” 

Norton laughed the hardest. “If being married to Cyrus means getting treated like royalty, sign me up!” 

Cyrus raised an eyebrow, a half–smile on his face as he looked at Nancy. “Don’t mind Norton. If he were a woman, he’d not be my type.” 

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Nancy barely suppressed a smirk, managing a nod in agreement. 

Norton feigned outrage, turning to Baldrick. “Am I that ugly?” 

Calm as ever, Baldrick replied, “Pretty much. If Cyrus won’t have you, neither will I 

He then stood, approaching Cyrus but quickly shifting his focus to Nancy. “Nancy, long time no see.” 

Nancy paused, giving a slight nod. “Yeah, it’s been a while.” 

Cyrus watched them, his gaze sharp but his expression neutral, as he clapped a hand on Baldrick’s shoulder. 

“Baldrick, you could have given us a heads–up you were coming.” 

“Just here to sort some things out and meet someone before I leave,” Baldrick said casually. 

Cyrus pondered for a moment. “And have you met them?” 

“Sort of,” Baldrick replied, his gaze briefly meeting Nancy’s. 

Cyrus‘ eyes narrowed. “Then make it quick and leave before trouble starts.” 

Even Norton and the others sensed the tension in the air. 

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