Chapter 3 Stranger At A Midnight Bar.

Roslyn's expression changed to a sly smile. "You know, I was thinking... there's a party tonight that I was planning to attend. Some of my rich friends are going to be there, and they're really interesting guys. They're hot, too."

Olivia raised an eyebrow, slightly intrigued. Roslyn continued, "They invited me to bring a friend, and I think you could use a night out. You might feel better, you know, taking your mind off things."

Roslyn's voice took on a persuasive tone. "Plus, there's this one guy who's really nice. I think you'd like him. He's charming, handsome... and I think he might be into you, considering the fact that I have told him alot about you.. , but um... he hasn't really given any feedback yet....

Roslyn's smile grew wider. "No, no, it's not that he's into you... yet. But I think you two would really hit it off. His name is Crowley. But, we... we somehow dubbed him 'Dolla Dolla Bill' hehe.. because he's one of the wealthiest billionaires in town. And, oh my gosh, he's incredibly handsome."

Olivia lifted an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

"Well he was once married but he got divorced". Since you're both single, I was thinking... perhaps I could introduce you to Crowley" Roselyn chuckled, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

Olivia sighed, knowing Roslyn was trying to distract her from the pain. "I know you're trying to help, Ro. But honestly, right now, I just want to get drunk and forget about everything."

Roslyn's eyes sparkled with mischief. "So, what do you say? Want to come with me and forget about Chuck for a while?"

They arrived at the bar, a grand and luxurious establishment that seemed to be a hotspot for the wealthy elite. As they stepped inside, Roselyn quickly took charge, gently cleaning up Olivia's face and trying to restore her battered confidence.

With Olivia looking slightly more composed, the two friends walked hand in hand into the crowded bar. Suddenly, a voice called out from across the room, "Roselyn! Roselyn!"

A handsome young man, Sam, hurried over to greet them, flashing a charming smile. "Wow, you look amazing tonight!" he exclaimed, his eyes locked on Roselyn.

However, Roselyn's response was lukewarm, and she seemed uninterested in Sam's advances.

"So, is he a friend?" Olivia questioned, looking to Roselyn for clarity. Roselyn smiled and said, "Yes, we know each other quite well."

Sam laughed and tried to persuade Roselyn to join him for a drink, saying, "Come on, I'm not trying to hit on your friend. Let's just grab a drink, you and me."

But Roselyn firmly shut him down, her tone firm but polite. "I've warned you before, Sam. We can't keep doing this. Just leave me alone, okay?"

Roselyn took Olivia by the hand and led her to a cozy corner of the bar where their friends were hanging out. The atmosphere was buzzing, with laughter and drinks flowing, and they greeted the two of them with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

A friend of theirs shouted, 'Roselyn, come on! Join us over here!' Roselyn gestured towards a vacant chair in the corner, showing Olivia where to settle down.

As they got into the groove, their friends handed out drinks, and the whole place felt more upbeat. Still, with all the noise and joy around her, Olivia found herself getting a bit stressed. The music was blaring, and the sheer number of people was a bit much for her.

Olivia really wanted to grab Roselyn's attention, so she shouted her name, but Roselyn was completely immersed in the party fun. The music was so loud that Olivia's voice just blended right in, and Roselyn didn't hear her at all.

Feeling overwhelmed, Olivia took a deep breath, grabbed a bottle and a glass, and quietly stepped away from the group to seek out a peaceful place where she could gather her thoughts.

Olivia settled into her new seat, lost in thought as she sipped her drink. She mechanically ordered another cup, and another, her mind preoccupied.

Just as she was taking a sip from her next cup, a smooth voice interrupted her reverie. "Hey, you look like you're trying to forget something."

Olivia turned around slowly to see who was talking to her, and her eyes widened at the sight of the striking stranger. He was dressed to the nines in a fitted suit, and his shoes gleamed like they were brand new. With those sharp cheekbones and intense eyes, he could easily be a model for a high-end fashion magazine.

The unknown man grinned and, without saying a word, dragged a chair next to Olivia. 'Seems like you're trying to block something out,' he remarked, his gaze fixed on her.

He waved over the bartender and asked for a shot.

Crowley raised his hands in a soothing motion. "Whoa there! I'm not looking to cause any trouble. Just popped by for a party, but the racket was a bit much. Seems like you weren't too keen on it either, right?"

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Since we both needed a break from the noise, why don't we just enjoy some quiet time together?"

Olivia lifted an eyebrow, her voice decisive. "Um, hello? I didn't signal that I wanted company, so I'm not sure why you're right beside me."

Crowley didn't bat an eye at Olivia's protest. He looked at the empty bottles laid out and whistled softly. "One, two, three... wow, did you really just polish off three bottles? What on earth would've happened to you?"

Olivia shot him a glare, her tone dripping with irritation. "Why do you care? It's not your concern."

Crowley laughed softly, his eyes narrowing with amusement. "Alright, that's fair. But let me take a shot in the dark. Recent breakup? Family drama? Those tend to be the reasons folks hit the bottle like this."

Despite her usual guard, Olivia's face betrays a hint of softness. The way the stranger spoke warm and gentle made her feel surprisingly calm. 'I guess maybe,' she murmured.

Crowley gave a knowing nod. "Looks like you're hitting the bottle pretty hard. How about I help you get home safe?" He waved to the bartender and requested a glass of water alongside a cup of coffee. "Here, take these. You'll thank me tomorrow!"

Olivia's voice had that raspy edge from the drinks as she turned down the stranger's suggestion. "No thanks, I'm good," she said, brushing it away.

Crowley's eyes glimmered with worry, yet he gave a nod. "It's your choice. Now, I'm curious,what's going on? Why are you downing those drinks?"

Olivia looked off into the distance, her voice soft as she said, 'You got it. It's a breakup.'

Crowley gave a sympathetic nod. "I feel for you. But hey, we all have our tough moments. You'll bounce back before you know it."

While he was talking, he casually touched Olivia's shoulder. That simple touch sent a shockwave through her, and suddenly, she felt drawn to him in a way she couldn't explain. Her heart raced, and she found herself questioning why she was feeling this intense attraction to someone she barely knew.

Olivia's gaze was glued to his face, mesmerized by his good looks and sculpted physique. It felt like her heart was on fire, tempting her to lean forward and kiss him.

"Is everything okay?" he inquired softly, his tone calm and soothing, as though he could feel the unease hanging in the air between them.

Olivia's voice was a whisper. "There's really nothing... just nothing at all."

Olivia got to her feet all of a sudden, swaying a little from the drinks. "I think I'm gonna head out now," She said , her voice steady but a bit mumbled.

Crowley quickly got up, worry written all over his face. "Do you need a hand getting home? You've definitely had your share tonight."

Olivia waved her hand nonchalantly, wanting to seem more put together than she actually was. "I'm good, really. I can handle this on my own."

Just as she moved ahead, her legs felt a bit shaky and she nearly lost her balance. Crowley quickly grabbed her elbow to help her steady herself. "Are you sure you can make it on your own?" he asked with a soft voice.

As soon as Olivia fell into his arms, Crowley quickly grabbed her and began to leave the bar. His personal assistant, Johnson, followed closely behind, receiving instructions to open the car door.

Crowley gently placed Olivia inside, sitting her down and resting her head against the seat. Benson got in on the other side, while the stranger sat down beside Olivia, his body close to hers.

Oh my goodness, my friend Roselyn is probably trying to find me... where's my phone? It's got to be in here somewhere! Just as she searched through her bag, her phone started ringing, and she reached for it sleepily...

Crowley glanced at the name, his face giving nothing away. Is that the Roselyn I know? he pondered but quickly shook off the thought. There are just too many Roselyns out there; it's probably not my friend..

Olivia picked up the phone, her words a little mumbled. "H-hello?"

Roselyn's voice rang out, sounding both loud and frantic. 'Hey girl, where the hell are you?'

Olivia massaged her temples, hoping to ease her thoughts. "I guess I'm... going home? Or maybe I won't. Honestly, it doesn't really matter to me."

Roselyn sounded a bit puzzled. "Yeah, sure... I didn't catch Crowley anywhere. Could be he just skipped out, or perhaps he left before I got there. Not really sure."

Olivia felt a bit out of it, but she did her best to stay engaged in the chat.

Roselyn said, "I had planned to introduce you two tonight, but since I didn't spot him, maybe we can connect tomorrow instead. Let's talk it over then, alright? Bye for now, love you!"

Crowley couldn't tear his eyes away from Olivia's face, his expression a total mystery.

The driver, Johnson, asked, "Where are we headed, sir?"

Crowley shot a cheeky grin at Olivia, who seemed lost in her own world. She hardly paid attention to the chat, staring blankly into nothing.

For just a moment, Crowley's grin faltered before he replied, "Come on, Johnson, let's go home."

Johnson gave a nod and started driving, skillfully steering through the streets on their way. Olivia was silent, deep in thought, while Crowley sat next to her, watching her with a mix of worry and interest.