Chapter 11: Jealousy

As the project neared its conclusion, probably within a week or so, Devon hadn't visited the villa in the past few days, consumed by his work to the point of distraction.

With the project winding down, the entire team planned a reunion. I opted not to have Balley pick me up from the office; instead, I would go with my colleagues and provide him the address for pickup once the evening concluded.

The venue for the company's reunion turned out to be a bar, albeit not the one Devon had taken me to previously. This one was livelier, with dim lighting and a flashing spotlight overhead. A large booth accommodated everyone, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves with drinks.

Truth be told, I wasn't entirely sure of the extent of Devon's possessions, and places like this weren't my usual scene.

Aaron, the team leader, took a seat beside me, perhaps sensing my discomfort, and struck up a conversation. "Aria, how's the internship going?" he inquired.

I responded politely, "It's been a pleasure working with all of you, and I've learned a lot. Thank you."

Aaron glanced at my glass and remarked, "Why are you still drinking orange juice?"

Turning to the waiter, I ordered a Long Island Iced Tea and hastily added, "I don't drink."

He chuckled and said, "It's all about going from no to yes. Besides, it's tea, not wine."

Internally, I fretted over what to tell Devon about my evening when I returned. The thought of the potential repercussions of getting drunk weighed heavily on my mind.

While I had yet to witness Devon lose his temper with me, observing his interactions with Carter instilled a fear of crossing him.

Lost in my thoughts, I found myself staring at the glass of wine before me, contemplating my next move, when suddenly, a familiar figure caught my eye at the adjacent card table.

It was Devon.

Seated beside him was a woman.

As I met Devon's gaze amidst the flickering lights of the bar, it was difficult to discern his expression, but it certainly didn't seem pleasant. There was a hint of intensity, perhaps even anger, in his eyes.

However, in the next moment, he diverted his attention away from me, merely giving me a passing glance before immersing himself in conversation with the others around him.

The woman seated beside him whispered into his ear intermittently, prompting bouts of laughter between them. They seemed to be sharing an intimate camaraderie, punctuated by occasional pecks on Devon's cheek.

Meanwhile, Aaron's gaze lingered on something, and he called out to me. I turned to him and offered a polite excuse, "Sorry Aaron, I can't drink. My family won't allow it."

He nodded understandingly and didn't press further, while the rest of the group continued to enjoy themselves, leaving me feeling conspicuously out of place.

It's challenging to relax when you feel like you're under the scrutiny of some malevolent deity. With the evening winding down, I arranged for Balley to pick me up, declining Aaron's offer of a ride home.

As I prepared to depart, I noticed the neighboring table dispersing and made my way to my car, only to find Devon seated inside.

Upon entering the car, his voice cut through the silence, cold and distant, "Drive." It was evident that he had indulged in quite a few drinks, his speech slightly slurred. None of us exchanged a word during the journey.

Upon reaching home, Devon inadvertently allowed Balley in as well.

I finished changing my shoes, preparing to head upstairs, expecting Devon to address Balley about something.

Suddenly, a loud slap reverberated from behind me. I spun around to see Balley on the ground, one hand shielding her face as she apologized, "Devon, I'm sorry! I'm sorry."

Confusion clouded my mind, but a nagging intuition hinted that this incident somehow involved me, given that Balley's primary responsibility now seemed to revolve around picking me up and dropping me off.

Devon's voice sliced through the tension, accusing, "Aria went to the bar, why didn't I know?"

Rushing to Balley's defense, I interposed myself between them, explaining, "Balley wasn't aware. I was walking with colleagues to a reunion, and I only provided the address for pickup upon reaching there."

Ignoring my explanation, Devon persisted with Balley, "I tasked you with driving Aria, not merely chauffeuring her, yet she went drinking without my knowledge."

I tugged at Devon's arm, asserting, "Devon, I haven't been drinking, and I didn't anticipate attending this reunion. It was with coworkers, so I didn't deem it significant."

Finally acknowledging my presence, Devon leveled his gaze at me, questioning, "Didn't I advise you against going to the bar alone?"

"I was with a coworker," I countered.

"No coworker either," he asserted firmly.

Turning to Balley, I instructed, "Balley, you can go home." Sensing Devon's unyielding stance, Balley retreated.

I realized Devon's reprimand wasn't truly aimed at Balley. If directed solely at me, I might have brushed it off. Understanding the futility of challenging him, I opted for acquiescence.

Observing his inebriation, I fetched a glass of lemonade, silently retreating to my room. He appeared monstrous in his current state; it was wise to avoid provocation.

As I slipped into the room and took a shower, my heart still raced. Initially, I had hoped our time together would reveal a gentler side of him. Now, I recognized my naivety.

As I lay on my bed, lost in thought, the door to my room swung open abruptly, jolting me out of my reverie.