IN LOVE WITH A SOLDIER, VOLUME 2 - Season 10 Episode 2

One year later…

The bar was especially boisterous and noisy at night. With loud music and flickering lights, it was really a perfect place for young people to release pressure, let loose their anger and even make new friends. Here, everyone seemed to let go of their inhibitions and show their true colours without fear of being judged by other people.

But the VIP private room on the third floor of the bar was exceptionally dull and quiet. Three young men leaned back on the couch and smoked cigarette after cigarette. They looked bored and were awaiting someone. The three were Mike, Greg and Tim. Suddenly Tim put on his coat to cover himself and complained, “I will fall asleep if he delays further.”

“Why does he always disappoint us at the last moment? We are here, in his territory, but there is no sign of him. I really have no idea what he is doing.” Mike joined him and began to grumble also.

“I heard from Lily that he hasn’t been home for a long time.” Greg nodded his head to show his agreement.

“Greg, do you know that he is no longer living in Chu villa. He is where Aria is! He really is not the same Lawrence I have known since my childhood.” Mike added.
“Oh, really? Why the place where I live is home for my Alice. While for Lawrence, things are different. His girlfriend’s home is his home, isn’t it weird?” Tim jumped into the conversation. He didn’t feel like sleeping any more and was very interested in the gossip about Lawrence.

“Alice is not Aria. Aria is a successful sales manager and Lawrence will throw himself at her feet to please her. Haha, I think Lawrence acts cool only in front of us. With Aria, he is her willing slave,” Mike lightly said.

At that moment, Lawrence pushed the door open and walked in.

Wearing a new suit, he looked tall and handsome. His arrival recharged everyone and their spirits lifted.

“Thank God! Finally the big man has decided to grace us with his presence!” Mike quipped jokingly.

Ignoring him, Lawrence went straight to the couch and threw a cushion at him.

Mike deftly caught the pillow and held it to his chest. With grief stricken eyes, he looked at Lawrence and said in a flirtatious tone, “Don’t be so harsh with me, sir! I am saddened that you treat me so rudely.”

“Ugh! Stop acting the fool! It is giving me the creeps!” Lawrence said with some irritation. He lifted the glass of wine in front of him and drained it in one gulp.

“What happened, Lawrence? Not in good mood?” Seeing the frown on Lawrence’s face, Greg guessed something was up and he could tell that lawrence was not his usual easy going self.

“Oh, really?” Mike and Tim also became serious and watched Lawrence with concern. Greg’s words drew their attention to the fact that all was not well with Lawrence.

“Lawrence, has anything happened? Why the long face? This is not how you usually are,” Tim questioned.

“All of you must attend the charity party in the city at eight o’clock tomorrow evening!” Lawrence ordered sternly.

Confused, Greg and Tim looked at each other. They stole a glance at Mike, trying to read his face, but they failed. It seemed that all three of them were puzzled and had no clue of why Lawrence was behaving weirdly.

“We know and we have agreed that we shall all go attend it, haven’t we?” Mike retorted. This was a fun event and he did not understand why Lawrence was agitated about it.

“Everyone must take a female partner!” Lawrence pointed out the key issue.

Lawrence’s expression made the other three bite their lips to keep their laughter from exploding. They looked at each other in amusement. They had not expected that such a powerful and haughty guy would worry about this.

Suddenly, Greg swallowed his laugh as a thought struck him. “I think Aria has refused your invitation to be your partner, am I right?” he asked.

They couldn’t control themselves anymore and laughed till their stomachs hurt and tears ran out of their eyes.

“Haha, I didn’t expect you to be so upset about such a silly thing.” Mike teased. Lawrence still sulked and sat without uttering a word. He then tossed his glass back in a gulp again.

“Just take it easy. If Aria has refused, you can ask your assistant, Ivy,” Tim advised Lawrence.

“Tim is right! You can take anyone as your partner as long as she is female. It doesn’t have to be your wife, lover or girlfriend only. If that were so, what would I do? I have no girlfriend! Does it mean I can’t go? Greg is also single at the moment. Violet is not here!” Mike reasoned.

Tim hastily jumped in, “Oh my dear Lawrence! Take our advice! If Aria is unwilling to go, just ask Ivy. The requirement is of a female partner so don’t overthink it! It is totally fine!”

“You shut up, Tim! Will you take your assistant and not Alice with you?” Greg sneered.

“Greg, you brat…” Tim gagged in anger. ‘Greg always runs me down,’ Tim thought in irritation.

“Fine, fine, let us move on. Lawrence, remember it is just a charity event. Bring any female partner and bring enough money. That will do. Don’t take it so seriously. Come on, let us all chill!” Mike mediated and the four started to drink to their hearts’ content.

It was not until 1 o’clock in the morning that the four walked out of the bar. Four sports cars were parked at the gate waiting to pick them up.

“Bye for now, I have to go home or my father will kill me,” Mike waved a goodbye to his friends and got into his car. His driver started the car and they soon drove away.

“I am also leaving. Bye!” Tim waved goodbye and zoomed away.

As they watched Tim drive away, Greg questioned Lawrence, “Lawrence, have you informed your parents about your relationship with Aria?”

“Not yet,” replied Lawrence. His eyes were worried. “I don’t know how to break this news to them.”

“I suggest that you tell them at the earliest opportunity you get. If they find it out for themselves, things will not go well for you,” suggested Greg. He was concerned about Lawrence.